How to Treat Canker Sores

These painful sores inside the mouth may be triggered by stress, injury, nutritional deficiencies, menstruation or genetic factors. They usually clear up in one to two weeks.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Anesthetics
• Antibiotic Creams
• Electric Toothbrushes
• Extra-soft Toothbrushes
• Mouthwash
• Toothpaste

1. Avoid hot and spicy foods, which can irritate canker sores.

2. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush to lessen aggravation.

3. Apply crushed ice or an over-the-counter oral anesthetic to the sore to numb the pain.

4. Practice good oral hygiene. Rinse with mouthwash or salt water, and try brushing with a toothpaste free of sodium laurel sulfate, which has been implicated in aggravating canker sores.

5. Consult a doctor if sores persist longer than two weeks, recur more than two or three times a year, are extremely painful, or occur with other symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea or skin rash.

6. Talk to your doctor about treating the sores with oral or topical steroids or oral antibiotics.

Tips & Warnings

• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.