Canker Sores

 

Canker sores are little ulcers which often appear inside of the mouth on the tongue, lips or inside of the gums. The good news is that they are non-contagious and generally are benign and heal within 1-2 weeks. Canker sores can be painful since the underlying skin cells are exposed.

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If you want to hurry up the healing process and quickly reduce the pain, we can use laser technology which takes just a few minutes. (See below).

 

Cold Sores

 

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, appear on the outside areas of the lips or mouth and are highly contagious to the touch.

 

There are many causes for canker sores, but since a canker sore and cold sore may appear similar, its best to call us for a brief visit for a professional diagnosis and treatment. Don’t wait thinking they might go away, as the problem could be something serious.

 

Self-treatment:

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• Brush your teeth with care

• Avoid toothpaste or mouthwash which has laurl sulfate

• Drink cold fluids or dissolve ice in your mouth

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and salt

• Dab milk of magnesia directly on the sore with a cotton swab

• Use an over the counter NSAID such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Aspirin is not recommended for those who are bleeding or under 20. To avoid stomach discomfort, take an NSAID with food

• Some OTC topical products can reduce pain and speed healing such as:

  • Benzocaine (Anbesol, Kank-A, Orabase, Zilactin-B)

  • Fluocinonide (Lidex, Vanos)

  • Hydrogen peroxide (Orajel Antiseptic Mouth Sore Rinse, Peroxyl)​

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Treatment by the dentist:

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In order to speed the healing of canker sores and reduce pain, we offer a laser treatment which only takes about 15 minutes. Most patients feel reduced pain almost immediately, and the sore generally heals within a day or two which, without treatment, can take from 7 to 10 days to heal.