From the Guidelines
Fried foods are not directly linked to causing mouth ulcers, but their high fat and potential irritant content may exacerbate existing conditions or contribute to the development of mouth ulcers in susceptible individuals. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are typically caused by minor injuries to the mouth, stress, certain foods (particularly acidic or spicy foods), hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies. While some individuals may notice that consuming fried foods coincides with mouth ulcer development, this is more likely due to the irritation from hot temperatures, sharp edges of crispy foods, or potential allergic reactions to ingredients rather than the frying process itself 1.
Key Considerations
- The relationship between diet and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been studied, with recommendations suggesting a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, rich in n-3 fatty acids, and low in n-6 fatty acids to decrease the risk of developing IBD 1.
- High intake of dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables has been associated with a reduced risk of IBD, particularly Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) 1.
- Fried foods, being high in fats, especially n-6 fatty acids, might not be beneficial for individuals at risk of IBD or those experiencing mouth ulcers, as they could potentially irritate the mucosa or contribute to an imbalance in fatty acid intake.
Management and Prevention
- If you experience recurring mouth ulcers, it may help to avoid very hot foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and foods with sharp edges.
- Over-the-counter treatments like benzocaine gels (such as Orajel), antimicrobial mouthwashes, or corticosteroid ointments can help manage pain and speed healing.
- Most mouth ulcers heal within 1-2 weeks without treatment. If you have persistent or severe mouth ulcers that don't respond to self-care, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider as they could indicate an underlying health condition.
From the Research
Fried Food and Mouth Ulcers
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that fried food causes mouth ulcers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, some studies suggest that certain foods, including spicy or allergenic foods, may trigger or exacerbate mouth ulcers in some individuals 3, 6.
- A study on recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) found that food allergy may be a cause of RAS, and that avoiding allergenic foods may help in managing the condition 3.
- Another study found that vitamin B has a high clinical value in treating patients with mouth ulcers, but it does not provide information on the role of fried food in causing mouth ulcers 4.
- Studies on the health effects of fried food consumption have focused on its association with cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal-tract cancers, but not specifically on mouth ulcers 5, 6.