From the FDA Drug Label
Stop use and ask doctor or dentist if sore mouth symptoms do not improve in 7 days irritation, pain or redness persists or worsens swelling, rash or fever develops The treatment for aphthous (canker sore) ulcers is not directly stated in the provided drug label. Key points:
- The label provides guidance on when to stop use and consult a doctor or dentist.
- It does not provide a specific treatment for aphthous ulcers. 1
From the Research
Treatment for aphthous ulcers (canker sores) should prioritize low-level laser therapy or topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% to reduce pain and speed healing, as these interventions have shown significant reductions in pain and erythema, as well as improvement in ulcer healing 2. When managing aphthous ulcers, it is essential to consider the severity of the problem, including the frequency of ulcers, the intensity of pain, and the responsiveness of the lesions to treatment 3. Some key considerations for treatment include:
- Avoiding hard, acidic, and salty foods, as well as toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, alcohol, and carbonated drinks 3
- Using topical antiseptic/anti-inflammatory agents, such as triclosan and diclofenac, and local anesthetics, such as lidocaine, as first-line treatments 3
- Considering prescription treatments, such as topical corticosteroids, for more severe or persistent cases 3, 2
- Evaluating the need for medical evaluation if ulcers are unusually large, last longer than three weeks, or recur frequently, as this could indicate an underlying condition 3, 4 In terms of specific treatment options, low-level laser therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving ulcer healing, with significant reductions in pain and erythema, as well as improvement in ulcer healing, compared to topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% 2. Additionally, topical pastes, such as Orabase with benzocaine, can be applied directly to ulcers to form a protective barrier, and pain management can be achieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed. It is also important to note that most canker sores heal within 7-14 days without treatment, but these interventions can significantly reduce discomfort and may speed recovery by reducing inflammation.