Mouth ulcers – also referred to as canker sores – are normally little, painful lesions that establish in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Women, adolescents, and people with a family history of mouth ulcers are at greater risk for establishing mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and generally disappear within one to two weeks. However, if you get a canker sore that is big or extremely painful or if it lasts for a very long time without recovery, you must look for the guidance of a doctor.
How Are Mouth Ulcers Diagnosed?
Your doctor will be able to diagnose mouth ulcers through a visual test. If you’re having frequent, severe mouth ulcers, you may be checked for other medical conditions.
Treatment Options Used for Mouth Ulcer
The majority of mouth ulcers don’t require treatment. Nevertheless, if you get mouth ulcers often or they’re exceptionally painful, a variety of treatments can decrease pain and recovery time. These consist of:
- using a rinse of saltwater and baking soda
- putting milk of magnesia on the mouth ulcer covering mouth ulcers with baking soda paste
- using over the counter benzocaine (topical anesthetic) items like Orajel or Anbesol
- applying ice to canker sores
- using mouth rinse that contains a steroid to lower pain and swelling
- using topical pastes
- placing wet tea bags on your mouth ulcer
- taking dietary supplements like folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and zinc
- attempting natural treatments such as chamomile tea, echinacea, myrrh, and licorice.
OTC Medications for Mouth Ulcer
1. Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sores Rinse
This mouth wash has actually been ranked 5 stars by Google users. In addition to promoting the recovery of mouth sores, a few swishes of this rinse will help in eliminating bacteria and decrease gum inflammation inside the mouth. It’s sold at your local drug store, usually for $7 or less.
2. CankerMelts Canker Sore Treatment
Among the most prominent dental research centers in the nation, Washington’s School of Dentistry, has deemed this to be the most reliable over-the-counter medication to treat mouth ulcers. Each package comes with 24 discs and is proven to heal sores within 1 to 5 days. It costs about $14.99.
3. Releev Cold Sore Treatment
If you’re not responsive to tablets or mouthwash, this may be the best solution for you. Applying this paste to the affected area 3 to 4 times daily will reduce the pain and irritation of mouth ulcers. This medication can be used as an antibacterial to help dry cold sores and can be used inside the lips too. It’s a little costlier than the previously discussed medications, but nonetheless reliable. This medication normally sold at $21.99.
Although there is no genuine method to prevent a mouth ulcer, there are ways to restrict the consistency of them appearing. Staying clear of foods and drinks that might irritate your palate and/or mouth is one method (e.g. spicy/hot foods). Try to not leave anything in your mouth for an extended period of time, such as sweet or gum. And, ensure you are conscious of your oral hygiene – yes, this consists of brushing and flossing your teeth, not when, but twice daily.
If you have additional questions concerning mouth sores or ways to prevent/treat them, contact your dental expert, who will be your best resource for the essential precautions you need to take.