Fix Canker Sores

A canker sore can be very irritating and painful but fortunately, there are a number of treatments available! While a canker sore can be diagnosed by a simple exam from your dentist, chronic canker sores can be a symptom of another medical issue so your dentist may have you see your primary care physician to make sure there are no underlying medical issues.

What treatments are available for canker sores?

  • Minor canker sores do not usually require any specific treatment but tend to go away on their own within a week or two. However, ongoing or unusually painful canker sores will need medical treatment. Some treatment options may include:
  • Mouthwash: If you have multiple canker sores or extremely painful canker sores, your dentist may prescribe a mouthwash containing dexamethasone, a steroid to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Topical oral products: There are a number of topical products available over – the – counter and even prescription products such as toothpaste, creams, or liquid that can help relieve pain and shorten healing time. These products will contain active ingredients let me include Benzocaine (Anbesol, Kank-A, Orabase, Zilactin-B), Fluocinonide (Lidex, Vanos), Hydrogen peroxide (Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse, Peroxyl). There are other topical products available that do not contain any active ingredients, your doctor can help you decide which type may work best for you.
  • Oral medications: If you have a canker sore that is particularly severe and does not respond to mouthwash or topical treatments, your dentist may decide to treat them with an oral medication. There are medications that are not specifically for canker sores but can treat canker sores just the same. As a last resort, oral steroid may be prescribed as well but this is not the preferred method of treatment because of side effects.
  • Cauterizing the sore: Your dentist can use either an instrument or a chemical to sear or destroy the affected tissue. Silver nitrate and debacterol are two chemical cautery solutions available.
  • Nutritional supplements: If your body is low in folic acid, vitamin B6 or B12, or zinc, you may benefit from adding a supplement to help heal canker sores.

Can I heal my canker sores at home?

There are a few measures you can take on your own to help speed the healing process and relieve your pain. Some options you might try include:

  • Rinse your mouth with either warm salt water or a warm baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water).
  • Dab a small amount of milk-of-magnesia on your canker sore a few times throughout the day
  • Avoid crunchy, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain
  • Let ice chips to slowly dissolve over the sores to soothe the area

Prepare for your an appointment with your dentist by taking note of when you first notice the canker sore and what measures you have taken on your own to help

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