Canker Sore Treatments and Medications

Canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis) are small ulcers that develop on the inside of the cheeks, on the inside of the lips, on the tongue, or on the gums. They tend to be white or yellow and are often surrounded by bright red skin. Canker sores shouldn’t be confused with cold sores, which are sometimes called fever blisters. Cold sores appear on the outside of the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Even though there’s no cure for canker sores, the pain that comes along with them can be self-treated. Minor canker sores will go away on their own within one or two weeks, but severe cases may need medical attention. If you think you have a canker sore, consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation and medical advice.   

How are canker sores diagnosed? 

Canker sores might be self-diagnosable for people who’ve had them before, but some people may need to visit a healthcare provider in order to get a proper diagnosis. Typically, mouth ulcers will appear on the gums, tongue, or inside of the lips and cheeks. They’ll be white, yellow, or gray in color and be surrounded by reddish skin.   

Although the exact cause of canker sores is unknown, many researchers believe they’re caused by one or more of the following:

• Hormonal changes

• Vitamin deficiencies  

• Stress

• Weakened immune system 

• Food sensitivities or allergies 

• Mouth injuries from dental work

• Biting the tongue or cheek

• Aggressive toothbrushing

Canker sores are very common, and women are more likely to experience them than men. A primary care physician or dentist will be able to diagnose and treat canker sores. If you go to a healthcare provider or dentist for your canker sore, here are some questions you might get asked:

• Are you experiencing any pain, difficulty chewing, or difficulty talking?

• Have you recently experienced any stressful life experiences? 

• Do you have a family history of canker sores?

• Are you taking any medications? 

Canker sore treatment options

Once you’ve self-diagnosed your canker sore or been told by a healthcare provider that you have one, the next step is proper treatment. Because there’s no cure for canker sores, treatment options typically focus on pain relief.   

Here are some of the most common treatment options for canker sores:

• Mouthwashes/rinses

• Topical anesthetic creams, pastes, or gels 

• Lozenges

• Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications 

• Corticosteroids 

To help keep canker sores from coming back, here are some things you can talk to your healthcare provider about, including:  

• Reducing stress 

• Eating a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables 

• Avoiding rough, spicy, and acidic foods 

• Getting enough nutrients   

Types of canker sore medication

There are several different types of medications that can be used to treat canker sores. The type of medication you’ll need will depend on your individual symptoms and medical history. 

Topical anesthetics 

Anesthetics are medications that can help relieve symptoms that come from having a canker sore, like pain and difficulty chewing. They work by numbing the painful area. Two of the most popular anesthetics for canker sores include Cepacol and benzocaine. It’s possible for anesthetics to cause allergic reactions and other side effects like itching or hives.  

Mouth rinses

Healthcare providers may recommend prescription mouth rinses, such as chlorhexidine, which may reduce canker sore recurrence, or magic mouthwash to relieve discomfort. 

Steroids 

Steroid medications are sometimes used to treat canker sores if they’re becoming worse and not going away. Some healthcare providers will prescribe mouth rinses with steroids in them, or they’ll prescribe oral steroid medications like Decadron (dexamethasone) or prednisone. Steroids help reduce swelling and pain, but they can also cause side effects like stomach pain, vomiting, and allergic reactions.   

Over-the-counter canker sore medicine

Canker sores can be painful and even make it difficult to chew properly. Over-the-counter pain medications like Advil, Aleve, or Tylenol can help treat pain that comes with canker sores. You shouldn’t take medications like ibuprofen or naproxen if you’re allergic to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Topical anesthetic products can also be found over the counter. 

There’s no one universal canker sore medication that will work best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary. A healthcare provider can determine the best medication for canker sores based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments. 

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Best medication for canker sores