Canker Sore in Mouth

Canker sores are small shallow ulcers that appear in the mouth and often make eating and talking uncomfortable. There are two types of canker sores:

Simple canker sores. These may appear three or four times a year and last up to a week. They typically occur in people between 10 and 20 years of age.

Complex canker sores. These are less common and occur more often in people who have previously had them.
What Causes Canker Sores?
The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Stress or tissue injury is thought to be the cause of simple canker sores. Certain foods – including citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, strawberries) – can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like Motrin, is another common cause. Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance, such as braces or ill-fitting dentures, might also trigger canker sores.

Some cases of complex canker sores are caused by an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system; nutritional problems, such as vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron deficiency; and gastrointestinal tract disease, such as Celiac disease and Crohn's disease.

Are Cold Sores Another Name for Canker Sores?
No, although these sores are often confused for each other, they are not the same. Cold sores, also called a fever blister or herpes simplex type 1, are groups of painful, fluid-filled blisters. Unlike canker sores, cold sores are caused by a virus and are extremely contagious. Also, cold sores typically appear outside the mouth – usually, under the nose, around the lips, or under the chin while canker sores occur inside the mouth.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?
You may have a canker sore if you have:

A painful sore or sores inside your mouth – on the tongue, soft palate (the back portion of the roof of your mouth), or inside your cheeks
A tingling or burning sensation prior to the appearance of the sores
Sores in your mouth that are round, white, or gray in color, with a red edge or border
In severe attacks, you may also experience:

Fever
Physical sluggishness
Swollen lymph nodes
How Are Canker Sores Treated?
Pain from a canker sore generally lessens in a few days and the sores usually heal without treatment in about a week or two.

If sores are large, painful, or persistent, your dentist may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, a corticosteroid ointment, or a prescription or nonprescription solution to reduce the pain and irritation.

Can Canker Sores Be Prevented?
Although there is no cure for canker sores and they often reoccur, you may be able to reduce their frequency by:

Avoiding foods that irritate your mouth – including acidic or spicy foods
Avoiding irritation from gum chewing
Brushing with a soft-bristled brush after meals and flossing daily, which will keep your mouth free of foods that might trigger a sore.
You should call your dentist if you have:

Unusually large sores
Sores that are spreading
Sores that last 3 weeks or longer
Intolerable pain despite avoiding trigger foods and taking over-the-counter pain medication
Difficulty drinking enough fluids
A high fever with the appearance of the canker sore(s)

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.

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I am a dentist and I too get canker sores frequently. Unfortunately, you can't make them go away any faster. It typically takes two weeks for any mouth sores to heal completely. You should try Peroxyl rinse by Colgate. After eating, brush and then use the rinse. It feels good and helps keep the area clean. Also, there is a paste called Orabase that you can apply that numbs the area a little. If you get them often you should try a Lysine supplement.

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I've suffered with canker sores my whole life as has my dad and sister. In the worst period I would get one within hours of any stressful situation and they came in multiples (including locations such as tongue and soft tissue). Once around they would last for weeks at a time so for awhile there wasn't much time I din't have one present. I've talked with my doctor and dentist and most have not had any long term solutions.

I completely agree with the toothpaste that doesn't have sodium lauryl sulfate (it's an inactive ingredient). I never found a Tom's version that didn't contain this ingredient. There are a few Rembrandts (they actually had one for canker sores) and a couple of the sensodynes that don't have this ingredient. Its the component that makes the toothpaste foam more.
Another thing that helps once the canker sore has been around and it was Zilactin-B. I could only use at night since its kind of gross and doesn't stay on when you eat. Otherwise, I've tried all the rinses, salt, camphor stuff and found they just helped by causing pain that released natural endorphins. Good luck.

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There is a prescription called Xovorax that REALLY helps. I deal with these about once a month...good luck!

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I get them often and finally found a great cure. 1/2 maalox and 1/2 hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a q-tip a couple times a day and it really makes mine go away fast.

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I used to suffer horribly with canker sores my whole life. Do you get these a lot or just this one? I have literally tried EVERY treatment imaginable and I found a really easy and natural treatment a couple of years ago that works like a charm. The first sign of the canker sore, take a vitamin E capsule and bite off the tip. squeeze out some of the vitamin e oil and apply it to the sore directly. You can use a q-tip of you don't want to use your finger. I ususally do this at night right before bed and by the morning, the sore is on it's way out and doesn't hurt at all. The trick with this rememdy is to apply the vitamin e within the first 24 hours of the sore. If you already have a full-blown sore, this might not work as well. I'm sure you got some great suggestions from others. Keep this in mind if this ever happens again. I can't recommend this treatment enough.

-B. S.
mom to twin boys (almost 2) and married 11 years today!

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I have had repeated bouts with canker sores, for many years. The information I received from my DR., and has actually worked is taking an iron supplement. Apparently one of the side affects of low iron is mouth ulcers. so, hopefully that will help, good luck.

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there is a vitamin, L-Lynsc (or something like that), that you can get at Walgreens. I take 2 tablets twice a day and it works. The tablets are white and if you ever had the sores on the outside of your mouth you could break it up and water it for a paste and put it over that.
It really works- I get these sores all the time and that is what I use.

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You may not like the taste of this but it is the most natural and effective remedy for getting rid of canker sores in the mouth - straight glycerin without anything else in it. You can pick some up at a pharmacy section or CVS probably. It is safe and very helpful! I know its not fun. Also, cut ALL sweets, chocolate, fermented foods, dairy, coffee and wheat until it goes away. You will allow it to heal a lot quicker. Sugar and fermentation is very commonly a trigger for the result of these sores. Also, stress is a biggy so get some rest and relax a bit.

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I put a little alum (a pickling spice) or an oriental powder called Watermelon Frost on the canker sore in my mouth and either of those get rid of the canker sore fast. I was told that if you have sores like that in your mouth, you may also have them throughout your gut tube. If they are recurring, it was recommended to me to cut out caffeine, get more rest, take l-lysine, a probiotic, and/or B vitamins. good luck!

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To heal faster and to relieve pain, use Anbesol gel (normal strength, extra strenght will burn too much and not necessary). Put a dab on q-tip and use as needed. It will numb it and make you forget it is there. Great for acidentally hitting mouth on gums with toothbrush or biting cheek or tongue.

Also, read up on Lysine.

FYI, I know that I am going to have fever blisters when the following occurs:
I generate a mild fever from overexcitement or from dry lips or from extreme weather conditions; windy day, hot day

Three days later, my lips will feel puffy, small blisters will start to form. I generally try to take about 6 - 100 mil of Lysine in AM and 6 at night. It is just an amino acid, will not hurt you. I've found that when I pierce them with a sterile needle, it helps to relieve the pressure, clear fluid will seep out. I then dab with Anbesol gel, it clears up within days. If I don't pierce, the blister continue to grow bigger. I really sympathize with people who get these outbreaks.

Hope this helps.

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Rincinol !! Magic You can get this from your Dentist. the will give you a sample.. I put it in a old perscription bottle. and use a Qtip to put it on its great Does not taste bad and works like magic.. My husband and I both use it once in a while it works overnight.

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My advice is to seek a dr's opinion. Sores that don't heal in the mouth aren't something you want to ignore or mess around with...

I am not sure on how long it has been there, but don't wait too long.

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I get them on my tongue! It's the worst. Gargle with warm water and salt. I also use the cream called Canka. I think that's what it's called. Good luck.

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Vineagar actually kills bacteria in the mouth and throat. I use this for my kids when they have sore throats and I think I've heard it works or cold sores, too. Mix it with water as strong as you can stand and swish it around as much as needed. It won't hurt you to swallow it and it does have a numbing affect.

Hope this helps!! I've had them before and they are miserable!
K.

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I've had canker sores ever since I can remember. I started using Tom's natural toothpaste (with floride) about two years ago, and haven't had one since. I'm convinced that there is so much sugar in regular toothpaste, which sits on your teeth and in your mouth overnight after you brush, leading to the canker sores. It's worth a try, and natural!

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try rinsing with salt water. put 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt into 1 1/2 cups warm water. rinse/gargle with this solution. after rinsing don't put anything in your mouth for a few minutes. finish by rinsing with plain water.

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If you take L-Lysine it will prevent and heal them faster!

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Old time remedy - Alum - try drug store.

If you get them frequently, consult your doctor.

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Hold an uncoated aspirin against the sore for 30 seconds or so. This will dry and pucker it up and it is my only relief. If you only have coated aspirin, you have to wait more for the coating to dissolve. Do not over do it or you'll just make a big pit sore though.

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a good old fashion solution, not expensive, either~~ either put hydrogen peroxide on a q-tip and touch it to the area a few times a day or swish with a solution of 1/2 water and 1/2 peroxide. i just got rid of a pesky one that way. only took a couple of days. it helps get rid of the frustrating pain, too! don't swallow the stuff, though... rinse right afterwards. you'll be smiling and not wincing in no time! good luck and a fellow mom (((hug))) for empathy!! :-)

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I am a huge fan of Glyoxide. It is over the counter and works like a charm. It comes in a small white bottle like container with a blue cap.
It pretty much gets rid of canker sores within a day.
Good luck!
P.

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Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide and water, equal amounts and spit it out.That should clear them right up.

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My dentist long ago recommended Zylactin for my canker sores. It's an older over-the-counter product. I've heard Abreva, a newer OTC product works really well too but is more expensive. Also, Zovirax, a prescription medication, works, but I've found it doesn't stick to the inside of my mouth as well as Zylactin. Salt water or peroxide gargles help too. Canker sores are usually caused by the herpes virus. Almost everyone in my family gets canker sores.

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I was told to rinse after each meal and in the morning and before bed with 1 tablespoon of Mylanta, swish it around in the mouth for one minute, and then spit it out. Dont rinse your mouth more water. I had a bunch of the canker sores and that took care of them with in just a couple of days.

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Hello,

My daughter who is 8 has been getting them all her life. I also suffer from the cold sores. When she gets a canker sore it is a least two at a time in her mouth. We started doing some research and found out that sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS that is in our tooth paste could be the cause or irritating those sores. So we are now using a a sodium lauryl sulfate free tooth paste. There are not many on the market because many do not contain fluoride. There is one and it is called Tom's of Main which you should be able to pick up at CVS or Wal Greens. We also have started to take L-lysine to reduce to reacurance of these little nasty things. Here is a link to the Tom's tooth paste so you can read more about it

http://www.tomsofmaine.com/toms/product.asp?dept_id=450&a...

I also provided a link that goes more in detail about SLS and tootpaste and canker sores.

http://www.oramd.com/canker-sore-toothpaste.htm

Good luck!!!

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Selenium in the vitamin sections in the stores, drug stores, meijer, walmart, etc. this is good for cold sores, canker sores, etc.

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I agree with the poster who said Glyoxide...it is available at most major drug stores and Wal-mart, etc. Also, my Orthodontist recommends Kanka, it is made by Blistex Co. It is used to treat canker sores and mouth irritations due to braces. (Yes, i'm 35 yrs. old, and in braces right alongside my 13 yr old!!!). It coats the sore(s), and anesthesizes (numbs) it! The coating helps to keep the sore protected from further irritation. I hope you get some relief soon!

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I feel your pain! I get canker sores all the time and the best things that help me are:
1. eat yogurt-the bacteria helps heal
2. swish with listerine (the antiseptic cleans and heals sore)
3. dab sore with peroxide
I use all three of these together and what used to take a week to heal on its own with oragel type applications takes maybe 3 days to heal.
Good Luck!

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