How To Get Rid Of Canker Sores (Treatment with a Dentist)
Canker sores are small, white ulcers that can appear on the inside of your lips and cheeks, or on your tongue. For the most part, they are more of a nuisance than a health issue.
Typically, canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks; however, discomfort associated with these sores can interfere with routine tasks such as eating, drinking, and oral home care.
If you want to get rid of canker sores fast, then keep reading!
How to get rid of canker sores
Treatment of canker sores focuses on relieving pain and, if possible, the duration of the lesion.
Our dentist in Waldorf, MD, offers an instant canker sore pain relief treatment. By applying Debacterol, a liquid topical agent, to your sore, you can diminish approximately 90% of the pain in 30 seconds.
Additionally, he may prescribe a chlorhexidine or magic mouthwash to promote faster healing of the sore.
If you are unable to make it to the office, try the following suggestions:
How to avoid agitating your canker sore
- Avoid touching it with your toothbrush.
- Steer clear of foods that will exacerbate your canker sore, including crunchy, dry, spicy, or acidic foods. Especially citrus and tomato.
- If you have braces, apply wax to brackets adjacent to the sore to reduce rubbing. If your braces or dentures continue to cause discomfort and repeat sores, your dentist may be able to make the proper adjustment to fix the issue.
- Try avoiding toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate. You may have a sensitivity to this ingredient.
How to relieve canker sore pain
- Gargle with saltwater. Mix about 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon of salt with 8oz of warm water. Put about 2-3oz of water in your mouth at a time, swish it around for 20-30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat until all of the water is gone.
- Consider using a local numbing agent. Products like Orajel can be applied to the canker sore and numb it for temporary relief. These products contain benzocaine, so please read all cautions before using them.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen.
If your canker sore does not heal within a few weeks or is so painful you are unable to eat or drink, then it’s time to see a dentist for additional canker sore treatment.
What causes canker sores
One way to prevent canker sores is to avoid the things that cause them in the first place. Here are common triggers for canker sores:
- Putting pens and pencils in your mouth
- Biting your fingernails
- Injury: Like biting on the inside of your cheek or braces irritating your mouth
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Smoking
- Medications
- The types of foods consumed
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies
If canker sores are extremely frequent, your dentist may advise a consultation with your primary physician for a possible vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Have a question?
Our cosmetic and restorative dentists, Dr. Paul Silberman and Dr. Daniel Barakh, are often referred to as a “best dentist in Waldorf, MD.” They are known for their sincere, warm, and kind personalities – with a great sense of humor too.
At The Silberman Dental Group, we are proud to offer free consultations and second opinions to residents of Waldorf, MD and surrounding communities, including Charlotte Hall, White Plains, La Plata, Brandywine, Accokeek, and Mechanicsville. Give us a call to schedule your visit!
Dr Silberman, Thank you for this. I have a dental appt today and a canker sore and I was worried about the pain. I’m happy to see the dentist will be able to help. It’s odd it never really occurred to me a dentist isn’t constrained to being a “tooth doctor” theyre more like an “oral health” doctor!
Hello Nate, The dentist is your first line of defense against oral diseases, oral cancer, etc. The physician often says, “Open, say ahhh” and they’re done. If the dentist has Debacterol, one application will stop 90% of the pain, and by tomorrow, you will be pain free. If not, the 10 to 14 day duration is annoying but tolerable. It will heal on its own. Good luck, Dr. Silberman