When it comes to canker sore treatment, an accurate diagnosis by a trained healthcare professional is required before treatment is started. This is just to be sure that what you are treating is actually canker sore, since several other oral conditions may mimic canker sores at their earliest stage. Well, canker sores (aphthous ulcers) can be caused by a variety of issues. Other health problems such as cold sores, infections and oral cancer can actually look like canker sores within their early stages.
However, canker sores, also known as oral health lesions, are small, painful ulcers that usually develop on the inside of lips, side of the tongue, inside the linings of the cheeks and on the gums, or throat. When you look at these sores, they appear white or yellow in the center, surrounded by a ring of red and inflamed tissues. Generally, canker sores are known for causing irritation and a burning or tingling sensation inside the mouth followed by painful, sensitive sores. Minor cankers which measure from 3 to 10 millimeter last for about 10 to 14 days and heal without scarring.
Herpetiform sores on the other hand, is a type of canker sores that is characterized by large groups of multiple sores. Herpetiform sores can measure up to 2 – 3 millimeters and may be as many as 100 sores cluttering together at the same spot. A general rule by health care professionals is that any sores or mouth ulcers that persists for more than 10 to 14 days should be evaluated by a health professional and biopsied if necessary.
What causes canker sores?
There are numerous factors that can contribute to canker sores, including injuries to mouth tissues from biting your tongue, lip, or cheek, as well as injuries from braces, dentures, and other sharp objects. Burning your mouth frequently while consuming hot foods or beverages can also cause canker sores. Additionally, canker sores may be caused by vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, emotional stress, weakened immune system, and food allergies.
Well, in my previous article, I gave a full list of the common possible causes of canker sores. You can read the post here – 10 serious causes of canker sores.
How to diagnose canker sores
Blood tests and other similar medical tests are not always necessary when diagnosing canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers. Your doctor or dentist can easily identify them with a physical examination. Although, in some cases, there may be a need to research other health problems, especially if your canker sores are severe and ongoing. People with frequent canker sores are usually tested for possible underlying medical conditions that may cause them.
Biopsy is usually recommended when testing oral sores and ulcers. Remember, canker sores show similar symptoms with other severe oral problems. During biopsy, the doctor will have to take some tissues from your sores. These tissues are then sent to the lab where it’s being tested to identify the actual underlying cause of the problem.
Canker sore treatment
Minor canker sores do not necessarily need treatment since they tend to clear on their own in a week or two. However, large, persistent, and painful sores are the types that require help and cause discomfort. Major and herpetiform canker sores are usually severe and often more widespread, causing more pain and interfering with the patient’s ability to eat and speak. Luckily, there are available treatment options to help get rid of severe, persistent canker sores. Canker sore treatment options include.
1. Mouthwash
If your sores are several and causes lots of discomforts. Your doctor or dentist may prescribe suitable mouthwash to reduce the pain and Inflammation if there is any too. Diphenhydramine is a great mouth rinse that has a powerful topical anesthetic effects, when applied directly on the tissue of the mouth and the canker sores. Anti-inflammatory steroid and tetracycline antibiotic mouth rinses are also prescribed to help relieve the pain and promote healing of canker sores. However, tetracycline should not be given to pregnant women or children under the age of 16 years.
2. Topical medications
There are numerous topical gels that can help relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and prevent infection when applied directly on the canker sores. These gels are easy to use and provide effective relief.
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Topical pain medication gels. These includes topical pain medications such as benzocaine (Orajel, Orabase) and lidocaine (an anesthetic). They generally applied directly on the canker sore to relieve pain or discomfort. This medications cover the sores, providing pain relief effects as well as protecting the sore to heals.
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Topical anti-inflammatory medications. These special steroid medications which includes triamcinolone acetonide or fluocinonide are used topically to decrease inflammation from canker sores. (1)
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Topical antibiotics. These medications may be prescribed if your canker sores are becoming infected with bacteria. When the sores gets infected, you are more likely to experience redness, pus discharge, bad breath or even fever as a result of the infection.
3. Oral medications
Oral medications can help relieve discomfort from severe or unresponsive canker sores. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve) can be used. However, these oral medications may have serious side effects and are typically a last resort.
4. Zinc Supplements
People that have zinc deficiencies tend to suffer from canker sores on a regular basis. According to studies, consistent taking of zinc supplements has been shown to reduce canker sores by between 50 to 100 percent. High-quality zinc lozenge has been proven to be very effective when it comes to healing your canker sores. Zinc lozenges helps to promote faster healing and also help to prevent recurrence of canker sores.
5. Vitamin B-12 supplements
The deficiencies of certain nutrients in the body such as folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, iron or zinc can lead to persistent and reoccurring canker sores. Your doctor may prescribe a nutritional supplement if you consume low amounts of important nutrients, such as folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 or zinc. A study reported that consistent taking of vitamin B-12 supplement, reduced the amount of pain from the canker sores, the number of outbreaks, and the number of ulcers experienced in a month. (2)
Home remedies for canker sores
Salt water rinse
Salt water is a natural mouthwash that can be used to promote healing of inflamed or damaged oral tissue, including canker sores. The water contains powerful anti-inflammatory, healing, and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce the pain associated with severe canker sores, promote faster healing, and prevent infection. To use, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a half cup of warm water. Swish the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit out and rinse your mouth with clean water.
Baking soda mouthwash
Baking soda is an alkaline in nature. It helps to reduce the pain by maintaining a healthy pH level in your mouth. It neutralizes those acids in your mouth that irritates your canker sores. Also, baking soda has an antiseptic properties, it kills the bacteria in your mouth, helping your canker sore to heal even more faster. Prepare a solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a half cup of warm water. Swish the mixture around your mouth and wash it off with clean water after.
Avoid certain foods
Patients who experience frequent canker sores can get help by avoiding spicy, salty, or acidic food that can irritate their sores. Hot drinks and rough-edged foods can also hinder healing. Additionally, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and foaming-agent-free toothpaste like Biotene or Sensodyne ProNamel can help until the sores heal.
Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia is an effective home remedy to help fight oral problems, including canker sores. To apply the milk, you can dab milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sore with a cotton swab. To increase effectiveness, mix your milk of magnesia with Benadryl liquid and use the mixture as a mouth rinse every day until the sores go away.
Read here to learn more. See – 8 remedies for treating canker sores at home yourself.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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