Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth. There's no cure or known cause, but over-the-counter medicines and home remedies can treat the discomfort.
What are Canker Sores?
Aphthous ulcers, or Canker sores, are shallow ulcers inside the mouth usually on the soft mucous membranes—the cheeks, lips, and under the tongue. The center is usually white or yellow with an area of inflamed tissue surrounding the sore. They are not fever blisters; those are caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 1.
For some unknown reason, younger people and women are more likely to get them. No one knows what causes them but we know a few things that tend to trigger an outbreak: things like stress, injuries to the mouth, poor nutrition, food allergies and menstrual periods.
What’s the treatment?
If the canker sores are small they usually go away in 7-10 days without any treatment. Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended for mild pain. Over the counter ointments like Anbesol, Orajel, or similar oral painkillers can give some local pain relief. These products should be applied to a dry ulcer so dab the area with a tissue before applying then avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes to give the medicine time to work. Some people find that the pain is reduced if they mix equal amounts of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid and swish a teaspoon of the mixture in their mouth for a minute or two before spitting it out.
Home remedies to try
Some home remedies that have been suggested include:
- If used early, Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) slows the growth of canker sores.
- Gargling salt water can reduce the pain.
- A little Milk of Magnesia or a mixture of baking soda and water can be applied using a swab
Irritating Substances and Foods Can Slow the Healing
A foaming agent found in most toothpastes, sodium lauryl sulfate is known to trigger canker sores in people with a history of the ulcers. Spicy foods or rough-textured foods may be a trigger. Anyone who suffers from periodic episodes of canker sores should notice what seems to be their personal trigger.
When to see a doctor
If the patient has larger ulcers that are more than 10mm (3/8 in) or if the ulcers last longer than 2 weeks, it would be good to have a physician look at them. Cancer of the mouth can look like a canker sore so it’s best to get a diagnosis. Certainly if there is a fever or if they are so sore that there is trouble eating or drinking, it’s time to make an appointment to see the doctor.
Prevention
- Avoid irritating or injuring the mouth,
- Be careful not to scrape the cheeks and lips with dental braces
- Use a mouthwash
- Avoid toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate.
