Canker Sores (cont.)
Are canker sores the same thing as fever blisters?
The simple answer is no. Canker sores are generally inside the mouth or the oral cavity and are not contagious. However, fever blisters mostly occur on the lips and outside of the mouth and are very contagious. Fever blisters, or
cold sores, are infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
What steps can be taken to help canker sores?
If you have canker sores:
- Avoid abrasive foods such as potato chips that can stick in the cheek or gum and aggravate the sores.
- Take care when brushing your teeth not to stab the gums or cheek with a toothbrush bristle.
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods.
- Canker sores are not contagious, so patients do not have to worry about spreading them to other people.
- A toothpaste free of sodium lauryl sulfate and other ingredients that are irritating to the tissues inside the mouth can be helpful in some patients, as can a toothpaste that inhibits the growth of irritating plaque. Therefore, something as simple as changing toothpastes may help with recurrent canker sores.
What is the treatment for canker sores?
Canker sores typically resolve without any specific treatment. But measures can be taken to alleviate the pain and discomfort and to hasten the course. Therapies include topical medications (applied directly on), mouthwashes, and oral medications.
What kind of topical medications (gels or ointments) are available for canker sores?
Topical medications include numbing ointments, such as benzocaine (Oragel), which are available in drug stores without a prescription. The ointment should be applied a few times daily directly to the sore in order to reduce irritation form eating, drinking, or brushing. Topical 2% lidocaine (an anesthetic) gel has also been used effectively in some patients, but it may associated with some toxicity, especially in children. In very painful cases, injection of local anesthetics may help relieve the symptoms effectively, but it is usually temporary.
Anti-inflammatory (steroid) gels may also be applied locally to reduce the inflammation. These products are generally provided by prescription from a physician or a dentist. The main ingredient in these medications is usually fluocinonide (Lidex) or triamcinolone.
Topical antibiotics [for example, tetracycline
(Achromycin)] may also be recommended by your doctor.
Next: Can mouthwash solutions be used with canker sores? »
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