Relief is what you need, and fast. Keep in mind, though, that as some doctors are fond of telling patients, a canker sore will last seven days with treatment and one week without treatment. Not the most reassuring news. In some cases, a canker sore can take up to two weeks to heal; if one sticks around longer than that, see your dentist. There are ways to get relief in the interim by using the following home remedies.
When to See a Dentist
If you are suffering from frequent canker sores, talk to your dentist about them. Same goes if you have a canker sore that is an inch or more in diameter or leaves a scar when it heals. And definitely get to your dentist or physician if you develop a temperature; a fever may indicate that the canker sore has become infected (from poor oral hygiene, dirty fingers in the mouth, or chewing tobacco), in which case you would likely need an antibiotic.
If you've got a sore that doesn't go away, see your dentist, even if it doesn't bother you. Ironically, while a canker sore hurts and stings, a painless ulcer in the mouth may be the first sign of oral cancer. And while a canker sore will usually disappear in seven to ten days, a cancerous lesion will not. About 30,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States.
Other conditions can also cause mouth ulcers that resemble canker sores, including iron deficiency anemia, pernicious (vitamin B12 deficiency) anemia, folic acid deficiency, gluten intolerance, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease.
Get out the styptic pencil. Many a barber has used a styptic pencil to stem bleeding from minor nicks and cuts. Used on a canker sore, it will numb the nerve endings, temporarily
reducing the pain.
Make your own remedy. It may sound like a strange combination, but several dentists swear by this homemade remedy: Mix together equal amounts of Milk of Magnesia or Kaopectate and Benylin or Benadryl. Milk of Magnesia and Kaopectate both contain ingredients that coat wet tissues, such as those in the mouth. Benylin and Benadryl contain ingredients that act as mild topical anesthetics and antihistamines (which reduce inflammation). Apply the mixture to the canker sore using a cotton swab. Be careful not to swallow the stuff; you could end up anesthetizing (numbing) the reflex that keeps the windpipe closed when you swallow.
Go over-the-counter. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) product such as Orabase with Benzocaine, which covers the surface of the sore like an "oral bandage." Keeping it coated will help prevent it from getting infected. Products with xylocaine, a local anesthetic, can also dull the pain.
Take two aspirin. A dose of aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen may help relieve the pain, especially before meals if the canker sore interferes with eating. Do not give aspirin to anyone under 19 years of age, however, and talk to your doctor before taking an OTC pain reliever if you are pregnant or breast-feeding; require more than an occasional dose or are currently taking any other medication; have ever had an allergic reaction to an OTC pain reliever; have a bleeding disorder, bleeding in the stomach or intestines, or a peptic ulcer; have liver or kidney disease or any chronic illness; or drink three or more alcoholic beverages every day. For a list of precautions to take when using over-the-counter analgesics, click here.
Stick to cool foods. Stay away from foods that are hot, in terms of temperature or spiciness. They'll burn and sting a tender canker sore.
Be gentle. Wield that toothbrush extra carefully to avoid irritating a canker sore. You may want to avoid rough, scratchy foods such as chips for the time being as well.
Stop bad habits. Alcohol and smoking can irritate a canker sore. A little abstinence may provide a lot of relief.
Check out your diet. One old wives' tale blames canker sores on tomatoes. Experts admit some sort of allergic reaction to foods may be to blame, but others point out that food allergies can cause lesions that resemble canker sores. If you're plagued with frequent canker sores, pay attention to whether an outbreak seems to be linked with any particular food. Likely offenders include nuts, shellfish, chocolate, and tomatoes. If you discover a connection, avoid the offending food.
Learn to handle stress. That's the best advice for preventing canker sores. Try to find some method of relieving or coping with stress. Examples that you might try include engaging in a hobby, an exercise program, yoga, or meditation.
