Canker sores are small, painful blisters, ulcers, or sores that can appear on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, gums, and back of the throat. These sores are usually between 3 to 10 millimeters long and have red edges with a grey center. These inflamed sores can be very painful and cause a burning sensation every time you eat food or drink hot beverages.
Canker sores are not contagious, but leaving them untreated can cause pain and discomfort. There are many reasons why a person can develop canker sores in the mouth. Food allergies, infection in the gut or stomach, stress, hormonal imbalance are some of the causes of canker sores. The best treatments for canker sores are as follows:
Topical Antibiotics
Topical antibiotics like Oracea (doxycycline) and Vibramycin (doxycycline) are found to be extremely effective for treating canker sores. However, these antibiotics have to be prescribed by a doctor or dentist, and you should purchase these medicines from a reputed pharmacy. Your doctor will first examine the sore to ensure that it is not a sign or symptom of a serious illness. These antibiotics will help fight the bacteria that are causing inflammation. Your doctor will tell you the right dosage for these antibiotics because oral administration of these antibiotics can have side-effects like stomach pain and diarrhea.
Topical PainKillers
Over-the-counter topical painkillers like Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), and Tylenol (acetaminophen) can relieve the pain caused by canker sores. Even anesthetics like Cepacol and benzocaine can be used to numb the pain. However, these topical painkillers can cause allergic reactions and side-effects, especially if you are allergic to steroids. Therefore, it is recommended that before you purchase these medicines from the pharmacy, you consult your family doctor first.
Topical Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Topical anti-inflammatory medications that are steroidal can be used to reduce the inflammation of the canker sores. Topical ointments like triamcinolone acetonide or fluocinonide can be applied directly to the canker sores to reduce inflammation, redness and relieve pain. However, the ointments need a doctor's prescription to be purchased from the pharmacy, so it is better if you consult a doctor first and apply these ointments as per the doctor's instruction.
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort from canker sores, then visit us at Cooley Smiles. Our doctors, Aaron Cooley, DDS and Brandon Cooley, DDS can help treat your canker sores.
Cooley Smiles, 10627 19th Ave SE, Suite B, Everett, WA 98208-5147 / (425) 249-3509 / cooleysmileseverett.com / 12/1/2024 / Related Phrases: dentist Everett WA /
Canker sores are small, painful blisters, ulcers, or sores that can appear on the tongue, insides of the cheeks, gums, and back of the throat. These sores are usually between 3 to 10 millimeters long and have red edges with a grey center. These inflamed sores can be very painful and cause a burning sensation every time you eat food or drink hot beverages.