Canker Sores

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, food sensitivities, 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 a medicated paste can be prescribed.

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.

Self-Care

Relieve Pain:

• Mix 1 teaspoon salt or baking soda in 1/2 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.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine.

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 2 weeks.