(HealthDayNews) -- Being tired and stressed out could lead to a pain in the mouth, the American Dental Association (ADA) says.
No one's sure exactly what causes canker sores -- those small, painful ulcers that appear on the gums and elsewhere inside your mouth. Some experts think that immune system problems may be involved, the ADA says.
Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase your risk of a canker sore, as can biting the cheek or tongue.
While canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or two, over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouth rinses can offer some relief. While you have canker sores, you should stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate them.
