Canker sores appear as reddened areas with a center of white or yellow color. Canker sores usually emerge on the inner surface of the cheeks and lips and at the base of the gums or under the tongue. Canker sores may occur from stress, after mouth injury from dental work, aggressive tooth cleaning, or biting the tongue. Canker sores usually heal on their own; however, certain treatments help relieve the pain and speed the healing process.
Mouth Rinses
Mild, over-the-counter mouth washes or mouth rinses made with products from home provide pain relief and assist healing of the canker sore, reports Medline Plus. Mouth rinses involve swishing the substance around the mouth, especially around the canker sore, for a few minutes before spitting it out. Types of mouth rinses include salt water; baking soda and warm water; a mixture containing a half part of milk of magnesia and a half part of Benadryl liquid allergy medicine; and hydrogen peroxide diluted by half with water.
Direct Application
According to MayoClinic.com, cover the sore with a paste made of baking soda or dab a small amount of milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sore to ease the pain and help the sore heal more quickly.
Pain Relievers
Over-the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen help alleviate the pain experienced with canker sores, reports FamilyDoctor.org. A doctor may prescribe powerful anti-inflammatory medications called corticosteroids for pain relief in severe cases of canker sores, notes Medline Plus.
MayoClinic.com recommends applying over-the-counter products, such as Anbesol or Orajel, which contain numbing agents, directly to the canker sore. The products provide pain relief and they can also protect the sores from becoming irritated while eating, drinking or brushing the teeth. Apply ice directly to the canker sore or allow ice chips to slowly dissolve over the sore to alleviate pain.
Avoid Mouth Irritation
FamilyDoctor.org recommends people avoid certain practices that cause mouth irritation when experiencing canker sores. For example, chewing gum and consuming hard, crunchy, abrasive, acidic or spicy foods can cause further irritation and pain. When brushing teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles and brush gently with it to prevent irritation and minimize the pain that occurs in the canker sore area.
