Fix Canker Sores
Fortunately, a test is not required for a patient who is suffering from canker sores. The dentist can usually identify them through a visual exam of your mouth. In some cases, there may be testing to identify any other health issues. This is especially common if the canker sores are severe and an ongoing issue.
Treatment is not usually necessary for cases of minor canker sores as they tend to be resolved on their own within a week or two. However, large, persistent or extremely painful sores may require medical intervention. There are various treatment options available which are summarized below.
1. Mouth rinses
In cases where several canker sores are present, the doctor may prescribe you with a mouth rinse which contains the steroid dexamethasone. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Lidocaine can also be used to reduce the pain associated with the sores.
2. Topical Products
Over-the-counter and prescription products which can be in the form of pastes, creams, gels or liquids, may help relieve pain. These topical product can also expedite the healing time when they are applied to the individual sores upon first appearing. Some of these types of products contain the following active ingredients:
* Benzocaine
* Fluocinonide
* Hydrogen peroxide
There are various other topical products which can be used for canker sores, this includes products which do not contain the active ingredients listed above.
3. Oral Medications
When the canker sores are severe or do not respond to other topic treatments, oral medications may be used. Common oral medications include the following:
* Medications not intended specifically for canker sore treatment, such as the intestinal ulcer treatment sucralfate (Carafate). This medication is used as a coating agent and colchicine, which is commonly used to treat gout.
* Oral steroid medications can be used when severe canker sores do not respond to other treatment options. Due to the serious side effects associated with steroids, they are typically used as a last resort.
4. Cautery
During cautery of a canker sore, an instrument or chemical substance is used to burn, sear or destroy the affected tissue.
* Debacterol is a topical solution which is designed to treat gum issues and canker sores. By chemically cauterizing the canker sores, this medication can help reduce the healing time down to about a week.
* Silver nitrate is another option for the chemical cautery of canker sores. While it has not proven to expedite the healing time, it can aid in relieving pain associated with canker sores.
5. Supplements
Your doctor may also prescribe nutritional supplements such as folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and zinc.
6. Related Issues
In the event you are experiencing canker sores due to a more serious health condition, your doctor will need to first treat the underlying issue.
7. Lifestyle and At-home Remedies
The following tips can be used to help relieve pain and speed your healing time:
* Rinse your mouth with a salt water or baking soda rinse with 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water
* Blot a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore a few times each day
* Avoid consuming abrasive, acidic or spicy foods which can cause irritation and pain
* Apply ice to the canker sores
* Be gentle when brushing your and use a soft toothbrush and use a sensitive toothpaste such as Biotene or Sensodyne
Before you appointment with the doctor or dentist, gather the below information which will be helpful in creating an effective treatment plan.
* Symptoms, including the timeline of when they began and the progression
* A list of medications. This includes over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins
* Health history and other medical conditions
More Oral Health Advice : Fixing Cavities