Canker sore treatment may include medications such as triamcinolone acetonide dental paste, benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide oral rinse, or chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. These treatments can help relieve pain, protect the sore, support healing, or reduce bacteria in the affected area.
Canker sores can develop due to minor local injuries, such as braces or aggressive brushing. They may also be linked to food or medication allergies, gastroesophageal reflux, stress, low levels of vitamin C, folic acid, iron, or zinc, or certain infectious or systemic diseases.
Treatment is not always necessary, because canker sores usually go away on their own within one or two weeks. However, if the canker sore is very large or painful, it is important to see a doctor or dentist, who can recommend the best canker sore treatment, including medication when needed.
Pastes, sprays, and oral solutions for canker sores
Pastes, sprays, and oral solutions are applied directly to the canker sore. They work by protecting the affected area, reducing inflammation, and temporarily relieving pain.
Some treatments that may be recommended by a doctor or dentist for canker sores include:
1. Triamcinolone acetonide
Triamcinolone acetonide dental paste is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action that may be indicated for canker sores or mouth wounds. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, and discomfort, making it a good treatment option for canker sores in the mouth, including on the lips, tongue, gums, and cheeks.
This medication is available in the US as triamcinolone acetonide dental paste, usually 0.1%, and should be used as directed by a doctor or dentist.
2. Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is an oral gel treatment with moisturizing, protective, and healing-supportive action on the oral mucosa. It may help provide quick relief from pain and discomfort caused by canker sores or mouth ulcers.
This treatment may also be found in oral products combined with aloe vera, a substance that may help support regeneration of the oral mucosa and promote healing.
3. Hydrogen peroxide oral rinse
Hydrogen peroxide oral rinse is another option that may be used to help treat canker sores because it helps cleanse minor oral wounds.
This treatment can be found as an oral debriding agent or oral wound cleanser. It is used by rinsing the mouth and then spitting it out, and it should not be swallowed. It should not be used for more than 7 days unless directed by a doctor or dentist.
4. Benzocaine
Benzocaine is a treatment for canker sore pain that may be found as an oral gel, liquid, or spray. It has local anesthetic action and helps provide temporary relief from pain caused by canker sores.
This medication is available in pharmacies as an oral pain relief product or mouth sore treatment. It should be used only as directed on the product label or as recommended by a doctor or dentist. Benzocaine should not be used in children under 2 years old because of the risk of serious side effects.
5. Dexamethasone oral solution
Dexamethasone oral solution is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory action that may be prescribed for painful, recurrent, or more severe canker sores. It helps reduce inflammation in the oral mucosa and may relieve pain and discomfort.
This medication is available by prescription and should only be used as directed by a doctor or dentist. Corticosteroids may not be appropriate when an untreated infection is present.
6. Benzocaine oral spray or gel
Benzocaine oral spray or gel has anesthetic action and helps reduce pain and discomfort caused by canker sores.
This treatment is available in pharmacies as an oral anesthetic gel, liquid, or spray for temporary pain relief. It should not be swallowed and should not be used for more than 7 days unless recommended by a doctor or dentist.
7. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse
Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is another treatment that may be recommended by a dentist. It helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and may be used when bacterial control is needed around the canker sore or irritated oral tissue.
This treatment is available by prescription as an oral rinse. It should be swished in the mouth and then spit out, and it should not be swallowed.
8. Chlorhexidine gluconate + topical oral anesthetic
The use of chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse together with a topical oral anesthetic, such as benzocaine, may help keep the affected area clean while also providing temporary pain relief from canker sores.
These treatments should be used separately and only as directed by a doctor or dentist. Chlorhexidine oral rinse is available by prescription, while benzocaine oral anesthetics are usually available over the counter.
Pills for canker sores
Pills for canker sore treatment may be prescribed by a doctor in more severe cases, such as when the immune system is weakened by disease or cancer treatment, for example.
The main pills that may be recommended by a doctor include:
- Corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes and treat systemic diseases;
- Antibiotics, to prevent or treat infections in the area of the canker sore;
- Medications to reduce stomach acid, especially in cases of gastroesophageal reflux, which can trigger canker sores.
These pills for canker sores should always be used as directed by a doctor, according to the condition being treated.
Home remedy options
There are also some home remedies that may be used to help with canker sore treatment, such as licorice drops or sage tea. These may help relieve pain and inflammation and support wound healing.
In addition, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water may also help reduce inflammation and irritation caused by canker sores.