Fix Canker Sores
A test is not required in order to diagnose a canker sore. Your doctor or dentist will typically identify them through a visual exam. In some cases, your doctor or dentist may requests testing to determine if there are any other health issues. This is particularly common if you have severe canker sores or they are ongoing.
Cancer Sore Treatment
For minor canker sores, treatment is not typically required. Minor canker sores are usually resolved on their own within a week or two. However, large and persistent or sores which are painful often require additional medical treatment. There are a variety of different treatment options available. Some of the most common treatment options include the following:
Oral Rinse
If you have numerous canker sores, your doctor might consider prescribing a mouth rinse which contains the steroid dexamethasone which helps reduce pain and inflammation. Lidocaine can also be used to help reduce pain.
Topical Products
Over-the-counter and prescription products such as pastes, creams, liquids, or gels may aid in relieving pain and expedite the healing process when they are applied to the sore once they appear. Some products contain the following active ingredients:
- Benzocaine
- Fluocinonide
- Hydrogen peroxide
There are also numerous topical products which can be used for canker sores. This includes products which do not contain the above active ingredients. Follow up with your dentist or doctor to determine which option will work best for your situation.
Oral Medications
Oral medications can be used for patients with severe canker sores or for those who do not see an improvement with the use of topical treatments. Oral medications which are often prescribed includes the following:
- Medications which are not specifically intended for canker sore treatment, such as the intestinal ulcer treatment sucralfate. This medication is used as a coating agent and colchicine, which is typically used to treat gout.
- Oral steroid medications when severe canker sores fail to respond to other forms of treatment. Due to the serious side effects, oral steroids are used as a last resort.
Cautery of Sores
During cautery, the doctor or dentist will use an instrument or chemical substance to burn, sear or destroy the tissue.
- Debacterol is a topical solution which is specifically designed to treat canker sores and gum problems. By chemically cauterizing the canker sore, this medication can reduce the healing time to a week or less.
- Silver nitrate is another option for the chemical cautery of canker sores. While this product has not shown to expedite the healing process, it can help relieve pain caused by the canker sore.
Nutritional supplements
The doctor may also prescribe a nutritional supplement for patients who consume low amounts of important nutrients including folate or folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and zinc.
Related Health Issues
If the canker sores are found to be an issue which stems from a more serious health problem, your doctor will work to treat the underlying health condition.
Lifestyle and Home Solutions
The following solutions can be used at-home for patients who are looking to find pain relief and expedite the healing process for their canker sores:
- Rinse the mouth with salt water or a baking soda rinse
- Blot a small amount of milk of magnesia directly on the canker sore a few times daily
- Avoid food and beverages which are abrasive, acidic or spicy as this can cause additional irritation and pain
- Apply ice to the canker sore by slowly allowing ice chips to dissolve in the mouth
- Be gentle when brushing your teeth and use a soft brush
- Sensitive toothpastes such as Sensodyne ProNamel can also be used
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