Canker sores treatments work quickly through protective barriers, anti-inflammatory agents, and antimicrobial rinses that reduce pain within hours and accelerate healing to 3-7 days. Topical corticosteroids, hydrogen peroxide rinses, and alum powder provide fastest relief by shrinking inflammation, killing bacteria, and shielding sores from irritants.
Film-forming liquids and gels (Orabase, Zilactin) create moisture barriers preventing food/saliva irritation, reducing pain 50-70% within 1 hour. Hydrocolloid patches adhere directly, promoting 2x faster healing by maintaining sterile moist environment essential for epithelial regrowth.
Triamcinolone dental paste or fluocinonide gel applied 2-4x daily reduces inflammation 40-60% in 48 hours via potent steroid action. Prescription-strength versions outperform OTC hydrocortisone, cutting healing time from 10-14 days to 4-7 days clinically.
Diluted 3% hydrogen peroxide (1:1 water) swabbed directly or rinsed 2-3x daily eliminates surface bacteria causing secondary infection, shrinking sores 30% faster. Chlorhexidine mouthwash provides professional-grade antimicrobial protection without staining when used short-term.
Alum powder paste (pinch + water drop) dabbed 1 minute daily chemically cauterizes, drying sores and reducing size 50% in 24-48 hours. Milk of magnesia swabbing neutralizes acids while coating for immediate soothing.
Lidocaine/benzocaine gels numb within 5 minutes, enabling eating/speaking critical for recovery. Ibuprofen 400mg reduces swelling/pain synergy with topicals, preventing dehydration from avoided meals.
Canker sore treatments succeed quickly via barrier protection, steroid inflammation control, antimicrobial cleaning, astringent drying, and pain relief enabling consistent application. Combined protocols heal 80% of sores under 7 days.
Lidocaine 2-5% gel numbs within 5 minutes lasting 20-60 minutes; reapply after meals for eating comfort.
Mix 1:1 with water; swish 30-60 seconds 2-3x daily after meals—spit thoroughly; avoid swallowing prevents stomach upset.
Dab thin layer directly on sore with cotton swab; avoid rubbing/eating 30 minutes; use 2-4x daily up to 5 days maximum.
Tiny pinch alum + 1 water drop = paste; dab 1 minute then rinse; repeat daily—expect white coating and stinging indicating action.
Hydrocolloid patches seal 24/7 providing 2x faster closure vs rinses; change daily after gentle cleaning for optimal moist healing.
Saltwater cleans mildly but stings; peroxide actively kills bacteria—use peroxide for speed, salt for maintenance.
Hydrocortisone 0.5-1% mild; triamcinolone dental paste (Rx) 10x stronger for stubborn sores over 10 days or >1cm.
Dentist laser cauterizes in 1 visit shrinking sores 70% immediately; full healing 3-5 days vs 10-14 untreated.
B12 1000mcg + folate 400mcg daily prevents recurrence in deficient patients; healing acceleration minimal for active sores.
No improvement after 7 days, sores >1cm, fever/swallowing pain, or >5 sores signals potential underlying condition requiring physician evaluation.
Combined topical + rinse protocols yield fastest results; maintain soft diet and hydration during acute phase.
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