Fix Canker Sores

Also known as aphthous ulcers, canker sores are small lesions that can form on the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. Canker sores do not form on the surface of the lips land unlike cold sores, are not contagious. However, they can be painful and may make talking and eating difficult.

Within a week or two, most canker sores will clear up on their own. Should the canker sores be unusually large or painful or do not clear up, consult a doctor or dentist for treatment options.

Diagnosing Canker Sores

Because a doctor or dentist can identify canker sores with a visual exam, tests are not needed to diagnose the condition. Canker sores generally present as round or oval lesions with yellow centers and red borders. The doctor may also ask about any symptoms which could include a burning or tingling sensation that appears 1-2 days before sores appeared.

Treatment Options

Because most canker sores clear up on their own, treatment is often not necessary. Should the sores persist, grow in size, or be painful, treatment options may include:

Steroidal Mouth Rinses: When multiple canker sores are present, the doctor could prescribe a steroidal mouth rinse (dexamethasone) to reduce inflammation and pain. Rinses containing lidocaine could also be recommended to combat pain.

Topical Products: Prescription and over-the-counter products (creams, liquids, gels, or pastes) can be applied to the canker sores to reduce pain and expedite healing. These products are most effective when applied as soon as individual canker sores appear. Additional active ingredients in topical products include:

  • Benzocaine (Anbesol, Orabase, Kank-A)
  • Fluocinonide (Vanos, Lidex)
  • Hydrogen peroxide (Orajel Antiseptic, Peroxyl)

Oral Medications: If canker sores are severe and unresponsive to other treatments, oral medications can be used. These could include:

  • Medicines not intended to treat canker sores specifically. Sucralfate (Carafate), which is an intestinal ulcer treatment, can be used as a coating agent. Colchicine, typically used to treat gout, is another medication that could help combat canker sores.
  • If canker sores are severe and do not respond to other treatments, oral steroidal medication could be prescribed. Given their potential for harmful side effects, steroids are often the last resort.

Cautery of Sores: Removes canker sores by searing, burning, or destroying the tissue using a chemical substance or an instrument.

  • A topical solution designed to treat gum problems and canker sores, debacterol can be used to chemically cauterize the sores and could help speed up recovery time by a week.
  • Not known for speeding heeling but for its pain relieving properties, silver nitrate is another chemical cautery option for canker sore treatment.

Nutritional Supplements: If canker sores are related to a vitamin or nutrient deficiency, the doctor may prescribe nutritional supplements such as zinc, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, or folate (folic acid).

Prevention

While canker sores often recur, patients may be able to reduce the frequency of outbreaks by:

  • Avoiding foods that irritate the mouth or that the patient is allergic to
  • Eat a balanced diet of nutritious foods
  • Practice good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly
  • Reduce stress if sores are stress related

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