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

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