Over the Counter Canker Sore Relief

Canker sores are small bumps that occur on the inside of the mouth. Although not particularly harmful, they are extremely painful, and limit what you can eat and drink. Canker sores are caused by infections, and are sometimes accompanied by a fever. The pain and inconvenience caused by these sores can be relieved with over-the-counter medications available at most pharmacies.

Topical Medications

• While severe canker sores must be treated with prescription medications, relief for simple canker sore infections can be found over the counter at your local pharmacy.

  Topical medications are the most effective. These creams are applied directly to the canker sore with a cotton swab or with your fingers. Many of the medicines contain benzocaine, menthol or eucalyptol, which will soothe the pain of the canker sore and help prevent further infection. Apply these creams to the canker sore whenever it becomes irritated; they will need to be applied multiple times throughout the day for best relief. Be warned that these medicines may burn the area at first; however, later they have a cooling and numbing effect on the area.

Other Remedies

• Because the sores are technically open wounds, they are prone to bacterial infections, which can slow down healing and cause additional pain. Mouth rinses can improve oral hygiene, which will prevent infections in the canker sore. Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouth wash or a mixture of water and table salt to kill any potential infection.

  Hydrogen peroxide can be extremely effective in treating and relieving canker sores. Mix one part peroxide and one part water and apply to the canker sore with a cotton swab. You can also rinse with the solution, but do not swallow it, as peroxide is harmful if swallowed.

Warnings

• If the canker sores are accompanied by high fever, weakness or swollen lymph nodes, consult a doctor, as these symptoms indicate a bad infection. Also, if over-the-counter treatment does not work on the canker sores, or they return repeatedly, consult your doctor.

  Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying medicine to your canker sore to avoid spreading the infection.

  Canker sores cannot be spread by sharing food or drink or kissing, but cold sores can. If you are not sure which you have, avoid oral contact with another person until the sore is completely cleared up.

  Avoid spicy foods while dealing with canker sores, as the spices will irritate the sores and cause increased pain.