A 42-year-old member asked:
i was just wondering what's the best way to get rid of a canker sore?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Gary Sandleranswered
Dentistry 54 years experience
Canker sore: Canker sores also known as aphthous ulcers will heal on their own in 10-14 days. There is not much you can do to make them heal quicker. Avoid hot and spicy foods, you can rinse with salt water or use any number of remedies from your local pharmacy, but only to make them feel better meanwhile. Some dentists use lasers for treatment. Personally, i don't think it's worth the trouble or the money.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 42 years experience
Licorice: Licorice has been used since ancient times to treat canker sores in the mouth. Also, small studies show it can be effective when used as a mouthwash -- 50-75% improvement in 1 day. http://tinyurl.com/kr9aeau sucking on dgl lozenges may work also. Other studies showed positive results with a dissolving licorice disk placed on the sore. http://tinyurl.com/mdvde3o.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Similar questions
A 32-year-old member asked:
Which is the best and fastest way to get rid of a canker sore?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Theodore Grellneranswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 48 years experience
Cauterization ...: ... Seems to bring the fastest resolution to canker sores. Though inconvenient, treatment of a canker sore with a carbon dioxide laser (many oral surgeons have these) can result in almost immediate relief of pain but complete resolution will still take a while. Local compounding pharmacies also have custom topical products that work well for canker sores.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
What's the best way to get rid of a canker sore?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
They usually resolve: W/o treatment. If you have a canker sore ( aphthous ulcer) you can rinse your mouth w warm salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water – gargle w this several times a day. Another option is to swish a mix of 1 part milk of magnesia ; 1 part liquid Benadryl (diphenhydramine) in your mouth. Spit out after about a minute. Avoid eating spicy food or food that is hot (high temperature). Please call your >.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 25 years experience
Provided original answer
dentist if the sore is not resolving after a couple of weeks or if there is concern for a secondary infection. Your dentist can prescribe medications to help.
Dec 22, 2013
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Dec 9, 2013
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$30 per visit with
membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.