Various treatments are available to treat canker sores. These include Antiseptics, Analgesics, Home remedies and Steroid medications. Here are some of them. Read on to find out which one works best for you. You can apply Milk of Magnesia directly to the sore using a cotton swab. It should stay on the sore for at least 10 seconds, then rinse. This remedy contains magnesium hydroxide, an acid neutralizer. It coats the canker sore, preventing further damage to the area.
Analgesics
Canker sores are recurrent aphthous ulcers. About 66% of the population suffers from them. While not contagious, the sores typically last 7-10 days and can last up to 3 weeks. It is best to see a doctor if the outbreak lasts more than two weeks or occurs more than two to three times a year. A doctor can perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Blood tests can help to determine the underlying cause of your sores.
If you are worried about the pain, you can purchase over-the-counter analgesics for canker sores. These medicines contain benzocaine, a temporary anesthetic. The good news is that these medications can be washed off with saliva. Occlusive films are also available at most drugstores and can help with the pain. In some cases, they last longer than analgesics.
Antiseptics
To get fast relief from the pain and speed up the healing process, you can use OTC treatments and home remedies. If you have a canker sore, apply an OTC treatment immediately after it appears. You can also consult a dentist or an oral medicine specialist for advice. Certain triggers of canker sores include stress, minor injuries in the mouth, and acidic foods. While medicine will not cure your canker sore, it can help to keep some natural remedies on hand.
There are many products available over the counter and in the store that contain antiseptics to treat canker sores. A solution of milk of magnesia and liquid antihistamines is an effective oral rinse. If these options don’t work, consult your doctor. If your canker sores are very painful, a dentist may prescribe tetracycline suspension, which should be held for two to five minutes before swallowing. However, note that this medication may cause permanent discoloration of teeth in developing individuals.
Home remedies
One of the best canker sore treatments is to rinse your mouth with apple cider vinegar. This vinegar has antibacterial properties, so it may help cure the sore. But you should know that it can also damage the tooth enamel. Be sure to consult a doctor before using vinegar on a canker sore. Alternatively, you can use vinegar on a cotton swab. You should rinse after every meal, and repeat this treatment several times a day.
Coconut oil is another great home remedy because of its antimicrobial properties. Its high content of lauric acid may help fight bacteria that causes canker sores. It can also help reduce the redness and pain associated with the condition. Another great natural home remedy is honey. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for treating canker sores. While you should avoid honey if you’re dealing with multiple ulcers, you can apply it topically.
Steroid medications
While there isn’t any proven evidence linking steroid medications and a decrease in canker sore outbreaks, mouthwashes containing dexamethasone, or an oral solution containing the steroid, are often prescribed for canker sores. This steroid solution may reduce the number of sores, and is combined with lidocaine to numb the mouth.
While the causes of canker sores are unknown, many people develop these sores after physical trauma to the mouth lining. Women with premenstrual canker sores can take oral contraceptives to prevent them from developing. Other treatments include iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 supplements. Although canker sores usually heal on their own in a couple of weeks, steroid medications for canker sore treatment may be prescribed if the condition becomes chronic and/or recurs.
Mouthwash
You can also buy mouthwash for canker sore treatment. Many of these mouthwashes contain ingredients that can reduce the bacteria in your mouth. Povidone iodine mouthwashes should be used for a short period of time, as consuming too much can cause iodine absorption. Mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide and water is also available, but you should be careful to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mouthwash for canker sore treatment may seem overly simplistic, but a few simple tips can go a long way toward eliminating this painful condition. First, avoid smoking and spicy foods. They can also trigger an outbreak if you have a compromised immune system, are allergic to certain foods, or are under a lot of stress. A typical daily diet is also a great place to start. If you can’t pinpoint what’s causing your outbreaks, you may have an autoimmune disease.