What Helps Treat A Canker Sore?

You may have had one, but if you have not, a canker sore is a painful sore in the mouth. Also known as daphthous ulcers, canker sores are usually shallow, red and often have a white coating over the red sore. People often get them on the inside of their lips, the insides of their cheeks, or at the base of the gums, and sometimes even under their tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.

Almost anyone can get a canker sore, however women as well as teenagers and those in their twenties get them more often than anyone else. Canker sores may be hereditary, and run in the family, but they are not contagious. Researchers and medical doctors don't know exactly what causes a canker sore. People speculate – is it stress, mouth injuries, food allergies, menstrual periods for women or poor nutrition? These may be some of the items that could increase a person’s chances of getting canker sores.

Currently there are no cures for canker sores, but they usually go away after about seven to ten days. In order to get relief from the pain relief, some people use ibuprofen such as Motrin or Advil, or acetaminophen like Tylenol. There are many over-the-counter medicines are available to relieve canker sores. These pain relievers also help protect the sores from becoming irritated when you drink or eat.

And there is one new treatment called OralEase, which offers fast-acting relief for pain from canker sores. It also promotes gum health and freshens the breath.

If your canker sore is large, last longer than 2 weeks, or are so sore that you can't eat or drink, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. He or she may prescribe a topical medicine (applied directly to the sore) or a special mouthwash to help.

If your doctor instructs you to swish and swallow canker sore medicine, this means that you should swish the medicine around in your mouth and over the canker sore for a few minutes before swallowing the medicine.

Or, if you are instructed to use medicine that is put directly on the canker sore, dry the sore with a cotton swab such as a Q-tip, then dab a small amount of medicine on another cotton swab. Place the medicine on your canker sore using the swab, and do not drink or eat anything for about 30 minutes so as not to wash away the medicine.

Doctors don't know of anything that prevents you from getting a canker sore, but you might be able to reduce mouth irritation by avoiding things like chewing gum or hard, spicy foods or crunchy candies. Next make sure you always brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and floss your gums daily. This keeps your mouth free of food that might trigger a canker sore. If you get canker sores often, or if they're very painful, talk to your family doctor. Be sure to GumSooth. Also, make an appointment with your doctor if you have a fever or feel sick when you have canker sores. Tell your doctor if you have canker sores more than three times in a year.