Canker Sore Medicines: How to Apply with a Q-Tip

Applying topical medication to canker sores is easy and can be simply done with a Q-Tip or other swab product. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when applying canker sore medication with a Q-Tip.

First, make sure you hands are clean, since you will be working in and around your mouth where open sores might be present. The last thing you want to do is compound your canker sore problems by getting a cold or other infection.

Then make sure the area to be treated is relatively dry. This means dabbing the area to be treated with a tissue or gauze to remove excess moisture. If your canker sore is open, this may sting, but making sure the area is dry means more medication will go directly to the canker sore.

Next, make sure to place a liberal about of canker sore medication onto the Q-Tip. This will ease application and prevent you from having to irritate the canker sore to make sure the medication gets in contact with it.

When using the Q-Tip to apply your canker sore medication, dab at the canker sore; do not rub. Rubbing will only further irritate the canker sore and cause you pain. Make sure the canker sore is completely covered in medication. This means both the open sore area, and the boundary around it. One of the purposes of canker sore medication is to stop the spread of the canker sore. To do this, it is important to make sure the canker sore's boundaries are surrounded with medication.

Apply medication to all canker sores. If you need to place more canker sore medication on the Q-Tip, use a fresh one to avoid contaminating your medication with any bacteria from your mouth.

Always follow the directions when applying canker sore medication, whether it's prescription or over the counter. If you have questions of concerns about your canker sore medication, ask your doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Because canker sore medication is used in the mouth, watch for allergic reactions to the medication. These can be minor or serious and even potentially impact breathing. Read the warning labels on your canker sore medication and follow their advice should begin to experience an allergic reaction.

Because canker sores are non-contagious, applying medication to them should be easy and non-stressful, although care is still required in the interest of your comfort and health.