Canker sores are non-contagious ulcers that form on the soft tissues of the mouth, such as on the lips or the gums. Depending on the size of the sore, they may interfere with speaking or eating. It may also be painful or feel uncomfortable. This is why most patients look for ways for it to go away fast.
However, though quite a bother, canker sores do not pose a significant risk to oral health. They also do not cause lasting damage. Minor canker sores usually heal on their own in about a week or two. But, if you have large or recurring ones, you may need some help to relieve you of pain or discomfort.
Read along to learn about some at-home remedies and over-the-counter medical care that can help speed up the healing process of canker sores.
What causes canker sores?
Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers. Stress and trauma are the most common causes. Aside from these, other triggers include:
- Acidic foods and drinks
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies – such as B12, Zinc, Iron, and Folic Acid deficiency
- Dental appliances – braces, dentures, habit-breaking appliances
Mouth ulcers may also be caused by medical conditions such as AIDS, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
How to get rid of canker sores quickly?
Quick remedies for mouth ulcers may include at-home products that you can easily find in your medicine cabinet or pantry. There are also over-the-counter treatments with ingredients that can help relieve the pain from the sores.
But, if these do not work or you have a large-sized canker sore, it may be better to have it checked by your dentist so they can recommend stronger prescription medication for a more targeted treatment.
DIY mouth rinse
Pantry ingredients such as salt and baking soda are great for neutralizing the pH balance of the mouth. They also dry out the canker sore and speed up healing.
Dissolve a teaspoon of salt or baking soda in ½ cup warm water. Swish the solution in the mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out. Use as often as needed until the sore completely dries.
Milk of magnesia
Magnesium hydroxide is the active ingredient of milk of magnesia. This helps restore the pH balance in the mouth to prevent and treat canker sores. It also helps with inflammation to reduce irritation and pain.
To use, directly apply a small amount of milk of magnesia on the sore. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat up to three times daily until the sore dissolves.
Ice
Applying ice is a quick and easy way to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Wrap a cube of ice with a towel and apply it on and off the sore. This is especially helpful for sores on the lips caused by trauma.
Hydrogen peroxide
Active hydrogen peroxide expedites the healing of canker sores by killing and reducing bacteria in the mouth. It can be diluted in water and used as a mouth rinse. You may also use a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide mixed with equal parts water, then apply directly on the mouth sore using a cotton swab.
Honey
This is a staple pantry ingredient that is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. A study also shows honey’s effectiveness in reducing the redness and pain from canker sores. Dab some honey directly on the sore and repeat as needed until removed.
However, make sure to use unfiltered honey as this retains most of the honey’s natural healing properties.
Medicated mouthwash
Large and persistent canker sores are better treated with prescription mouthwashes that contain active and concentrated anti-inflammatory or antibiotic ingredients. An example is steroid dexamethasone or tetracycline, which can help with pain and inflammation. Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash is also an excellent alternative to fight off bacteria that trigger persistent ulcers.
Your doctor must prescribe these medicated mouthwashes for safety of use.
Anti-inflammatory medications
NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also helpful in reducing pain or discomfort related to canker sores. Your doctor or dentist may prescribe diclofenac to help with such. If you are considering other over-the-counter options, consult your doctor or dentist first to ensure your safety.
Topical products
Look for creams or gels with active ingredients that can help with numbing or pain relief. These may be available at your local drugstores, whether prescription or over-the-counter. You should be on the lookout for the following as an effective treatment for canker sores:
- Benzocaine for numbing
- Fluocinonide for inflammation
Cautery
If all else fails, always seek the help of a professional for urgent and effective treatment. Your dentist may consider cauterization, which burns and destroys the ulcerated soft tissue. While this sounds painful, it may be the quickest way to cure canker sores.
For this procedure, your dentist may recommend debacterol, a topical solution applied directly on the canker sore, using a cotton swab. You will feel a burning sensation in the area immediately after application. This product is known to reduce the healing time of canker sores by a week for an overall improved and quick recovery.
Best Way to Cure Canker Sores
Early diagnosis and doctor-prescribed treatments are the most effective way to cure any medical concern. While most of the time, canker sores should not be alarming, it may be best to have your dentist check if you have recurring sores or if it is too big that it intervenes with your regular daily routine.
Proper diagnosis can help pinpoint the exact cause of the mouth ulcer. With this, your dentist can better plan treatment for a long-term cure. Such as, if the cause is due to nutritional deficiencies, vitamins and supplements are a good treatment. Or if medical conditions are to blame, your physician should be able to help.
But if the cause is mainly trauma, good at-home remedies, as recommended by your dentist, should be sufficient to eliminate pain and restore oral health.
Optimal Oral Health with Sierra Dental
If you have canker sores that are:
- Beginning to spread
- Abnormally large
- Severely painful
- Persistent for up to two weeks
- Accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever,
Then it may be time to schedule a visit with Sierra Dental so our dentist can take a closer look. They will evaluate the concern, come up with a diagnosis, and provide an efficient treatment for a happier and healthier smile.