Canker sores typically resolve without any specific treatment. But measures can be taken to alleviate the pain and discomfort and to hasten the course. Therapies include topical medications (applied directly on), mouthwashes, and oral medications.

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ACUTE MEDICAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

DEBACTEROL

Debacterol is a natural medical product in use for approximately 100 years as a treatment for canker sores.  It is applied topically to active canker sores for approximately 5-10 seconds.  It seals individual lesions and resolves associated pain permanently.  Research suggests that Debacterol may also speed healing of lesions.  Rather than cauterization, benefits likely derive from its actions as a tissue denaturant.

Debacterol is available to individuals by prescription for at-home use, or is offered as an in-office treatment by some medical and dental professionals.  More information on can be found at Debacterol.com and EPIEN Medical.      

SILVER NITRATE

Silver nitrate is a multi-purpose chemical cauterizing agent that can be used to seal acute canker sore lesions.  It requires special storage due a highly reactive nature and is therefore for in-office use only.  Silver nitrate should only be applied as an in-office treatment by medically trained individuals due to the risk of excessive tissue damage.  It is not available by prescription. 

PAIN MANAGEMENT

BENZOCAINE and MENTHOL

Sometimes pain management for canker sores left to heal on their own is warranted.  This is usually achieved with repeated application of compounds that contain nerve-numbing properties.  Products containing Benzocaine (e.g., Orajel, Orabase, Kanka) or Menthol (e.g., Quantum Canker Cover) may help reduce pain with frequent application but do not speed healing. 

GELATIN

Some medical products are designed to cover the lesion with Gelatin (e.g., Canker Melts) and may provide some pain relief through increasing the barrier to mechanical irritation and bacteria.  These options do not speed healing and require frequent application.

HOME REMEDIES

There are many web entries describing home remedies for the pain associated with canker sores including salt-water rinses, tea bags, aloe gel, baking soda and even ice.

PREVENTION

Frequent or severe canker sore outbreaks should be evaluated by a doctor because they may indicate a more severe condition requiring specific medical management (e.g., Behcet’s Disease, PFAPA Syndrome).  

The efficacy of prevention techniques for uncomplicated canker sores is often debated, however these interventions may be helpful to some individuals:

            -  Stress management

            -  Avoid toothpaste with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

            -  Avoid highly acidic, rough or salty food

            -  Decrease alcohol consumption

            -  Decrease high carbohydrate foods.

            -  Practice good moth hygiene

            -  Address overt vitamin deficiencies (e.g., iron, B12, folate)

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