Canker sores can become quite irritating for many people and it may seem like no matter what you do they aren't going to go away. Brushing your gums fiercely can cause them to bleed and canker sores will develop. They can also develop if you bite your cheeks. Many people develop canker sores as a reaction to the foods they eat.

To help you with your problem of cold sores and canker sores, here are some simple tips to try:

Canker sores - The downside to canker sores is that often return, no matter what you do to try and prevent them or treat them. The frustration researchers have with canker sores is that there is not a specific link to find out what is causing them. Some researchers have found a small connection with the immune system, but they aren't sure if it's a virus or some type of bacteria that causes them.

There have been some effective treatments against canker sores. One of them is to reduce the amount of stress in your life. Stress causes the immune system to become vulnerable and infections can easily develop. Intestinal problems can also cause canker sores. Eating foods like peanuts can often cause canker sores for many people as an allergic reaction to the nuts.

Over the counter remedies include swishing your mouth daily with Listerine. Listerine helps the canker sores to heal quicker. Trace mineral drops also work to heal painful canker sores. Drop a small amount on the canker sore, it will burn and sting for a few minutes, but the canker sore is normally gone in a few days compared to a few weeks like most canker sores. Topical anesthetics can be used to treat canker sores and reduce the pain they cause. Numbing agents like Oragel can help to take away the intensity of pain you may be feeling.

Finally, stay away from the foods that cause canker sores to get worse. If you notice spicy foods or nuts cause canker sores, don't eat them. Hot foods like coffee can irritate the canker sore so it's best to avoid them until it has healed.

Cold sores - Like canker sores, cold sores can become pretty painful. Cold sores are caused by the Herpes simplex virus and they are contagious. Usually they develop on the lips, under the nose and around the chin. If someone has a cold sore, try to avoid physical interaction with them as you can easily get a cold sore. Almost everyone has had the Herpes simplex virus appear one way or another and cold sores are the most common way they appear. The herpes simplex will stay in the body and it can cause occasional outbursts of cold sores. Unfortunately there is not a cure for the herpes simplex virus, only treatment methods.

Over exposure to sun can cause cold sores. A sunburn usually causes them to occur as well. Some people find that high levels of stress or emotional outburst can cause cold sores to erupt. If you have recently had a fever, cold sores often follow suit. Most cold sores heal within about 7 days naturally. Use chapstick and Blistex and other over-the-counter topical anesthetics to treat the cold sores. If you keep getting them all the time, ask your doctor about prescribing an antiviral drug that will reduce the number of outbreaks you have.