Chronic stomatitis, now relieved with treatment

hello.

Canker sores were like uninvited guests, arriving without warning. When I'd wake up in the morning with a sore mouth, I'd think, "Oh, here we go again," and feel depressed all day. Even just taking a bite of food was painful, and canker sores were debilitating, lowering my quality of life. Eating hot or salty foods in particular would bring me to tears, making it incredibly frustrating. Even when I went out for a delicious meal with friends, I couldn't fully enjoy it, which was truly frustrating.

At first, I often just ignored it, thinking it would get better with time. I thought it would clear up on its own after a week or so. But as it became chronic, I realized it wasn't just inflammation; it needed proper treatment. Seeing canker sores recurring two or three times a month, I realized something wasn't normal.

I tried over-the-counter ointments and patches, and even mouthwash consistently, but while they provided temporary relief, they didn't prevent recurrence. While the ointment might temporarily ease the pain, it would quickly return. Patches were difficult to apply and kept falling off, which was inconvenient. Mouthwash was a hassle to use every time, and the taste wasn't great, making it difficult to stick with.

I was always stressed out because of the mouth ulcers that would inevitably come on, especially when I was tired. After working overtime, I'd always get them a few days later. It was the same during exam periods or important projects. I figured it was because fatigue and stress lowered my immune system, but I didn't know what to do about it.

I tried taking nutritional supplements and getting more sleep, but I struggled to find a definitive solution. I tried multivitamins, but nothing really changed, and trying to go to bed early was difficult due to work and my schedule. I tried various home remedies I found online, but I struggled to see any significant results. I tried applying honey and gargling with salt water, but nothing helped.

Then I decided to seek professional help. I couldn't suffer alone any longer, so I went to the hospital. The doctor emphasized that stress management and boosting the immune system were crucial for treating canker sores. His advice about addressing the root cause, not simply treating the symptoms, really resonated with me.

Since then, I've been paying close attention to my diet and consistently consuming foods rich in vitamins B and C. These two vitamins are said to help prevent and treat canker sores. I tried to eat plenty of green vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and I also frequently ate fruits rich in vitamin C, like oranges and kiwi. I also ate brown rice and frequently snacked on nuts.

Of course, keeping my mouth clean was also an important part of the treatment. I brushed my teeth more thoroughly and started using a tongue scraper. I also developed the habit of rinsing my mouth with water after every meal. I tried to avoid spicy foods as much as possible and was more careful when eating spicy or salty foods.

I consistently took nutritional supplements and tried to get enough sleep, and I definitely noticed a decrease in the frequency of canker sores. I bought separate vitamin B complex and vitamin C supplements and took them daily, and they really helped. I also tried to get at least seven hours of sleep. Going to bed early wasn't easy, but I knew it was necessary for my health.

Stress management was also really important. I wanted to learn something like yoga or meditation, but I didn't have time, so instead, I tried to take frequent walks. Even a brisk walk during lunch made me feel better. When work-related stress built up, I tried to relieve it by chatting with friends or listening to my favorite music.

Drinking plenty of water also helped. I heard that dry mouth can easily lead to canker sores, so I tried to drink at least two liters of water a day. At first, it was uncomfortable because I had to go to the bathroom so often, but it eventually became a habit. Because my mouth was kept moist, I definitely felt like I was getting fewer canker sores.

Now, I can take immediate action if I feel a slight tingle in my mouth. By not missing the early symptoms and responding immediately, I can catch them before they get worse. As soon as my mouth starts to sting, I take more vitamins, go to bed early, and avoid spicy foods.

Thanks to this, I have spent a lot less time suffering from painful mouth ulcers ><