Canker sore

Diagnosis

Canker sores can typically be diagnosed through a visual examination by a doctor or dentist, and additional tests are not usually necessary. However, in certain situations where the canker sores are severe or persistent, healthcare providers may recommend tests to investigate other underlying health conditions or deficiencies that could be contributing to the ulcers.

Treatment

Most minor canker sores typically resolve without treatment within one to two weeks. However, if you have large, persistent, or particularly painful sores, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Various treatment options are available to address such cases.

Mouthwash

In cases where multiple canker sores are present, your doctor may recommend a mouth rinse containing the steroid dexamethasone to alleviate pain and inflammation. Another option could be lidocaine, which helps in reducing pain.

Topical products

There are various over-the-counter and prescription products available in the form of pastes, creams, gels, or liquids that can provide pain relief and aid in the healing process when applied to individual sores as soon as they appear. Some of these products contain active ingredients, such as:

• Benzocaine (found in Anbesol, Kank-A, Orabase, Zilactin-B)
• Fluocinonide (found in Lidex, Vanos)
• Hydrogen peroxide (found in Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse, Peroxyl)

There are also numerous topical products for canker sores that don’t contain active ingredients. It’s advisable to consult your doctor or dentist for guidance on which product may be most effective for you.

Oral medications

When canker sores are severe or fail to respond to topical treatments, oral medications may be prescribed as alternatives. These medications can include:

• Sucralfate (Carafate): Although primarily used to treat intestinal ulcers, sucralfate can be employed as a coating agent for canker sores.
• Colchicine: Normally prescribed for gout, colchicine may be utilized as a treatment option for canker sores that do not improve with other methods.

In cases where severe canker sores do not show improvement with other treatments, oral steroid medications may be considered as a last resort. It is important to note that these steroids carry the risk of serious side effects.

Burning the sores

During cautery, either an instrument or a chemical substance is utilized to burn, sear, or eliminate tissue.

• Debacterol is a topical solution specifically formulated for treating canker sores and gum issues. By chemically cauterizing canker sores, this medication has the potential to shorten the healing process to approximately one week.
• Silver nitrate, an alternative chemical for cautery of canker sores, hasn’t demonstrated any accelerated healing properties. However, it may provide relief from the pain associated with canker sores.

Nutritional supplements

If your intake of essential nutrients such as folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, or zinc is insufficient, your doctor might recommend a nutritional supplement.

Underlying illness

Your doctor will address the underlying illness if your canker sores are related to a more serious medical condition.