From the Guidelines
Treatment for mouth ulcers should prioritize reducing pain, preventing infection, and promoting healing, with options including topical anesthetics, antiseptic mouthwashes, and corticosteroids, as evidenced by recent guidelines 1. When managing mouth ulcers, it's essential to consider the underlying cause, as some ulcers may be related to systemic diseases or conditions, such as autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel disease 1.
- For minor mouth ulcers, topical over-the-counter products containing benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide rinses can relieve pain and promote healing.
- Antimicrobial mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine can help prevent secondary infection, with options like 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash (e.g., Corsodyl mouthwash) used twice daily 1.
- For pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken as directed, and home remedies like salt water rinses or applying milk of magnesia directly to the ulcer may also be beneficial.
- In cases of suspected secondary infection, oral and lip swabs should be taken regularly, and treatment with nystatin oral suspension or miconazole oral gel may be necessary 1.
- Topical corticosteroids, such as betamethasone sodium phosphate or clobetasol propionate, can be used to reduce inflammation and promote healing, especially in severe or persistent cases 1.
- It's crucial to consult a healthcare provider if ulcers persist beyond two weeks, are unusually large, extremely painful, or recur frequently, as this may indicate an underlying condition requiring different treatment 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Mouth Ulcers
The treatment of mouth ulcers can be approached in several ways, depending on the severity and cause of the ulcers.
- Avoiding hard, acidic, and salty foods and toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate can help prevent mouth ulcers 2.
- Topical antiseptic/anti-inflammatory agents such as triclosan and diclofenac, and local anesthetics such as lidocaine can be used to treat mouth ulcers 2.
- In severe cases, systemic drugs such as colchicine, pentoxifylline, or prednisolone can be used in combination with local measures 2.
- Canker sore medications containing local anesthetics such as benzocaine can provide relief from pain associated with mouth ulcers 3.
- Discontinuing certain medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and starting a palliative treatment plan can help resolve mouth ulcers caused by these medications 4, 5.
- Topical application of Alchemilla vulgaris in glycerine has been shown to be effective in treating minor mouth ulcers 6.
Symptomatic Treatment
Symptomatic treatment of mouth ulcers is mainly done with topically applied agents, and is tailored to the severity of the problem in the individual case 2.
- The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, lessen functional impairment, and lower the frequency and severity of recurrences 2.
- Effective treatment can be achieved through a combination of avoiding irritants, using topical medications, and discontinuing certain medications that may be causing the ulcers 2, 3, 4, 5.