MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Canker sore treatment

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Canker sore treatment

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names	Information References

Illustrations

Canker sore

Canker sore (aphthous ulcer)

Fever blister

Alternative Names Return to top

Treatment - canker sores

Information Return to top

Question:

How can you treat painful canker sores in your mouth?

Answer:

The easiest home remedy is to apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab on the canker sore (1 part hydrogen peroxide to 1 part water). Then dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore 3-4 times a day. This is not only soothing, but it appears to help healing.

Another home remedy is to mix equal amounts of milk of magnesia and Benadryl Allergy liquid. Swish a teaspoonful of the mixture in your mouth for about 1 minute and then spit it out.

Other treatments for more severe cases include applying fluocinonide gel (Lidex) or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash.

See also: Canker sores

References Return to top

Gonsalves WC, Chi AC, Neville BW. Common oral lesions: Part I. Superficial mucosal lesions. Am Fam Physician. 2007;75:501-507.

Femiano F, Lanza A, Buonaiuto C, Gombos F, Nunziata M, Piccolo S, Cirillo N. Guidelines for diagnosis and management of aphthous stomatitis. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2007;26:728-732.

Update Date: 10/31/2007

Updated by: Robert Hurd, M.D., Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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