Canker sores are far from pleasant, especially when eating or talking. Fortunately, we have several treatments we can recommend to help manage these ulcers.
We want to specify that smaller canker sores generally do not require any special medication or procedure. Time will often resolve the problem. Usually, within a span of a week, these go away on their own.
The big canker sores, especially the more painful and persistent ones, will require more in the way of treatments. We recommend you see a doctor or dentist when dealing with large canker sores. If you fail to treat these more sizable sores, you could cause the pain to last longer, as much as six weeks. Even worse, it could also lead to potential scarring.
Home remedies
Before purchasing any over-the-counter medication, you may already have the solution to your problem lying around your own household. We recommend you to try one of the following home methods as a treatment for canker sores:
• Apply ice against the surface of the sore, allowing it to dissolve on it.
• Rinse your mouth with saltwater. Keep it warm. Alternatively, a teaspoon of baking soda can be mixed with warm water.
• Use a mouthwash devoid of sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Milk of magnesia can be gently applied against the sore to help treat it.
By applying one or more of these methods, you can improve your situation within the span of a week.
Over-the-counter methods and doctor’s prescription
When the home remedies fail to fix the problem, it is time to head to your local pharmacy store. The best strategy is to seek out pastes, creams or gels with benzocaine, fluocinonide or hydrogen peroxide as active components. These products reduce the pain caused by the sores; they also expedite the healing process.
Your pharmacy may also have patches for the canker sore. These patches do two things: they provide pain relief and cover the sore to allow it ample opportunity to heal.
When these basic treatments fail to solve the problem, your doctor or dentist may prescribe you oral steroid medications. This option is not chosen lightly; the medicine could potentially bring with it some serious side effects.
North View Dental is here for you
At North View Dental, we provide a professional standard of care to all of our patients in the North Ogden area. We have a comfortable office housed with friendly staff and experienced dentists that can give you the best treatment for your canker sores.
Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions. Our friendly staff can answer your concerns.
If you would like to reach us, please dial our phone number 801-528-9099. You can schedule your appointments at both that number and our website.
Come on down to our office and we can help relieve your discomfort by giving you quality treatment for canker sores. Let us see your best smile.
