What are the best ways to treat canker sores. How effective is mouthwash for canker sore relief. What other remedies can help soothe and heal canker sores. What causes canker sores and how can they be prevented.

Understanding Canker Sores: Causes and Symptoms

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. These painful sores can make eating, drinking, and even talking uncomfortable. But what exactly causes them?

Common causes of canker sores include:

• Minor injuries to the mouth (from dental work, accidental cheek bites, etc.)
• Food sensitivities or allergies
• Nutritional deficiencies (particularly B-12, zinc, folate, or iron)
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Certain medical conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

Typical symptoms of canker sores include:

• A painful, round or oval lesion with a white or yellow center and a red border
• A tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears
• Difficulty eating or drinking, especially with acidic or spicy foods

The Role of Mouthwash in Treating Canker Sores

When it comes to treating canker sores, mouthwash can play a significant role. But does mouthwash really help with canker sores? The answer is: it depends on the type of mouthwash and how it’s used.

Types of Mouthwash for Canker Sores

There are several types of mouthwash that can be beneficial for canker sores:

1. Saltwater rinses: A simple, homemade solution of warm water and salt can help soothe canker sores and promote healing.
2. Antiseptic mouthwashes: These contain ingredients like chlorhexidine that can reduce bacteria and prevent infection.
3. Analgesic mouthwashes: These contain pain-relieving ingredients to numb the sore and provide temporary relief.
4. Hydrogen peroxide rinses: These can help clean the area and may speed up healing.

However, it’s important to note that some commercial mouthwashes, especially those containing alcohol, can actually irritate canker sores and delay healing. Always choose an alcohol-free option when dealing with mouth sores.

Proper Use of Mouthwash for Canker Sore Relief

To maximize the benefits of mouthwash for canker sores, follow these steps:

1. Choose an appropriate mouthwash (alcohol-free, antiseptic, or specifically formulated for mouth sores).
2. Rinse your mouth with the solution for about 30 seconds.
3. Spit out the mouthwash – do not swallow it.
4. Repeat 2-3 times daily or as directed on the product label.

For saltwater rinses, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish this solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. This can be done several times a day.

Beyond Mouthwash: Other Effective Treatments for Canker Sores

While mouthwash can be helpful, it’s not the only treatment option for canker sores. Here are some other effective remedies:

Over-the-Counter Treatments

• Topical analgesics: Gels or liquids containing benzocaine can provide temporary pain relief.
• Oral patches: These adhere to the sore, forming a protective barrier and promoting healing.
• Oral rinses: Some contain ingredients like lidocaine for pain relief and glycerin to coat and protect the sore.

Natural Remedies

• Honey: Known for its antibacterial properties, honey can be applied directly to the sore.
• Aloe vera: The gel from this plant can soothe pain and promote healing.
• Chamomile tea: Applying a cooled chamomile tea bag to the sore can help reduce inflammation.
• Coconut oil: Its antimicrobial properties may help speed up healing.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Canker Sores

While treatment is important, prevention is even better. Here are some lifestyle changes that can help prevent canker sores or reduce their frequency:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice daily and floss regularly to keep your mouth clean.
• Avoid trigger foods: If certain foods seem to cause outbreaks, try eliminating them from your diet.
• Reduce stress: Stress management techniques like meditation or yoga may help.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This can help prevent irritation to the delicate mouth tissues.
• Address nutritional deficiencies: Consider taking supplements if you’re lacking in certain vitamins or minerals.

When to Seek Professional Help for Canker Sores

While most canker sores heal on their own within a week or two, there are times when you should consult a healthcare professional:

• If sores are unusually large (larger than 1 cm in diameter)
• If they persist for more than three weeks
• If the pain is severe and not relieved by over-the-counter treatments
• If you have frequent outbreaks (more than 3-4 times a year)
• If you also have other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes

In these cases, your dentist or doctor may prescribe stronger treatments or investigate underlying causes.

The Science Behind Canker Sores: Latest Research and Findings

Recent scientific research has shed new light on canker sores, their causes, and potential treatments. Here are some of the latest findings:

Genetic Factors

A study published in the journal “Nature Genetics” identified a genetic link to canker sores. Researchers found that variations in a gene called IL1RN were associated with an increased risk of developing recurrent canker sores. This discovery could potentially lead to new, targeted treatments in the future.

Microbiome Connection

Research published in “Scientific Reports” suggests that the oral microbiome may play a role in canker sore development. The study found that individuals with recurrent canker sores had different bacterial compositions in their mouths compared to those who didn’t suffer from the condition. This insight could lead to probiotic treatments for canker sores.

Vitamin D and Canker Sores

A study in the “Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine” found a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and recurrent canker sores. Participants with low vitamin D levels were more likely to experience frequent outbreaks. This suggests that vitamin D supplementation could be a potential preventive measure.

Innovative Treatments on the Horizon

While current treatments focus on symptom relief and promoting healing, researchers are working on innovative approaches to prevent and treat canker sores more effectively:

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy has shown promise in reducing pain and accelerating healing of canker sores. A study in the “Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research” found that patients treated with laser therapy experienced faster healing and less pain compared to those treated with traditional methods.

Probiotic Treatments

Given the potential link between oral microbiome imbalances and canker sores, researchers are exploring probiotic treatments. A study in the “Journal of Applied Oral Science” found that a probiotic lozenge containing Lactobacillus brevis CD2 reduced the duration and pain of canker sores.

Immune System Modulators

Since canker sores may be linked to immune system dysfunction, researchers are investigating treatments that modulate the immune response. Drugs that target specific inflammatory pathways are being studied for their potential to prevent and treat recurrent canker sores.

Debunking Common Myths About Canker Sores

There are many misconceptions about canker sores. Let’s address some common myths:

Myth: Canker Sores are Contagious

Fact: Unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus, canker sores are not contagious and cannot be spread through kissing or sharing utensils.

Myth: Canker Sores are the Same as Cold Sores

Fact: Canker sores and cold sores are different conditions. Canker sores occur inside the mouth, while cold sores typically appear on the lips or around the mouth.

Myth: Acidic Foods Cause Canker Sores

Fact: While acidic foods can irritate existing canker sores, they don’t directly cause them. However, some people may be more susceptible to canker sores when consuming certain acidic foods.

Myth: Only Adults Get Canker Sores

Fact: Canker sores can affect people of all ages, including children. In fact, they often first appear during childhood or adolescence.

Understanding these facts can help individuals better manage and prevent canker sores, leading to improved oral health and quality of life.

To Mouthwash or Not to Mouthwash? – Dental Health Center

Ahhh — who doesn’t love that minty kick that comes from a swig of mouthwash?

And your oral rinse could be doing more than just giving your breath a makeover, according to many mouthwash makers — it could be chockfull of health benefits, too.

Just check out the label on your mouthwash container, and you may find that it’s a plaque zapper, a teeth whitener, perhaps even a gum-disease fighter.

But are the claims true? Is mouthwash really good for your mouth? Turns out, the answer is yes and no.

4 Important Mouthwash Pros

Mouthwash may:

• Cut down on cavities. “It is absolutely true that rinsing with a fluoride rinse can help reduce cavities,” says Nicholas Toscano, DDS, a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology, co-editor-in-chief of the Journal of Implant and Advanced Clinical Dentistry. “There are countless studies on the benefits of fluoride in reducing demineralization and cavitations of the teeth. ”
• Fight gum disease. With periodontal disease (such as gingivitis), gums and tooth sockets can get inflamed or infected because of plaque from bacteria and food that lingers on teeth. An antibacterial mouthwash, like one with alcohol or chlorhexidine, may help prevent periodontal disease.
• Soothe canker sores. “Mouthwash can ease a canker sore by detoxing the area — reducing the amount of bacteria that can irritate the site,” says Dr. Toscano. In many cases, a simple saltwater rinse will do.
• Safeguard your pregnancy. Periodontal disease is actually a risk factor for giving birth to preterm, low-weight babies — the bacteria from a gum infection can get into a pregnant woman’s bloodstream and increase inflammatory markers, which in turn can stimulate contractions. And a recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (which received funding from Proctor and Gamble) found that moms-to-be who used mouthwash throughout their pregnancy were less likely to go into early labor.

Mouthwash clearly offers certain benefits — but it’s important to know that not all mouth rinses are the same. Saltwater rinses can be made at home with warm water and salt, whereas store-bought types contain a variety of ingredients ranging from fluoride (Act) to alcohol (Listerine) to chlorhexidine (Peridex).

3 Mouthwash Cons You Should Know

Mouthwash is by no means a cure-all. In fact, mouthwash gets bad marks because it:

• Irritates canker sores. If the alcohol content of your mouth rinse is too high, it may actually end up irritating the canker sore more than helping it.
• Masks bad breath. “Mouthwash can lead to fresher breath, but it may be short-lived,” says Toscano. “If a patient has poor oral hygiene and doesn’t brush effectively, there is no amount of mouthwash that can mask the effects of poor health. Just using mouthwash would be equivalent to not bathing and using cologne to mask the smell.”
• Has been linked to oral cancer. The debate over whether alcohol-containing mouthwashes are linked to oral cancer continues — it’s an issue that has been discussed since the 1970s with no definitive answers. One stumbling block has been the way the studies have been designed, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). As of now, the ADA has put its Seal of Acceptance on some mouth rinses containing alcohol after it extensively reviewed their effectiveness and safety.

Toscano says to keep this in mind: “Using a rinse is very different than drinking alcohol, and usually there is a synergistic effect with smoking. The ADA only puts its seal of approval on proven research and would not put people in harm’s way by having them use a product that would have such negative side effects.”

The Bottom Line on Your Oral Rinse

“Mouthwashes should not be used as a substitute for toothbrushing,” says John Ictech-Cassis, DDS, DMD, a clinical professor at Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine. Even when they can be helpful in lessening the risk of periodontal disease and cavities, they should always be used in conjunction with good hygiene habits.

Ultimately, what is right for your best friend may not be the best choice for you, so consider your personal situation. For people with periodontal disease, Toscano recommends Listerine because it reduces the bacteria that causes the disease. For those who are cavity-prone, he tends to recommend a high-fluoride rinse like Act. And he always emphasizes the importance of good dental hygiene.

Everything You Need to Treat a Canker Sore 2019 | The Strategist

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Canker sores (sometimes referred to as mouth ulcers or “aphthous ulcers”), can be intensely painful. The Mayo Clinic defines canker sores as “small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums.” And to clear up a common misconception, canker sores “are not the same thing as cold sores or herpetic sores,” says Dr. Tyrone Rodriguez, a pediatric dentist and ADA spokesperson. Canker sores only occur inside the mouth, and they are not contagious. While anyone can develop canker sores, Rodriguez tells us that certain people are particularly prone to them, and in general “about 20 percent of the population will experience them at least once per year.”

Both Rodriguez and Dr. Gerry Curatola, the founder of Rejuvenation Dentistry and author of The Mouth-Body Connection, underscored the difficulty of pinpointing the exact causes of canker sores, but common triggers include any sort of physical irritation inside the mouth (from braces, an accidental cheek bite, or aggressive brushing, for example), smoking (and vaping), and spicy food. Stress, lack of sleep, nutritional imbalance, or an autoimmune disorder can also cause flare-ups.

Additionally, when the “oral biome,” which Curatola describes as “the microbial ecosystem of your mouth,” gets out of balance, it changes the immune response and can lead to canker sores. “Look at it as an alarm bell and not an annoyance,” he says. If your canker sores are particularly painful and persistent, the experts said it’s best to speak with your dentist. But for standard-issue canker sores, there are some proven methods to deal with them — including topical treatments to provide relief and speed up healing, and toothpastes and mouthwashes that can minimize the occurrence of canker sores in the first place.

The first line of defense when it comes to treating canker sores is often some sort of topical pain reliever. These can also help protect the sore from further irritation and speed up the healing process. One treatment Rodriguez and Curatola both recommend is applying milk of magnesia directly to canker sores. (They suggest using a Q-tip.) According to Curatola, the benefits are more “palliative,” and won’t necessarily help address the underlying cause, but it can still help with the pain. In order to get a stronger effect, Rodriguez suggests mixing one part milk of magnesia with one part Benadryl and then applying the same way, topically with a Q-tip. As Rodriguez explains, “Benadryl helps curb the inflammatory response that is somewhat responsible for causing the discomfort,” and milk of magnesia provides a soothing protective coating.

Another pain-relieving topical treatment recommended by both dentists was clove essential oil, which they both warned is quite potent and should be applied in very small doses, again with a Q-tip or something similar. “It works for a lot of people,” says Rodriguez, adding that since clove oil is a “natural anaesthetic, it will help calm down those nerve endings so things don’t hurt as much. Curatola describes clove oil as working like “a natural Benzocaine.” (Benzocaine is the chemical anaesthetic in many popular topical gels.)

Orajel is likely the most widely available topical treatment made specifically for canker sores. It’s a pain-relieving gel that you can find in most drugstores. Rodriguez didn’t recommend a specific brand, but he said that benzocaine gels in general “will shut down the nerve endings, which helps with the discomfort, but it might not stop the [inflammatory] process.” An additional benefit of this type of gel, however, is that it forms a sort of protective coating over the sore which can help guard against further irritation.

Mouthwash is another popular treatment method for canker sores, and many find it easier to use since you can simply swish it around your mouth and then spit it out. Both Rodriguez and Curatola mentioned baking soda rinses as an effective remedy because baking soda is “alkalizing.” As Rodriguez explains, “Mouth rinses with baking soda are effective because they raise the pH in the mouth so that things that are acidic and irritating won’t hurt as much, and this can also facilitate the healing process.” He recommends diluting one teaspoon of baking soda in a half-cup of warm water and then “swishing it around” in your mouth.

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck0gva4sb01893h60mvckw1j7@published” data-word-count=”70″>Hydrogen peroxide rinse is another popular remedy for cleaning and healing canker sores, and Rodriguez says it “can be effective,” but it’s very important to use a solution that’s 3 percent strength or less to avoid irritation. This Colgate peroxide rinse is diluted to 1.4 percent strength so it should be gentle enough, and it’s also alcohol-free, which is important because alcohol “can be an irritant” and further inflame sores.

Both dentists told us that using alcohol-free mouthwash is also an important part of canker sore prevention. According to Curatola, alcohol dries out the “supportive film of the oral microbiome,” which he says is essential to maintaining a “balanced” and healthy mouth. “Saliva is the lifeblood of the mouth,” he says, adding that “when saliva flow decreases, you’re more prone to developing ulcers.” Using an alcohol-free mouthwash like this one will help prevent your mouth from drying out which can decrease the likelihood of developing canker sores. As Rodriguez puts it, “Saliva is naturally protective, so keeping things wet in your mouth is a good thing.”

Toothpaste can also trigger canker sores for some people. Rodriguez often tells patients who are having issues with mouth to sore to try out a new toothpaste brand and see if it helps. “I’ve had patients that have had success by switching brands, and some find that getting an SLS-free toothpaste helps.” SLS, or sodium laurel sulfate, is the chemical in toothpaste — and many soaps and shampoos — that creates a “foaming” effect. According to Rodriguez, SLS can act as act as an irritant for some and cause sores to develop. Rodriguez did not want to endorse a particular brand, but this toothpaste from Hello was our best-overall natural toothpaste, endorsed by two oral health experts, and it’s SLS-free.

Curatola also recommends going SLS-free, but he advises patients with canker-sore issues to avoid fluoride as well. “Fluoride can lead to cankers,” he says, because some types of fluoride “irritate the soft tissue in the mouth.” He also recommends looking at the ingredients list and avoiding anything with xylitol, an artificial sweetener in many toothpastes. “Xylitol can be very disturbing to the oral and gut microbiomes,” says Curatola.

com/strategist/_components/clay-paragraph/instances/ck0gvbah3018t3h60aqnkh6mf@published” data-word-count=”124″>Another potential cause of canker sores is aggressive brushing, which can irritate your gums and the inside of your mouth. Rodriguez likes some of the more advanced electric toothbrushes because they have pressure sensors “that let you know if you’re brushing too hard.” This Oral-B toothbrush was featured in our list of the best dentist-recommended electric toothbrushes, and it has a light-up pressure sensor to alert you when you’re applying too much force. Also, the small brush head would be helpful if you do have canker sores and need to navigate around them while brushing. (Most dentists agree that an electric brush is going to be more effective than a manual one, but if you prefer manual brushes Rodriguez recommends sticking with soft bristles.)

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What can I do about my canker sores | Kenora Dentist

If you get canker sores, you are one of the “lucky” few.   Only about 1 out of 10 people develops canker sores. 

The real name for this condition is aphthous ulcers.  Canker sores are actually a mild auto-immune reaction.  First, I should explain how a canker sore comes about.

There are several stages to the life cycle of a canker sore.  Canker sores are thought to be caused by a physical injury to the soft tissue.  On susceptible people, instead of the body immediately acting to repair the damage, certain elements of the immune system declare the injured area as a foreign body.  After injury, the immune system attempts to destroy the “foreign body” and kills cells in the area.  When the sore gets large enough (usually about 3-5 millimeters in diameter), then another part of the immune system recognizes that a mistake has been made by the immune system, stops killing cells in the area, and healing begins.  By the time healing begins, bacteria from the mouth have begun to invade the area and also has to be cleared out.  Little can be done with today’s technology to stop the immune system’s foreign body type reaction in the area.   However, either or both of the other stages of the sequence (physical injury and bacterial invasion) can be shortened or eliminated.

Physical injury to the soft tissue can come in several ways.  Of course, there is the injury that can come from eating sharp foods like corn chips, or a biting injury, or injury to the soft tissue from a blow to the mouth, or even a burn.  These types of injuries are common.  One type of injury you may not have considered is the injury that results from the acid in plaque.  If plaque is not brushed or flossed away a couple of times each day, the soft tissue that comes in contact with the plaque is continually bathed in mild acid.  In time, this acid can easily cause injury.  Sometimes I see patients who have developed canker sores along the edge of the tongue (lateral border).  The most obvious cause of these sores is plaque buildup on the inside surface of the lower teeth.  For some people, acidic foods like tomatoes can cause canker sores.  If you know you get canker sores after eating certain foods, it’s best to either avoid eating those foods or brush after eating them.   Even a vigorous swish with water after eating the offending food should help to avoid canker sores.  If you don’t brush much and you get a lot of canker sores, try brushing every day.  As for the jabbing, cutting, or burn injuries, usually we have already attempted to avoid the behaviour that resulted in injury.

The autoimmune portion of the life cycle of a canker sore usually lasts about 4-5 days while the bacterial colonization portion usually lasts a week or more.  Little can be done to stop the autoimmune portion of the process with today’s technology, but the bacterial portion can be greatly shortened or even eliminated.  There are several products that kill enough bacteria to nearly eliminate the bacterial stage of canker sores.  All are prescription products except one–Listerine.  For Listerine to work, it must be used full strength, and swished for 30 seconds several times every day.  A very extensive and impressive study from a few years ago which compared the bacteria-killing ability of more than a dozen of the most common over the counter (non-prescription) mouthwashes found Listerine to be by far the best.   The same study also found that all of the bacteria-killing capability of Listerine comes in the first 30 seconds.  Because of this, there is no need for a longer rinse time.  All three flavours have the same active ingredients and work the same.  If you are like me, you will need to swish with cool water after swishing with Listerine.

If you are one of the “lucky” few who are plagued with canker sores, ask your dentist for personalized advice for your case.

– This article was written by Dr. Mike Christensen and published in the Daily Miner and News, and Enterprise. Local Kenora News Publicatons (1998-2006)

Canker sore – Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis

Tests aren’t needed to diagnose canker sores. Your doctor or dentist can identify them with a visual exam. In some cases, you may have tests to check for other health problems, especially if your canker sores are severe and ongoing.

Treatment

Treatment usually isn’t necessary for minor canker sores, which tend to clear on their own in a week or two. But large, persistent or unusually painful sores often need medical care. A number of treatment options exist.

Mouth rinses

If you have several canker sores, your doctor may prescribe a mouth rinse containing the steroid dexamethasone (dek-suh-METH-uh-sown) to reduce pain and inflammation or lidocaine to reduce pain.

Topical products

Over-the-counter and prescription products (pastes, creams, gels or liquids) may help relieve pain and speed healing if applied to individual sores as soon as they appear. Some products have active ingredients, such as:

• Benzocaine (Anbesol, Kank-A, Orabase, Zilactin-B)
• Fluocinonide (Lidex, Vanos)
• Hydrogen peroxide (Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse, Peroxyl)

There are many other topical products for canker sores, including those without active ingredients. Ask your doctor or dentist for advice on which may work best for you.

Oral medications

Oral medications may be used when canker sores are severe or do not respond to topical treatments. These may include:

• Medications not intended specifically for canker sore treatment, such as the intestinal ulcer treatment sucralfate (Carafate) used as a coating agent and colchicine, which is normally used to treat gout.
• Oral steroid medications when severe canker sores don’t respond to other treatments. But because of serious side effects, they’re usually a last resort.

Cautery of sores

During cautery, an instrument or chemical substance is used to burn, sear or destroy tissue.

• Debacterol is a topical solution designed to treat canker sores and gum problems. By chemically cauterizing canker sores, this medication may reduce healing time to about a week.
• Silver nitrate — another option for chemical cautery of canker sores — hasn’t been shown to speed healing, but it may help relieve canker sore pain.

Nutritional supplements

Your doctor may prescribe a nutritional supplement if you consume low amounts of important nutrients, such as folate (folic acid), vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12 or zinc.

Related health problems

If your canker sores relate to a more serious health problem, your doctor will treat the underlying condition.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To help relieve pain and speed healing, consider these tips:

• Rinse your mouth. Use salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water).
• Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day.
• Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain.
• Apply ice to your canker sores by allowing ice chips to slowly dissolve over the sores.
• Brush your teeth gently, using a soft brush and foaming-agent-free toothpaste such as Biotene or Sensodyne ProNamel.

Preparing for your appointment

Your doctor or dentist can diagnose a canker sore based on its appearance. Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

Information to gather

Before your appointment make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including when they first started and how they may have changed or worsened over time
• All your medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins or other supplements, and their doses
• Any other medical conditions, to see if any relate to your symptoms
• Key personal information, including any recent changes or emotional stressors in your life
• Questions to ask your doctor or dentist to make your visit more efficient

Here are some basic questions to ask:

• Do I have a canker sore?
• If so, what factors may have contributed to its development? If not, what else could it be?
• Do I need any tests?
• What treatment approach do you recommend, if any?
• What self-care steps can I take to ease my symptoms?
• Is there anything I can do to speed up healing?
• How soon do you expect my symptoms will improve?
• Is there anything I can do to help prevent a recurrence?

Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor or dentist

Be ready to answer questions from your doctor or dentist, such as:

• What are your symptoms?
• When did you first notice these symptoms?
• How severe is your pain?
• Have you had similar sores in the past? If so, have you noticed if anything in particular seemed to trigger them?
• Have you been treated for similar sores in the past? If so, what treatment was most effective?
• Have you had any recent dental work?
• Have you recently experienced significant stress or major life changes?
• What is your typical daily diet?
• Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
• What medications are you taking, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements?
• Do you have a family history of canker sores?

Salt, Baking Soda, and More

When you feel the pain of a canker sore, there are remedies you can use to help ease the discomfort and possibly speed the healing process. Try these at-home and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for minor canker sores and know when you should see your dentist for the problem.

Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell

How Long Canker Sores Last

Canker sores usually heal on their own within a week or two. The home remedies described below may help take some of the sting out of the sores by reducing inflammation and bacteria and enhancing healing.

There are also a variety of products you can buy without a prescription that can help relieve pain temporarily and speed healing. These come in different forms, including pastes, gels, and liquids, and they work best if you apply them directly to each canker sore as soon as it appears. Your pharmacist, doctor, or dentist can offer advice on which may work best for you.

What Is a Canker Sore?

Simple canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are among the most common types of oral ulcers. They are usually small and shallow and develop inside the mouth and at the base of the gums. They are different from cold stores, which occur on the lips. Canker sores can’t be transmitted to anyone else, but they can hurt for a week or two until they heal, usually on their own. Home remedies may help reduce pain and speed the healing process.

The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but stress and minor injury inside the mouth are believed to be triggers. Some foods, such as acidic fruits and vegetables, may provoke canker sores or make existing sores worse, as can certain medications.  

Saltwater and Sodium Bicarbonate 

If you rinse your mouth several times a day with salt water or gargle with a solution of salt water, you may be able to improve the healing of cancer sores while promoting healthy gums. (Avoid putting salt directly on the ulcer.) Bear in mind that the salt solution may initially sting when it comes into contact with the ulcer.

To make the salt water solution, mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit the solution out.

In addition to salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may be added to the saline solution. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with small drops of water until a thick consistency result. Use this paste to cover the canker sores, which will help relieve pain.

These methods may be repeated as often as needed. Saline and sodium bicarbonate both help the mouth heal quickly by gently reducing the alkalinity and bacteria in the mouth.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Use a cotton swab to dab the solution directly onto the canker sores. Do not swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will help reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.

Honey

Honey has been shown to have healing properties for canker sores. Direct applications of honey several times a day to each sore can help reduce the number of days of pain, as well as ulcer size and redness.  

You can also use honey as a canker sore remedy by mixing it in tea, such as chamomile, and drinking several cups over the course of a day. Honey that has not been pasturized is recommended.

Milk of Magnesia

Used frequently as an aide to relieve constipation and as an antacid, milk of magnesia is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide. Dab milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sores with a cotton swab, three to four times a day.

This method is recommended after using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Milk of magnesia may help reduce the pain and help speed the healing process.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil and its lauric acid component help fight some harmful bacteria in the mouth and may enhance healing of canker sores. Daily swishing with about a tablespoon of this oil in the mouth, a practice known as oil pulling, may also reduce dental plaque. 

In addition to its beneficial effects on oral health, oil pulling is also believed to enhance overall health. However, oil pulling is not a substitute for dental care and is not currently recommended by American dental association.

Alum Powder

Alum powder (crystallized potassium aluminum sulfate) is a food additive often used to help keep pickled fruits and vegetables fresh. It is also an ingredient in baking powder. You can buy it in the spice section of your grocery store.

One study of 50 young women found that alum significantly decreased the size of oral ulcers and reduced pain severity. The average period of full ulcer healing was about 7 days for women treated with alum and about 12 days for women who were not treated.

You can create a paste by mixing a pea-sized drop of alum with a drop of water. Apply the mixture directly to each canker sore and let it sit for at least one minute. Then rinse. Do this daily until you see results.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Apple cider vinegar has bacteria fighting properties that may help heal canker sores. To create a rinse, mix a teaspoon of the vinegar into a cup of water and swish the solution around your mouth for up to a minute. Then spit and rinse your mouth thoroughly. 

Because vinegar can damage tooth enamel, it’s best to rinse with apple cider vinegar just once a day. Keep in mind that the solution may sting, so it if causes pain, try a different remedy. 

Liquid Antihistamine

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) liquid allergy medicine may be used as an oral rinse by mixing one part milk of magnesia and one part diphenhydramine together. Rinse with the solution for one minute, then fully spit out the solution. Take care to avoid swallowing this mixture.

OTC Oral Care Products and Rinses

The dental care section of your supermarket or drug store has several non-prescription options.

• Antiseptic mouth rinses contain ingredients intended to help heal mouth sores by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth.
• Oral care products that numb painful areas in the mouth are also useful when treating canker sores.
• Products such as gels, paste, and rinses that are specifically marketed for mouth sores may provide pain relief and help speed the healing process.

It is important that you follow the manufacturers’ instructions closely when using over-the-counter products.

When to See a Dentist for Treatment

Canker sores that are classified as major, or are considered herpetiform canker sores, may require treatment from your dentist. Common treatments include oral medicaitons, and (rarely) corticosteroids.

Consult your dentist when canker sores do not heal after 14 days, are accompanied by a fever, or appear to be infected.

Oral Medications

Prescription medication may be necessary for treating serious canker sores that have developed into secondary infections.

Tetracycline suspension (liquid) may be prescribed with instructions to hold the medicine in the mouth for two to five minutes before swallowing. Tetracycline is typically not prescribed for children as it has been shown to cause permanent discoloration in developing teeth.

Zovirax (acyclovir) is an antiviral drug that may be prescribed for cases where there are multiple, very painful canker sores.

Corticosteroids

Although rare, corticosteroids such as prednisone and dexamethasone may be prescribed as a treatment for canker sores. Dexamethasone suspension (liquid) may be prescribed for use as an oral rinse with instruction to fully spit out after a determined time.

A Word From Verywell

Keep in mind that even though they are painful, canker sores tend to heal well on their own. Use these methods for relief and see your dentist for any non-healing canker sores.

Is Mouthwash Good for Your Gums?

Mouthwash kills the vast majority of bad breath-causing germs and bacteria in your mouth, but is mouthwash good for your gums? Read here to find out.

Do you use oral gargles often?

Because of its properties allowing it to kill the majority of bacteria in your mouth, many people use mouthwash as often as they see fit. In addition, it also gives them a breath fresher than a hotel pillow with a mint on it. However, there are some people who believe it has a bad effect on your gums.

These people have a firm belief which links oral rinses to the degeneration of the gums. Instead, they stick to using them for other household uses.

What should you believe though? Is mouthwash good or is it bad for your gums?

Below, we’ve listed the actual effects oral rinses like Listerine have on you and your gums. Read on to know if you’re in the clear or if you should avoid using oral rinses from here on out.

Benefits of Using Mouth Rinses

Other than defending your mouth from harmful bacteria, using oral rinses also give you more benefits than people realize. Some of these even do wonders for the health of your gums.

1. Rinsing Often Prevents Canker Development

One thing that plagues everyone is canker. These shallow lesions happen because of the bacteria in your mouth. A small, harmless cut in your cheek or gum lining can turn into canker sores because of the bacteria entering them.

Anyone getting a canker sore will find it hard to perform tasks they found easy before. Toothbrushing, eating, and even drinking water become a painful and labored experience because of these aphthous ulcers.

Oral rinses help prevent these from happening. As mentioned above, they get rid of the majority of bacteria infecting a mouth. These include the bacteria that make canker sores happen.

2. It Prevents Certain Diseases

Rinsing your mouth every now and then can help prevent certain diseases. Unlike cankers which are products of bacterial invasion, the diseases that we’re talking about here are viral. This means they’re much harder to tackle and get rid of.

For example, oral rinses can prevent gingivitis from invading your mouth. Gingivitis deteriorates the condition of your gums. At first, it won’t alarm many people much as it only causes minor bleeding in the gums whenever someone brushes their teeth, which many people don’t notice at all.

Left alone though, gingivitis can cause severe bleeding on your gums. It can even be a gateway for worse gum diseases due to your gum’s deteriorated condition. Rinsing your mouth with oral wash removes any chance of the disease happening to you.

Also, it helps prevent it from becoming worse. Existing gingivitis virus get eradicated with the proper kind of mouth gargle.

Another kind of disease certain oral gargles prevent is gonorrhea.

Listerine mouthwash
has the right formula to render the disease harmless.

3. Gargling Helps Prevent Cavities

Cavities cause a lot of dental problems for being such a small malady. The decay it causes may open the door for other dental problems. For example, it can cause your teeth to become more sensitive.

This is because it erodes the enamel in your teeth. This makes it more susceptible to the temperatures of food and drink. Other than that, the decay from a cavity can cause infections to happen in your gums.

The health of your gums relies a lot on your dental hygiene. Having a cavity can throw your dental health all over the place and compromise your gums. Gargling with fluoride mouthwash is the best way to prevent this from happening.

This is due to fluoride being a natural remedy to anything that eats away at minerals. This can help you cut down the chances of cavities forming on your teeth, thus saving you from a myriad of dental problems.

Cons of Using Mouth Gargles

Like with everything else, there’s a downside to using oral gargles. Most of the time, this happens when you overuse any kind of gargle. Other times, it’s because people use more than the recommended dose.

Regardless, you should watch out for these when you’re using any kind of oral rinse.

1. It Upsets the Natural Bacterial Balance in Your Mouth

Once you use any kind of gargle for the first time, you become somewhat reliant on it. This is because of how it gets rid of any kind of bacteria. This also includes the good bacteria that help keep your mouth healthy in terms.

Once you start gargling with oral washes, it’s up to you to keep the bacteria away. This means there must always be a stock of oral washes at the ready once one runs out.

2. It May Cause Existing Canker Sores to Worsen

Gargling with an oral wash is a great way to prevent canker sores. However, it’s worth noting that it won’t help get rid of any existing ones.

Instead, oral rinses can irritate them and make them worse. This is because of Cocamidopropyl betaine, an ingredient in most conventional mouth gargles.

This is what they use to cause gargles and certain hygiene products to foam up. Most of the time, they foam up when in contact with different kinds of bacteria. The problem is that they do that when they come in contact with the bacteria inside canker sores.

This causes immense pain to your sores. The foaming can even make it worse because of the air that enters the sores. This may make it spread in a larger area if it gets worse.

3. Gargles May Cause Oral Cancer

People are still unclear about this, but unless you’re using natural mouthwash, you should note that gargles may be a cause of oral cancer. They say it’s because of the alcohol content of certain oral rinses.

Alcohol is an essential content of conventional gargles. This also causes your mouth to dry out after rinsing with them. People suspect that the alcohol reacts at a certain way when they come in contact with the tobacco stains
in smokers’ teeth.

So, Is Mouthwash Good for Your Gums?

There are many factors to consider when it comes to oral washes and whether they’re safe. Therefore, if you find yourself asking “Is mouthwash good for me?”, make sure to consult your dentist first.

Need a good dentist or one to provide a second opinion? Contact us here
and we’ll answer any questions you have!

Why You Should Know the Difference

Canker sores and cold sores are often confused with each other, but they’re not the same. One is highly contagious and requires complex treatment. The other is annoying but is nothing to worry about.

So, how do you know if you have a canker sore or a cold sore? Should you worry? How do you treat a canker sore versus a cold sore? That’s what we’ll cover in this post.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• the difference between a canker and a cold sore
• how to know if you’re contagious
• how to prevent them
• how to treat them

Disclosure:

Ask the Dentist is supported by readers. If you use one of the links below and buy something, Ask the Dentist makes a little bit of money at no additional cost to you. I rigorously research, test, and use thousands of products every year, but recommend only a small fraction of these. I only promote products that I truly feel will be valuable to you in improving your oral health.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Canker and a Cold Sore

Canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. It’s essential to know the difference so you can treat them properly.

Canker sores are white ovals inside the mouth. Their medical term is an aphthous ulcer or an ulcerated canker. Canker sores are the less serious of the two and, while they can be very painful, are usually nothing to worry about.

Cold sores are like pimples outside the mouth. Their medical term is herpes labialis or oral herpes. Cold sores are more serious and require complex treatment. They are highly contagious. They are generally not serious but can be life-threatening for anyone with a decreased immune system thanks to medications or other disorders, such as AIDS.

First, let’s tackle canker sores.

What do canker sores look like?

Canker sores look like small, oval-shaped white or gray area surrounded by a red halo. They’re about 2-4mm in size.

You get canker sores inside the mouth. The common areas are the cheeks, tongue, and inner lips. They are not contagious.

What causes canker sores?

Think of cankers as autoimmune—they’re usually something you get when you’re run down. Cankers are much less likely to crop up when we’re getting enough rest and taking care of ourselves.

There’s no single cause of canker sores, and no one knows why some people get them more often than others, but they can usually be traced back to one or several of these things:

• Food allergies. Especially gluten sensitivity and wheat allergies.
• Nutrition Deficiency. Vitamin B12, Zinc, iron, or folic acid deficiencies may contribute to cankers (according to some studies in the literature available) although there isn’t enough research to back this up yet.
• Stress. Canker sores will come around during exams or other stressful times in your life. Conversely, managing stress can prevent canker sores.
• Hormonal changes. Medications, menstrual periods, or menopause can make you more likely to get a canker.
• Something sharp. We call this “mechanical trauma” in dentistry. Something sharp inside the mouth can cause a canker. This includes biting yourself, braces, a retainer that has a sharp edge, a sharp tooth, dental work, and even brushing too hard. Pretzels and chips are a common cause of canker sores since they’re sharp enough to irritate and cause a canker.
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Most toothpastes contain SLS, the ingredient that gives toothpaste that foamy, tingly feeling, but SLS is strongly linked with canker sores as it is a surfactant that strips the delicate oral mucosa layer o the inside of the mouth.
• Acidic foods. Tomato sauce is a common culprit. A diet with too much processed foods, citrus, chocolate, wheat, and pasta can make you prone to canker sores.

How to treat a canker sore

The most important thing you can do for a canker sore is to find out what the root cause is.

Most of the time, I recommend you just wait it out (canker sores take about two weeks to go away on their own).

To speed up the healing process, I recommend rinsing with a super saturated salt rinse with either himalayan or dead sea salt. This may burn a little bit at first, but it speeds up healing because salt stimulates the closing of the aphthous ulcer. Saltwater is good for mouth injuries and sores because it increases blood flow to the affected area. This speeds up healing and reduces the amount of inflammation of the area. Saltwater is also an astringent that contracts the tissues and speeds up wound healing by reducing inflammation and contracting the tissues (British Dental Journal).

These methods won’t heal your canker sores—they can just help with the irritation and pain. To prevent irritating the canker sore while you wait for them to heal, try:

• A chamomile tea bag. Compounds in chamomile can reduce inflammation and soothe the pain in the area. Soak a tea bag of chamomile in filtered water and place against the canker sore for several minutes as many times a day as you like.
• Oil pulling. Oil pulling with a high-quality coconut oil can also help soothe the area of the sore.
• A sensitive toothbrush. If you’re prone to canker sores, buy a toothbrush for sensitive gums and replace it every month to make sure it’s not abrasive.
• Avoiding certain foods. Abstain from anything sharp, spicy, acidic, or very hot up until a few days after the last symptoms of the canker sore are gone. It’s also recommended to stay away from alcohol, tomato sauce, grapefruit, pretzels, chips, carbonated drinks, nuts, chocolate, coffee, and tea, which can all irritate cankers.
• Avoiding essential oils. These can cause the canker to burn and become irritated.

When you’re in a lot of pain, you can consider some of the following treatments. Keep in mind that none of these help the healing process or make cankers go away faster. These aren’t good long-term solutions and the pain relief is short-lived—often lasting only 15 minutes.

• Take ibuprofen. This could slow the healing process since it reduces blood flow to the wound site, so only consider this in extreme pain. Personally, I won’t use ibuprofen for this reason.
• Topical anesthetics. Benzocaine and other over-the-counter creams can relieve some of the pain while you wait for a canker to heal. Gives you a little pain relief, but could slow down healing.
• Topical steroids. These can also relieve canker pain.
• Medications and lasers. Your dentist can apply these.
• Anbesol. Anbesol is a numbing cream, but I’m not a big fan because it’s a strong chemical in your mouth and it’s only short-term relief that doesn’t treat the root cause.

What to stay away from

• Hydrogen peroxide. I’ve seen some websites that recommend hydrogen peroxide for canker sores, but there is no bacteria to kill and it will just irritate the ulcer further, causing more pain.
• Canker sore covers. These just don’t work and every time I’ve seen them used or used them myself, they make canker sores more painful and prolong the healing process.
• Listerine. It will burn and it’s not healing. Mouthwash is designed to kill bacteria and a canker sore is not a bacterial infection.

How to prevent canker sores

• Switch to an SLS-free toothpaste. SLS is a foaming agent added to most toothpastes. It strips the delicate oral mucosa layer in the mouth, irritating it and making it prone to canker sores. Consider making a homemade toothpaste.
• Check your nutrition. It’s worth checking into your diet to make sure that you aren’t deficient in something. A poorly nourished body can easily become run-down and canker sores could be a result of this. This isn’t proven in the literature, but then again, there are not a lot of scientific studies on canker sores to begin with.
• Take an oral probiotic. Probiotics restore the “good” balance of bacteria in the mouth that keeps the mouth healthy and resilient. This is the oral probiotic that I use.
• Download my canker sore diary. People with chronic canker sore outbreaks should record what foods they ate—keep a diary and determine if there’s a pattern.

Canker sores should resolve on their own within 2 weeks. If a canker sore persists for more than a month, it could be a sign that you’re continually getting a canker sore in the same spot thanks to biting yourself or another cause, but it could also be a sign of oral cancer. Don’t let a canker sore go more than a month—see your dentist if it lasts longer than that.

What do cold sores look like?

Cold sores start out as tiny, fluid-filled blisters which eventually break open and then crust over. Before the blisters appear, they may start out as an itching, burning, or tingling sensation around the lips.

Cold sores are mainly found on our outside of lips and outside of mouth and they tend to recur at the same spot every time.

What causes cold sores?

Cold sores are caused by a virus. The virus spreads when people share utensils and cups, kiss, and even shake hands with someone who has touched their own oozing blister.

The first time people are exposed to the virus is usually around age five. Ninety percent of people will get a cold sore at least once during their lifetime—so most of us are carriers of the HSV type 1 virus.

Once you have the virus, it never goes away. It may lie dormant, but it can still be spread, even if you don’t have any cold sores or haven’t had any for years.

That virus is called HSV type 1 (HSV-1), which is closely related but not the same as genital herpes, which is caused by HSV type 2 (HSV-2).

A cold sore outbreak is typically triggered by:

• Sunlight
• Wind
• Hormonal changes
• Stress and fatigue
• Suppressed immune system
• Viral infections

How to treat a cold sore

Cold sores will heal by themselves in about 2-3 weeks. These are my tips for what to do during the healing process and how to get out of pain.

• Denavir. This is my favorite prescription cream. It’s a cream that you apply every 2 waking hours for four days. It’s active ingredient is an anti-viral and what I’ve seen in the last 10 years are very good results, so it’s my go-to. It’s prescription-only so you have to see your dentist for it.
• Low-level laser treatment. It’s expensive and available through your dentist and supposedly it has lasting effects, but that hasn’t been proven in the scientific literature.
• Medication. The creams attack the cold sore and its site, but you can attack the viral infection systemically by taking a pill. There are side effects, so try the cream first. Zovirax is the most popular.
• Avoid makeup. Covering up cold sores with makeup can slow down the healing process. If you have to cover up a cold sore for work, remove the makeup as soon as you get home, ideally with warm water and gauze instead of makeup remover, which contains usually alcohol and other solvents and will irritate the cold sore.
• Work with a shame-free dentist. I’ve seen some rare cases where dentists have judged patients with cold sore outbreaks. This is just plain wrong. Having cold sores is not a shameful thing. Ninety percent of people have the virus. Cold sores are very prevalent, with or without sexual activity. If you can’t discuss how to manage your cold sores openly with your dentist, move on and find a new one.
• Ice. Apply a cold pack directly to cold sores for temporary relief. It may not reduce the duration of the breakout, but it can ease discomfort and inflammation of the sores.

Avoid:

• Abreva, which empirically has no evidence that the active ingredient, Docosanol, actually works.
• Lemon balm, which is acidic and burns and has no healing benefits.
• Anything that covers the cold sore. The cold sore needs to be exposed to air in order to heal. If you cover it, you’re preventing the body from healing itself.
• Moisturizing creams or aloe vera. Don’t moisturize the area. The body tends to heal by drying out the area. Moisturizing the area can interfere with the body’s natural healing process.

How to prevent cold sores

• Apply sunblock or chapstick every day. Sunlight can trigger cold sores, so protecting your lips from the sun may protect against outbreaks.
  Try an L-Lysine supplement. It hasn’t been proven, but a lot of people swear by an L-Lysine supplement to prevent cold sores.
• Prevent lesions from spreading. Children sucking on their fingers or touching other parts of the body without washing their hands can cause cold sores to spread. In rare cases, the cold sore virus can spread to the eyes and cause scarring and impaired vision. All you need to worry about is washing your hands frequently and not touching the blister, especially when it’s oozing. Don’t let the fluid in that blister come into contact with anything else!
• Beware of others having an outbreak. If you come into contact with someone having an outbreak, keep in mind that they are highly contagious. Wash your hands frequently and do not touch your lips to prevent contracting the virus.
• Stress reduction. This one is key. Exercise, meditation, and learning how to keep your stress levels in check will go a long way to minimize outbreaks.
• Prevent spreading the virus to loved ones. Don’t kiss children on the lips, don’t share toothbrushes, cups or utensils, and wash your hands often. Avoid contact during outbreaks, especially when blisters are oozing, which is when they are most contagious. Don’t shake hands—you can tell people you’re recovering from a virus.

Mark Burhenne DDS

Got more questions about canker or cold sores? Ask me a question!

Learn More: How Can I Cure My Frequent Canker Sores?
90,000 drugs for the treatment of stomatitis in the mouth in adults

How to treat stomatitis in adults and children?

In the pharmacy you can find a huge number of drugs that help in the fight against stomatitis, with the cause and symptoms. Most of them are sold without a prescription, so anyone can buy the drug.

In the treatment of stomatitis, an integrated approach is used: it is necessary to influence the cause of the disease, as well as to alleviate the severity of symptoms.

Pain medications

In the event that ulcers interfere with eating and talking, cause great discomfort to the patient, it is considered appropriate to prescribe pain relievers for topical use. These include:

• Anestezin – available in tablet form for grinding into powder. It has a local anesthetic effect on the mucous membrane in the affected area.
• Geksoral – effective tablets for absorption in the mouth, helping in the fight against ulcerative lesions of the mucous membranes.They have a double result – the drug has an antibacterial and anesthetic effect.
• Lidocaine Asept – available in the form of a spray, which is convenient for topical application. The drug contains lidocaine and chlorhexidine: they provide a disinfecting and analgesic effect. This spray is preferable for ulcerative stomatitis.
• Lidochlor – this gel relieves pain and has an antibacterial effect on the oral mucosa, relieves inflammation.

Herbal remedies – a decoction of chamomile, calendula, sage, also have some antiseptic properties, have a soothing effect on the mucous membrane. They help relieve inflammation and relieve swelling from the affected mucosa.

Antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs

These drugs are the mainstay of stomatitis treatment. They are available in the form of tablets for absorption in the oral cavity, in the form of sprays for irrigation of mucous membranes, ointments, gels, etc.d.

• Kamistad – contains chamomile, which relieves inflammation and has a calming effect. Lidocaine has an analgesic effect on the affected mucous membrane.
• Cholisal – available in the form of a gel. It has an excellent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
• Stomatidine (hexetidine) is an antiseptic drug widely used in dental practice.
• Cameton – contains essential oils, has antimicrobial and local anesthetic effect.Sold in the pharmacy chain in the form of an aerosol or spray.

Sprays Ingalipt, Geksoral are also used for local use for stomatitis. They prevent the spread of infection in the oral cavity and speed up the onset of recovery.

Special remedies for the treatment of stomatitis in adults

Depending on the reason for the development of stomatitis – a fungus, a virus or a bacterium, specific medications are selected.

Acyclovir, Zovirax are used to combat herpetic stomatitis, in some cases it is advisable to use interferons.When treating fungal stomatitis, the doctor may prescribe Mikozon, Levorin, nystatin ointment, etc. Bacterial stomatitis requires the appointment of antibiotics, given the sensitivity of microorganisms.

Preparations enhancing regeneration

Help in this case can be drugs that accelerate the healing process of the damaged mucous membrane.

• Solcoseryl – This medicine is often used in the practice of a dentist. It is produced in the form of a paste that must be applied to the lesions.Solcoseryl helps to improve trophic processes, accelerates tissue regeneration;
• Sea buckthorn oil – is an excellent natural remedy, it helps to accelerate the healing of ulcers in the oral cavity;
• Vinilin is an antiseptic balm. The principle of action is to envelop the ulcers and their faster healing;
• Proposol spray – the effect of the drug is based on propolis.

In case of an allergic form of pathology, the first moment of treatment is the identification and exclusion of the allergen.In some people, an allergic reaction may occur after a bracket or denture is installed, or when using a new drug. Since ulcers in this form of stomatitis are a symptom of the body’s reaction to an allergen, it is the allergy that must be eliminated first. For this purpose, antihistamines are used. You can take them in the form of tablets or applications on the mucous membrane.

There are contraindications. A specialist consultation is required.

90,000 causes and treatment (Well, you and an ulcer! Where do wounds in the mouth come from and how to get rid of them)

Each of us has encountered sores in the mouth at least once in our life.These unpleasant pimples can occur almost anywhere in the mouth: on the cheeks, tongue, gums, palate. For what reason they arise, what to do with them and why in spring and during stressful situations we are vulnerable to their appearance, says Ekaterina Andreevna Smirnova, candidate of medical sciences, dentist of the Studio32 expert dentistry center.

Ulcers with stomatitis

Sores on the mucous membrane in the mouth can appear for several reasons.One of them is a decrease in human immunity. The suppression of the protective properties of the body can be associated with seasonal changes, acute stressful situations, prolonged emotional stress, as well as malfunctions of the endocrine system or systemic diseases such as, for example, tuberculosis and syphilis. It is with the suppression of immunity that the appearance of stomatitis and herpetic ulcers is associated.

Aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common types of lesions of the oral mucosa.White or yellow sores from 3 to 10 mm in the center and red along the edges (scientifically called aphthae) can appear on the tongue, inside of the cheeks, palate and at the base of the gums. They usually cause mild soreness and heal within 7-10 days. But there are also larger aphthae, which are very painful, take longer to heal and require more attention and treatment.

Aphthous stomatitis is not an infection and therefore cannot be transmitted by kissing or through dishes.The same cannot be said about herpetic stomatitis. It is caused by a virus and is therefore extremely contagious. Unlike aphthous stomatitis, herpetic stomatitis is manifested not by sores, but by painful vesicles that are poured onto the oral mucosa.

Sores caused by trauma

Another reason for the appearance of ulcers is trauma to the oral mucosa, as a result of which the infection enters the wound. Most often this occurs if a person, for example, bites his nails, or has a habit of biting the tip of a pen or pencil.Lovers of seeds and hard toothbrushes are at risk. It is a misconception that the harder the brush, the cleaner your teeth will be. Not at all, but it is very real to injure the gum and cause inflammation. Sores caused by microtrauma, as a rule, appear on the tongue and gums, that is, in those places where there is contact with the aggressor from the outside.

The mucous membrane can also be injured due to malocclusion. Wounds on the cheeks and on the side of the tongue can be troublesome when a person constantly bites the cheek and tongue.In addition, during a stressful situation during a period of psychoemotional stress, in which we are all now due to a pandemic and quarantine, some people experience uncontrolled biting, a kind of “paving the cheek”, tongue or lips between the teeth. These factors can exacerbate the appearance of wounds during isolation.

Manifestation of inflammatory processes in the gums

Sores are often referred to as gingival inflammation, in particular the formation of a fistula.If a person has chronic inflammation at the root of a tooth, a wound may appear on the gum during the period of its exacerbation, so the abscess on the root of the tooth opens the fistulous passage outward. Here, of course, one cannot do without professional treatment and elimination of the root cause.

How to treat “pimples” on the mucous membrane

The appearance of ulcers in the mouth is not a reason for panic, but you should not leave everything to chance either. If the wounds are small and do not cause much concern, then they do not require special treatment.Will pass in 1-2 weeks. At home, you can rinse your mouth with chamomile decoction, which has a mild antiseptic effect. It must be remembered that excessive use of antiseptics can cause burns to the oral mucosa. It is definitely impossible to “fill” with chlorhexidine or rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Miramistin works quite well, this antiseptic is designed just for mucous membranes, therefore it acts sparingly. Alternatively, you can use prophylactic antiseptic rinses such as Listerine, Forest Balsam, Paradontex, and so on.Of gels, Kholisal, Metrogyl Denta works well.

The drugs should be used in a standardized and still controlled manner. Even in isolation due to coronavirus, you can consult with a specialist remotely. For example, Yandex Health provides an opportunity to ask the dentist your questions online. The doctor, by describing the symptoms and photographs, will be able to give recommendations on therapy.

It is necessary to consult a dentist if no improvement occurs within a week, if the ulcers are large, hurt badly, or are accompanied by an increase in temperature.

Spicy, sour and rough foods should be avoided until recovery. It is better to give up chewing gum and not brush your teeth with hard brushes.

If sores in the mouth occur periodically, you should think about the correct selection of preventive hygiene products: pastes and brushes.

Do not forget about strengthening the immune system, the state of which is closely related to the state of our nervous system. Against the background of stress and tension, not only sores can occur, but also bleeding of the gums – this is what in wartime in the Soviet Union was called scurvy, and in modern dentistry it is called gingivitis.Elimination of gingivitis, as well as aphthous stomatitis, largely depends on the normalization of personal oral hygiene.

Rinsing the mouth with chlorhexidine solution to reduce the severity of gingivitis and the formation of dental plaque

Review question

Does rinsing your mouth with chlorhexidine (broad spectrum antiseptic), in addition to other commonly used methods of brushing your teeth, help control and reduce symptoms of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums)? Is the result influenced by the frequency of rinsing or the concentration of the solution, and are there any unwanted side effects?

Relevance

Gingivitis is a reversible condition in which the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily.Gingivitis is widespread – according to studies conducted, this disease affects about 50-90% of the adult population in the UK and the United States. In predisposed individuals, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, which is not reversible. In periodontitis, inflammation is accompanied by loss of ligaments and bone support of the teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss. Severe periodontitis is the sixth most common disease worldwide.

Maintaining a high level of oral hygiene is believed to be important for the prevention and treatment of gingivitis.Brushing your teeth is the main method of maintaining good oral hygiene. Other commonly used cleaning methods include flossing, interdental brushes, plaque removal, and polishing performed by a dentist. Some people find it difficult to control plaque build-up and prevent gingivitis by just brushing their teeth. Therefore, they sometimes use chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes in addition to regular brushing. These mouthwashes are widely available over the counter; prescriptions are generally not required outside of the United States.

Research characteristics

We included 51 studies that analyzed a total of 5345 participants. The evidence in this review is current to 28 September 2016. Most of the study participants were children and adults with gingivitis or periodontitis who used conventional methods of brushing their teeth and were generally healthy. We did not exclude studies in which some or all of the participants had certain medical conditions or special care needs, as we felt that using chlorhexidine mouthwashes was especially important for them.The included studies evaluated the effects of chlorhexidine mouthwashes used for at least 4 weeks, in addition to routine brushing, in children and adults with gingivitis.

Main Findings

There is high quality evidence that the use of chlorhexidine mouthwashes in addition to regular brushing for 4-6 weeks or 6 months results in significant plaque reduction.There is also high quality evidence for a moderate reduction in the severity of gingivitis in people with mild gingivitis, but since the disease was mild, this is not considered clinically important. The nature of the available evidence does not allow us to determine the degree of improvement in the severity of symptoms of gingivitis in people with moderate to severe disease.

There was no evidence that a certain concentration of chlorhexidine solution was more effective than another.

Rinsing for 4 weeks or more causes staining of the teeth, requiring removal and polishing by a dentist Other side effects have also been reported, including tartar (plaque) formation, temporary taste disturbance, and temporary damage to the oral mucosa.

Quality of evidence

The risk of bias in one study was unclear and high in the other 50, but this did not affect the quality of the assessment of gingivitis and plaque, and we believe that further studies are unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of the effect.

Stomatitis treatment for 3 types of mouth ulcers

The mouth helps us to realize many functions, including communication, nutrition and breathing. However, just as with other parts of the body and organs, something can go wrong inside the mouth. When you have sores and foci of inflammation in your mouth, you should know that they can accompany (be symptoms) of several types of diseases. And here’s everything you need to know about stomatitis, treatment and pain relief.

Herpes stomatitis and treatment

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) causes herpes sores tons, commonly known as herpes simplex. This virus is highly contagious, infection occurs through saliva, usually between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. In many cases, a person infected with HSV-1 has no symptoms. However, when an exacerbation occurs, drooling, fever, difficulty swallowing and general malaise may appear, this is what the National Institute of Health says .The gums may bleed and redden, swell and be too tender or painful.

If you have been diagnosed with herpes stomatitis , you should understand that this is a chronic disease that will accompany you throughout your life. There is no way the body can get rid of the virus that causes ulcers. However, exacerbations of the disease should not be left untreated, which means taking over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and relieve fever.During an exacerbation, children are advised to drink more fluids. The flare-up usually lasts two weeks or less. For frequent flare-ups, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications.

Ulcerative stomatitis and treatment

Aphthae, officially called ulcerative stomatitis, are round, painful sores in the mouth. The ulcer can be one, or up to 10 ulcers can develop at a time. Aphthae are quite common.

Aphthae can be transmitted within the family, and the ulcers themselves are not contagious.Scientists do not have a complete understanding of why ulcers form, but believe they may form as a result of problems with the immune system. Common trigger factors for ulcer formation include eating foods that are high in acids, trauma to the mouth, emotional stress, and hormonal changes associated with menstruation.

Symptoms include tingling or burning on the tongue, inner lips, and inner cheeks.Ulcers take about two to three days to form and can be small or large. Small ulcers go away on their own after a few weeks without leaving scars. Large sores are painful and can leave scars.

It is impossible to prevent the formation of aft, or to cure them. However, you can get rid of symptoms such as burning. Eating light meals, rinsing your mouth with warm water, and applying pain relievers can relieve symptoms. Larger ulcers may require special medications.

Denture-related stomatitis and treatment

Always keep your mouth clean as the Oral Health Foundation recommends. Redness under dentures and ulcers are signs to look out for.

This condition may be due to the increased growth of fungi present in the oral cavity. Proper oral hygiene is essential for the treatment of stomatitis. This includes brushing your teeth regularly and using a mouthwash.If you wear dentures, make sure they are clean after eating. At night, when the dentures are not in your mouth, they should be soaked. Smoking also leads to the growth of yeast in the mouth, so getting rid of this bad habit will help you improve your oral health.

Taking medications may be required if adherence to such hygiene habits will not be enough to treat stomatitis. In this case, you need to see a doctor or dentist.

If you have herpes simplex, aphthae, or a fungal infection of the oral cavity, the most important thing is to find a way that will help get rid of the discomfort. Home treatment options such as antipyretics, pain relievers, or oral gels and lotions can relieve symptoms.

90,000 How to treat herpes on the lips and oral mucosa in adults and children

Herpes simplex infection is very common.Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) primarily causes infection in or around the mouth (oral herpes). According to the World Health Organization, 90,071 90,155 90,156 90,072 in 2012, the number of people infected with the HSV-1 virus was about 3.7 billion people under the age of 50, or 67% of the world’s population. Herpes can also appear on the gums, causing discomfort. But the dentist will help you deal with the problem.

Transmission

Infection occurs through airborne droplets or through oral contact.This often happens already in childhood. The virus is transmitted to a child through contact with family members, even by touching or sharing cutlery. If a child has not become infected at home, it is possible through contact with the body fluids of other children at school, for example, sneezing or eating together.

People who managed to avoid infection during childhood can get the virus during adolescence or youth. Transmission occurs by kissing a carrier of the virus, or using lip balm, razor blades, or other personal care products together.

Symptoms

Primary herpes occurs in a person who has not been sick before. Usually, several round papules appear in the corner of the mouth, they are accompanied by gingivostomatitis – an infection of the mouth and gums. In children and adults, gums are red, swollen, and sore. Bubbles form on the gums. They are filled with fluid and are painful to open. In addition, painful sores develop on the gums. In addition to these symptoms, sore throat and increased salivation are possible.

Diagnostics

Often, the dentist diagnoses herpes in the mouth without special tests, by examining the oral cavity. But sometimes tests are recommended to distinguish herpes simplex from other conditions with similar symptoms, such as an STD. In this case, a small tissue sample is taken from the lesions and analyzed for viral or bacterial infections of other types. If the dentist suspects that the ulcers may be cancerous, they will also perform a biopsy.

Treatment

Herpes sores usually take 7 to 14 days to heal. Your dentist may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribing an antiviral medication. According to WHO, the most effective drugs for herpes simplex are antiviral drugs such as acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. They help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms, but the infection will not cure.

If you find it difficult to brush your teeth due to sensitive gums, try switching to a toothbrush with very soft bristles. This brush is designed for gentle cleaning of sensitive gums. Even if you have cold sores in your mouth, it is important to keep brushing your teeth and gums, and choosing the right hygiene products will significantly improve your well-being.

How to quickly cure stomatitis in the mouth?

Many patients complain of gum disease, swelling and bleeding.And not everyone knows such a disease as stomatitis, its causes and consequences. In this article, we will consider all the questions that arise with this disease.

First, let’s look at what Stomatitis is – an inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa. The causative agent is microorganisms, viruses and yeast-like fungi. It can also occur under the influence of intoxication, when exposed to medications, against the background of other diseases. A decrease in immunity matters: microbes that constantly inhabit the oral cavity begin to show their pathogenic properties.

Depending on the degree of damage to the oral mucosa, there are two basic concepts of catarrhal and ulcerative stomatitis.

With catarrhal stomatitis, there is bleeding of the gums, swelling of the mucous membrane. Imprints of teeth are found on the mucous membrane.

Next we have ulcerative stomatitis, which is more common in adolescents and older children with carious teeth. It often starts with an increase in body temperature. The patient feels soreness, swelling and bleeding of the gums.Increased salivation, putrid odor from the mouth. The mucous membranes are covered with a dirty gray coating, small ulcers are formed. In severe cases, deep ulcers with tissue decay.

How to cure stomatitis in the mouth?

First and foremost is proper hygienic care. A balanced diet is of great importance. Food should be warm, not irritating the oral mucosa. Exclude spicy and salty foods from the diet. It is recommended to anesthetize the mucous membrane before eating.In milder forms of stomatitis, treatment is reduced to irrigation of the oral cavity with antiseptics: furacilin solution (1: 5000), 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (2 tablespoons per 1/2 glass of water), potassium permanganate solution (1: 6000), chamomile, sage infusion …

To combat the pathogen, it is recommended from the first day of the disease to apply topically antiviral ointments: “Bonafton”, “Riodoxol”, “Tebrofen”, “Florenal”

So what can you do to avoid a disease like stomatitis?

90,000 why do they appear and how to get rid of them at home

Sores in the oral cavity are very painful, but they are safe and can be well treated with the help of available means.

These unpleasant sores affect the lining of the mouth. They can appear as a result of an accidental bite on the cheek or tongue, poor fit of dentures, or solid food.

They can also be caused by stress, anxiety, certain foods and hormonal changes.

Often they are associated with genes, about 40 percent of people suffering from this scourge say that many in their family have the same problem.

Fortunately, in most cases, ulcers can be treated with available remedies.

1. Gargle with warm water and salt (two teaspoons of salt per glass).

2. Baking soda mixture (one teaspoon with a little water to make a paste and then apply to the ulcer throughout the day).

3. Blot the ulcer with honey to speed up the healing process.

4. Eat a sprig of celery, it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Chew basil leaves because they have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.