Canker Sore – Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

Doctors or dentists usually spot canker sores—also called aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers—just by looking during a regular exam. Lab tests? Most of the time, you won’t need them.

If your mouth sores hurt a lot or keep coming back, your doctor might run extra tests to check for other health problems.

These might include blood tests to look for vitamin or mineral deficiencies (like vitamin B12, iron, or folate) or conditions like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

Your doctor may also ask if you’ve had recent illnesses, stress, or injuries to your mouth, or if there’s a history of ulcers in your family.

In rare cases, a biopsy might be done to rule out more serious causes, especially if the sore doesn’t heal or looks unusual.

Treatment

Rinsing Solutions for the Mouth

People sometimes use special mouthwashes to ease pain and swelling. Doctors may prescribe a rinse with a steroid like dexamethasone or a numbing agent such as lidocaine.

These rinses come in handy if you have several sores at once or if the outbreaks are especially painful.

Regular mouthwash without sodium lauryl sulfate is also a good idea, since that ingredient can bother sensitive mouths.

Medicines Applied on the Sore

You can buy topical treatments over the counter, or a dentist or doctor might give you something stronger.

Gels, creams, or liquids go right on the sore to numb it and speed up healing. People often use ingredients like benzocaine, fluocinonide, or hydrogen peroxide. A cotton swab helps you apply these treatments directly where you need them.

Some options don’t have active drugs but still cover and protect the sore to help it heal.

Common Topical Ingredients Table

Active Ingredient What It Does
Benzocaine (OTC Anesthetic) Numbs pain
Topical corticosteroid Reduces swelling
Hydrogen peroxide Cleans and disinfects

Medicines Taken by Mouth

If the pain feels really intense or nothing else helps, your doctor might suggest oral medicine.

These could include a mucosal protectant (to coat the sore) or an anti-inflammatory agent sometimes used off-label for oral ulcers. Doctors may also turn to oral steroids for really tough cases.

Since these drugs can cause strong side effects, most doctors only use them when other treatments haven’t worked.

Burning or Chemically Treating the Sore

Sometimes, health care providers use chemicals or heat to treat the sore directly. They might apply Debacterol to help it heal faster and lower pain.

Silver nitrate is another option—it mainly helps with pain, though, not healing. This approach can give quick relief if you’re dealing with a really painful sore.

Diet Changes and Vitamin Supplements

Canker sores sometimes connect to low levels of certain vitamins or minerals. If blood tests show you’re low on vitamin B12, zinc, folic acid, or iron, your provider might recommend supplements.

Eating a balanced diet and fixing any shortages can help keep new sores away.

Treating Other Health Conditions

Now and then, canker sores point to another health issue. If that’s the case, treating the main problem becomes really important.

It’s a good idea to see your doctor if sores happen frequently or get severe, as conditions like celiac disease or immune disorders may be involved.

Everyday Tips and Simple Treatments

People can try a bunch of simple things at home to ease discomfort and help canker sores heal faster.

  • Salt Water Rinse: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse for relief.
  • Baking Soda Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water to soothe the sore.
  • Avoid Certain Foods: Skip acidic, spicy, or harsh foods that can make pain worse, especially if you have a weak immune system or allergies.
  • Ice Chips: Let ice chips melt slowly on the sore to help numb pain.
  • Gentle Brushing: Use a soft toothbrush and mild toothpaste to avoid hurting sensitive spots—especially helpful if you’re recovering from chemo, cancer, or HIV.
  • Milk of Magnesia: Dab a little on the sore a few times a day to protect and calm the area.

Most people, even those with ongoing health issues, can safely use these steps.

Getting Ready for Your Visit

Helpful Details to Collect

If you’re heading to a healthcare provider or dentist about mouth sores, a little prep goes a long way. Write down your symptoms—when they started, how they’ve changed, and how much they bother you.

Make a list of all medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Note the dose and how often you take each one. Include other ongoing health conditions so your provider gets the full picture.

Any recent changes or stress—like moves or changes at work or school—should go on your list, too, since they sometimes affect oral health.

Jot down questions you want answered. Here are some ideas:

  • What’s causing my mouth sore?
  • Do I need any tests?
  • What treatments are out there, and what do you suggest?
  • Are there home care steps that might help?
  • How long does healing usually take?
  • How can I avoid more sores in the future?

Bring up anything else that’s worrying you during your appointment.

A quick table can help you organize:

Information to Bring Why It Matters
List of symptoms Helps the provider track the problem
Medication details Finds links between medicine and symptoms
Medical history Uncovers related health issues
Recent stress or changes Identifies possible triggers

What the Provider Will Likely Ask

Healthcare providers and dentists usually ask pretty straightforward questions.

They might ask:

  • What symptoms or pain have you noticed?
  • When did the soreness begin?
  • Has the pain changed or gotten worse?
  • Have you had these types of sores before?
  • What were you doing or taking before the sores started—any new dental work, foods, or medicines?
  • Does anyone in your family get these sores?
  • Are you managing any other medical problems or conditions?

If you’re ready with this info, your appointment will probably go more smoothly and you’ll get the best advice for treatment or care.


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