Dental & Mouth Concerns
Canker sores are small, round mouth sores in the lining of the mouth or on the tongue, gums, or lips. You can have one canker sore or a group of them.
Signs & Symptoms
* A burning or tingling feeling before the sore appears
* Red-rimmed, shallow sores in the mouth
* Discomfort when you eat and talk
Causes, Risk Factors & Care
Canker sores may be caused by any tear in the mouth’s lining, from an uneven tooth, rough tooth brushing, a burn from a hot drink, etc. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies, emotional stress, and family traits may also trigger canker sores.
Canker sores heal within 1 to 2 weeks. Self-care can help with symptoms and speed up healing. If needed, a mouthwash with tetracycline and/or an oral paste (amelxanox) can be prescribed.
Self-Care / Prevention
To Relieve Pain:
* Mix 1/2 cup salt in 1 cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth with an ounce of this mixture 4 times a day. Don’t swallow the water.
* Put ice on the canker sore or suck on a frozen popsicle.
* Avoid spicy foods and acidic drinks, like citrus juices.
* Use over-the-counter products, like Anbesol, Blistex, and aloe vera gel.
* Swish Mylanta or milk of magnesia around the mouth to coat the sore. Then spit the medicine out.
* Put the gel from a vitamin E capsule on the sore several times a day.
* Take an over-the-counter pain medicine.
Prevention
* Avoid things that irritate the mouth, such as hot drinks and sharp objects.
* Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate. Don’t brush too hard.
* Take a daily vitamin/mineral supplement as advised by your doctor.
Medical Care
Contact Doctor When:
* You have any of these problems with the canker sore:
– Fever and/or swollen glands
– Severe pain
– A sore on the roof of the mouth or white spots in the mouth that do not heal in 1 to 2 weeks
* A canker sore disturbs your sleep or does not allow you to eat.
* A canker sore appears only after you start a new medicine.
* A canker sore has not healed after 3 weeks.
© American Institute for Preventive Medicine