How to Prevent and Treat Canker Sores

About 20% of Americans experience mouth ulcers, or canker sores, at one time or another. For some people, these sores surface quite rarely and heal quickly. For others, these painful sores come in clusters and cause severe pain and discomfort. Though, like the common cold, there is no cure for canker sores, there are several things you can do to shorten the duration and discomfort they bring.

Over-the-counter remedies:

1. Use toothpastes which do not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. SLS is known to attack mucous membranes in the mouth which, in turn, either cause or aggravate canker sores. Either purchase toothpaste which does not contain SLS, or use baking soda and water instead.

2. Avoid foods which are salty and acidic. Sodas, citrus fruits, and salty foods can all aggravate mouth ulcers, making them larger and more painful. Stick to a healthy, even bland diet to reduce the discomfort that comes the sores.

3. Pain reducing ointments and gels offer a barrier which will help protect the sore from irritation while it heals. Some of these treatments also include a numbing agent that can help make life more bearable while your body takes care of the problem. See your pharmacy for one of these treatments but remember: Canker sores can take 7-14 days to clear up completely.

4. Some people find that rinsing their mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash helps their canker sores clear up more quickly.

Herbal remedies include:

1. Gargle with calendula tea or goldenseal tea.

2. Regular beverage tea provides a good supply of tannins. Try placing a soaked tea bag on your canker sores to reduce inflammation.

3. Sage tea, in moderation, helps reduce inflammation in the mouth.

4. Licorice contains tannin, and the compounds glycyrrhetinic-acid and glycyrrhizin, all of which help sores heal more quickly.

A note about preventing canker sores:

1. Canker sores are often caused by vitamin deficiencies. Lack of B-vitamins, folic acid, Vitamin C and Lysine contribute to developing these sores.

2. Stress contributes directly to the appearance of mouth ulcers for some people. Controlling stress will likely reduce the occurrence of canker sores for these people.

3. Abrasions in the mouth can lead to the development of canker sores. Be sure that your toothbrush is not abrasive and that retainers, dentures, etc. have no sharp edges. Also, if you have teeth with rough edges, have them smoothed by your dentist.

4. Toothpaste containing SLS (mentioned above) contributes to the inflammation and development of canker sores. Use toothpaste that does not contain this ingredient.

Though there is no antibiotic that can heal canker sores, using common sense, herbal remedies, and over the counter products may help you find relief and faster healing.