From the Guidelines
Treatment for canker sores should primarily focus on pain relief and promoting healing, with the use of topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone sodium phosphate mouthwash, being considered for more severe cases 1. When managing canker sores, it's essential to prioritize pain relief and healing.
- For mild cases, over-the-counter products containing benzocaine can provide temporary pain relief when applied directly to the sore.
- Rinsing with salt water or a solution of baking soda and water can also help.
- For more painful or persistent sores, prescription options include topical corticosteroids like triamcinolone dental paste applied 2-3 times daily, or chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse used twice daily to prevent secondary infection.
- Oral medications such as sucralfate suspension can coat the ulcer and provide relief.
- During treatment, avoid spicy, acidic, or rough-textured foods that can irritate the sores.
- Good oral hygiene is essential, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid sodium lauryl sulfate-containing toothpastes which may trigger canker sores. The use of a potent topical corticosteroid mouthwash, such as betamethasone sodium phosphate, four times a day, as suggested in the guidelines for the management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis 1, can be considered for more severe cases of canker sores. Most canker sores heal within 7-14 days without scarring, but if sores are unusually large, extremely painful, persist beyond two weeks, or recur frequently, medical evaluation is recommended as this could indicate an underlying condition.
From the Research
Treatment Guidelines for Canker Sores
- The treatment guidelines for canker sores involve the use of various medications and therapies to reduce pain and promote healing, as seen in studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Topical oral health care medications, such as those containing benzocaine, have been shown to produce anesthetic effects and provide relief from pain associated with canker sores 2.
- Low-level laser therapy has also been found to be effective in reducing pain and promoting healing in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) 3.
- The use of a dessicating agent has been shown to reduce pain and symptoms in patients with canker sores, although its effectiveness may be limited to the initial stages of treatment 4.
- Adhesive tablets that release natural active agents for pain reduction and rapid healing have also been found to be effective in treating canker sores 5.
- Topical oral medications, such as ORABASE Soothe.N.Seal, have been shown to be effective in alleviating pain and promoting healing in patients with canker sores 6.
Medication Options
- Benzocaine-containing products, such as Red Cross Canker Sore Medication, have been found to have the longest duration and greatest intensity of anesthetic effect 2.
- Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% has been used as a control treatment in studies evaluating the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in treating canker sores 3.
- Dessicating agents, such as those based on a concentrated mixture of sulfates, have been used to cauterize epithelial tissue affected by the immune response and reduce pain in patients with canker sores 4.
- Adhesive tablets that release citrus oil and magnesium salt have been found to be effective in reducing pain and promoting healing in patients with canker sores 5.
- Topical oral medications, such as ORABASE Soothe.N.Seal, have been shown to be effective in alleviating pain and promoting healing in patients with canker sores 6.
Therapy Options
- Low-level laser therapy has been found to be effective in reducing pain and promoting healing in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) 3.
- The use of a dessicating agent has been shown to reduce pain and symptoms in patients with canker sores, although its effectiveness may be limited to the initial stages of treatment 4.
- Adhesive tablets that release natural active agents for pain reduction and rapid healing have also been found to be effective in treating canker sores 5.
- Topical oral medications, such as ORABASE Soothe.N.Seal, have been shown to be effective in alleviating pain and promoting healing in patients with canker sores 6.