What are they?
Canker sores are shallow ulcers inside the mouth usually on the soft parts—the cheeks, lips, and under the tongue. They are usually white or yellow with a circle of red tissue around them. Canker sores are not fever blisters which are caused by the Herpes 1 virus.
Younger people and especially women tend to get them. No one knows what causes them but we know a few things that tend to bring on an outbreak, things like stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and menstrual periods.
How can I treat them?
Mild canker sores usually go away in 7-10 days without any treatment. For mild pain, ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) is often recommended. Over the counter medicines like Anbesol, Orajel, or similar oral painkillers can give some local pain relief. These ointments should be applied to a dry ulcer so dab the area with a tissue and 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 so before spitting it out.
Other home remedies
Some home remedies that have been suggested include:
- Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza) slows the growth of canker sores if you use it early.
- Gargling salt water can reduce the pain.
- Apply a little Milk of Magnesia or a mixture of baking soda and water using a swab
Avoid Irritating Substances and Foods.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent found in most toothpastes and is known to bring out canker sores in people with a history of the ulcers. Spicy foods may be a trigger. Each person should notice what seems to bring on the sores for them.
When should I call the doctor?
If the ulcers are larger than 10mm (3/8 in) or last longer than 2 weeks it would be good to have a physician look at them. Cancer in 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 you have trouble eating or drinking, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.
Prevention
- Avoid irritating or injuring the mouth, be careful with dental braces
- Use a mouthwash
- Avoid toothpastes with sodium lauryl sulfate.
