Canker sore treatment

Alternative Names

Treatment - canker sores

Information

Question:

How can you treat painful canker sores in your mouth?

Answer:

The easiest home remedy is to apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab on the canker sore (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water). Then dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore 3-4 times a day. This is not only soothing, but it appears to help healing.

Another home remedy is to mix equal amounts of milk of magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid. Swish a teaspoonful of the mixture in your mouth for about 1 minute and then spit it out.

Other treatments for more severe cases include applying fluocinonide gel (Lidex) or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash.

See also: Canker sores

References

Gonsalves WC, Chi AC, Neville BW. Common oral lesions: Part I. Superficial mucosal lesions. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:501-507.

Femiano F, Lanza A, Buonaiuto C, Gombos F, Nunziata M, Piccolo S, Cirillo N. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of aphthous stomatitis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2007;26:728-732.