Canker sores treatments ease daily discomfort by reducing inflammation, numbing pain, forming protective barriers, and accelerating healing within 3-7 days through OTC gels, rinses, and home remedies. Topical anesthetics like lidocaine, corticosteroid ointments, and saltwater rinses provide immediate relief while promoting recovery without prescription in most cases.
Lidocaine or benzocaine gels (Orajel, Anbesol) applied 3-4x daily block nerve signals within minutes, allowing eating, drinking, and speaking without sharp pain. Protective films from liquid medications shield sores from saliva/food irritation, extending comfort 4-6 hours per application.
Hydrocortisone 1% ointment or fluocinonide gel applied thinly 2-3x daily shrinks inflammation by 50% within 48 hours. Prescription dexamethasone rinses (swish 1 minute, spit) soothe multiple sores systemically, cutting healing time from 10-14 days to 5-7 days.
Saltwater rinse (1 tsp salt in 8 oz warm water, swish 30 seconds 4x daily) draws fluid from sores, reducing swelling while cleansing debris. Diluted hydrogen peroxide (1:1 water) oxygenates tissues, killing bacteria and speeding epithelial regrowth without stinging when used properly.
Alum powder paste (tiny pinch + water drop, dab 1 minute daily) astringently dries sores, shrinking size overnight. Honey or aloe vera gel applied directly offers antibacterial soothing; chamomile tea rinse calms irritation through anti-inflammatory flavonoids.
Avoid acidic/spicy foods (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar) that reopen healing sores; use straws for beverages. Ice chips numb temporarily; soft toothbrush prevents trauma. Stress reduction and B12/zinc supplements prevent recurrence in deficient individuals.
Canker sores treatments ease daily life through layered relief: anesthetics for immediate numbness, corticosteroids for swelling reduction, rinses for hygiene, and remedies for adjunct support. Consistent 3-5x daily application yields pain-free eating/talking within 48-72 hours.
Lidocaine gel dotted directly on sore 15 minutes before meals, 3-4x daily—numbs within 1 minute, lasts 1-4 hours depending on sore size.
1 tsp non-iodized salt in 8 oz warm water; swish vigorously 30-60 seconds after meals/bedtime, 4-6x daily—reduces swelling 30-50% Day 1 without tissue damage.
OTC hydrocortisone 1% up to 7 days; prescription fluocinonide 5-10 days maximum—discontinue if no improvement by Day 3, prevents oral thrush risk.
3% solution diluted 1:1 water; cotton swab direct application or rinse 1 minute 2-3x daily maximum—excess dries mucosa, limit to 5 days.
Pinhead-size alum + drop water forms paste; dab exactly 1 minute then rinse—immediate stinging yields 50% size reduction overnight, repeat 3 days maximum.
Liquid film-formers (Zilactin, Cankaid) create 4-8 hour shields vs gels’ 1-2 hour numbness; use films daytime, gels pre-meal for layered protection.
No improvement after 72 hours OTC use, sores >1cm, or >5 sores—indicates potential underlying deficiency/infection requiring steroid rinse or laser.
Zero acidic/spicy/salty foods 5-7 days; smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes safest—prevents 80% irritation episodes allowing faster healing.
Vitamin B12 1000mcg + zinc 30mg daily prevents 50% recurrences in deficient patients; lysine 1000mg during outbreaks shortens duration 2-3 days.
Dentist laser cauterizes sores instantly; single 5-minute session eliminates pain Day 1, heals 3-5 days vs 10-14 untreated—ideal for frequent sufferers.
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