Have you ever had a tiny white, painful sore on your gums, tongue, or inner lip? That’s likely a canker sore. These small mouth ulcers are common and can make eating and talking feel very uncomfortable. So when they flare up, we all want just one thing: fast relief.
Canker sores usually heal on their own. But sometimes, you want them gone as soon as possible. The good news? Whether you are looking for canker sore home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, or simple steps to ease the pain, there are many ways to help them heal faster.
In this guide, we will walk you through why canker sores occur, the best ways to get quick relief, how our dentists and dental hygienists at Sierra Dental can help.
What are Canker Sores?
Before we talk about why canker sores happen and how you can treat them, it can help to understand what they actually are and how you can differentiate them from other types of mouth sores.
- Small, painful mouth ulcers
Canker sores are round ulcer spots that are usually white with a yellowish center and red border. They sting or burn when you eat, drink, or talk. In some cases, they can be bigger in size if there is significant irritation or trauma.
- Very common and not contagious
Many people get them from time to time. But unlike cold sores, they cannot spread through kissing or sharing utensils.
- Found inside the mouth
They typically appear on the inner lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, or soft palate. This is unlike viral mouth sores that occur around the lips.
- Often triggered by irritation
Minor trauma (like biting your cheek), spicy foods, loose dentures, and metal orthodontic brackets are some common causes.
- Usually heal on their own
Most canker sores disappear within 7-14 days. But, the right care can speed up healing.
Why Do Canker Sores Occur?
The most common reason why canker sores appear is because of an irritation or trauma. This can happen when you accidentally bite your lips, cheek, or even your tongue, or if you are dealing with an ill-fitting denture or loose orthodontic wire or bracket and it rubs against the inside of your mouth.
Other common causes of canker sores include:
- Stress or a weakened immune system – Your body may react and develop mouth sores when you are tired or overwhelmed or if you are medically compromised.
- Certain foods – Spicy, salty, and acidic foods can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth and cause canker sores.
- Vitamin deficiencies – Low levels of iron, vitamin B12, folate, or zinc can cause canker sores to develop.
- Hormonal changes – Some women may notice flare-ups around hormonal shifts, such as during menstruation.
- Medications – Beta-blockers, NSAIDs, and drugs that suppress the immune system may also cause canker sores as a side effect.
- Allergies or sensitivities – Mouth sores can also occur as a reaction to ingredients in your toothpaste, mouthwash, or certain foods.
- Genetics – Your genes also play a role in how prone you are to canker sores.
Diagnosis and Tests for Canker Sores
There are several types of sores that can show up in the mouth. Some may be caused by a viral infection while some are simply the typical canker sore. But how can you tell which one is which? Here’s what our dentists at Sierra Dental share when helping patients identify and understand these ulcers:
Canker sores are diagnosed through a visual examination
You and your dentist are likely to spot a canker sore just by looking at it. The size, colour, location give clear clues, so no special tests are usually needed.
Recurrent or persistent ulcers require further testing
If your sores come back often on the same spot or if they do not heal within 2-3 weeks, your dentist may recommend additional tests to identify the cause and determine a clear action. This can include swabs and blood tests that will rule out any infection, nutritional deficiency, allergic reactions, or other underlying medical conditions.
Long-term ulcers may indicate serious problems
In rare cases, a sore may persist beyond a few weeks. However, this is not typical of a canker sore and may be a symptom of oral cancer, which is why it is important to get it checked. If needed, our team will direct you to the suitable specialist for testing or biopsy so we can determine a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.
How to Treat Canker Sores?
Canker sores typically heal on their own, but we know how uncomfortable they can be. If you’re looking for quick relief, here’s what our team recommends to ease the pain and speed up healing:
Topical Anesthetics
Over-the-counter gels or ointments can temporarily numb the sore and give you instant pain relief. This is a great choice if you are eating your favourite food or if you have a social get-together. You can apply this directly to the ulcer several times a day. Pro tip: make sure the area is dry before applying for a better numbing effect.
Mouth Rinses
Some mouth rinses have active ingredients that help reduce inflammation to help the sore heal faster. For a more accessible option, you can also use a warm saltwater rinse. Just dissolve ½ tsp of salt in 1 glass of warm water then swish in the mouth for 30 seconds up to 3x a day for good results.
Oral Medications
For larger canker sores, your dentist can prescribe oral medications to help calm the swelling and support healing. These may include oral corticosteroids, colchicine, or dapsone. If your sores are identified to be due to vitamin deficiencies, supplements may be recommended to reduce future flare-ups.
Cautery
Another option is cauterization in which your dentist will apply a specialized chemical-based solution or use a laser to seal the sore tissue and provide immediate pain relief. These are quick and effective options especially if you have severe sores that interfere with your day-to-day.
Other Home Remedies for Canker Sores
Aside from the discussed treatments, there are several other remedies you can try that are easily accessible, often with ingredients you already have at home or can find in your local grocery store.
Many of these options work because of their natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and soothing properties. These include:
- Alum Powder
- Baking Soda Rinse
- Yogurt and Honey
- Coconut Oil
- Milk of Magnesia
- Chamomile Compress
- Echinacea
How to Prevent Canker Sores?
While not every sore can be prevented, a few simple habits can lower your chances of developing them. Here are some helpful tips:
Avoid foods that trigger irritation
Spicy, acidic, or salty foods can irritate the mouth and trigger sores. If you notice certain foods cause flare-ups, avoiding them can help prevent future ulcers.
Nutritional supplements can help avoid deficiency-related sores
If your sores are determined to be caused by a deficiency in vitamins, taking the right supplements or making dietary adjustments can reduce how often they appear.
A healthy lifestyle plays a big role in your oral health
Stress, lack of sleep, and an imbalanced diet can weaken your body’s ability to fight oral health problems, like canker sores. Try to manage your stress levels and ensure you are getting enough rest and nutrition to keep your immune system function at its best.
When to See Your Dentist for Canker Sores?
While most canker sores resolve on their own, there are times when it is best to have them checked by your local dentist, such as:
- The sore lasts longer than two weeks or keeps getting worse
- You experience sores on the same spot that returns several times a year
- The sore is unusually large and makes daily living a struggle
These signs may mean something worse or that the cause is not properly addressed. To ease your mind and make sure your oral health is on the right track, our team will do a comprehensive assessment and recommend the right treatment for you.