<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I had great responses to my query about aphthous ulcers in the mouth (also known as canker sores). Here is a summary: 21 = Total responses 8 = # respondents who had frequent ulcers before going gluten-free and now rarely if ever get them 3 = # respondants who still had same frequency/severity of occurences even after going gf 5 = # respondants who get ulcers after ingesting gluten (2 said within 1-2 hrs, 2 said within 1-2 days, 1 did not specify timeframe) Causes mentioned: ============ unknown stress tooth problem sulfa drugs NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Vioxx, Feldene, etc.). toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate (NOTE: almost all do - check label) chocolate corn pops monthly hormonal fluctuation nuts (esp walnuts/filberts) acidic fruits esp citrus Treatment Suggestions ================ zinc supplements Zilactin Aphthosol L-Lysine 500mg 1x/day Acyclovir (known as Zovirax) prednisone for up to three days myrrh gum tincture diluted in water warm salt water gargles sea salt packed against sore until pain (intense) stops antibiotics Magic Mouthwash (made by a pharmacist by Rx: a mixture of liquid antacid, liquid Benedryl, and viscous lidocaine) Acyclovir/Lidocaine puffer chewable antacid tablets ice aspergum cold alka seltzer swished for a bit then swallowed ultrasound toothbrush held against spot References ========== http://www.gluten-free.org/hoggan/canker.txt Mouth Ulcer threads from sci.med.dentistry (dentistry newsgroup): http:[log in to unmask] http:[log in to unmask] http:[log in to unmask] (NOTE if the above links are not "clickable" in your email program, just cut and paste into your browser)