Health Tip: Calm a Canker Sore

(HealthDay News) -- Canker sores are ulcers that form inside the mouth that can make eating and drinking painful.

The American Dental Association suggests how to help heal a canker sore:

  • Apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic to numb the sore.
  • Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
  • Avoid foods that may irritate the sore, especially anything spicy, hot or acidic.
  • See your dentist if the sore doesn't heal without treatment after two weeks.
  • Use an antibiotic and/or bandage as recommended by your dentist, to help reduce the risk of infection.

    • Date Published: 03/13/2012

    Related Articles

    Search Articles

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    Sleepy Nurses Vulnerable To Common Cold, Other Infectious Diseases

    Experimental Nasal Spray Might Ward Off Multiple Viruses

    Saltwater Drops in Nose Could Shorten Kids' Colds

    FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine

    CDC Urges Faster Testing for Bird Flu Amid Growing Outbreak

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    COVID-19 Remains Major Health Threat in U.S.

    Severe Flu Season Raises Concerns About Brain Complications in Kids

    Many Americans Wary of Vaccines as Fall Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey