How to Cure a Severe Canker Sore

Canker sores, or apthous ulcers, are quite common; according to Emedicine Health website, between 20% and 40% of U.S. citizens have had these painful, shallow mouth sores at some point in their life. Canker sores, which are not contagious, usually appear on the insides of the lips, cheeks and gums. Doctors are not certain what causes them, but stress, nutrition, food allergies, acidic foods, minor mouth injuries and hormones can play a role. If your canker sores are very large, persist for longer than 14 days or hurt so much that you cannot eat or drink, consult your doctor. For canker sores that are merely a painful nuisance, however, there are steps you can take to help send them on their way.

Things You'll Need

• Small bottle milk of magnesia
• Diphenhydramine liquid (such as Benadryl)
• Teaspoon
• Bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen tablets
• Topical anesthetic ointment for the mouth, containing benzocaine, lidocaine or phenol

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Instructions

• 1

  Soothe the canker sore by combining a half teaspoon of milk of magnesia--an alkaline suspension with acid-neutralizing properties--with a half teaspoon of liquid diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that can shrink swelling.

• 2

  Swish the mixture in your mouth for one full minute, making sure it is in contact with the sore; then spit the mixture out.

• 3

  Repeat the procedure every four to six hours.

• 4

  Dilute one teaspoon of baking soda with a half cup of warm water, and rinse your mouth with the solution. The baking soda is also alkaline, and the sodium in it functions as a mild antiseptic. Try to avoid swallowing any of the mixture, as it is very high in salt. This may briefly sting.

• 5

  Eat lots of foods rich in vitamins B and C, acidophilus and the amino acid lysine in order to promote healing. While you have the canker sore, avoid acidic fruits, such as oranges--normally a good source of vitamin C--in favor of broccoli and cabbage, also rich in this anti-oxidant vitamin. Eat whole grains, poultry and eggs for B vitamins, and red meat and cheese for lysine. Yogurt is a good source of beneficial bacteria, such as acidophilus, but check the label to make sure it contains this probiotic.

• 6

  Take over-the-counter analgesics to relieve the pain. According to Family Doctor.org, it is safe to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for canker sores.

• 7

  Apply a topical over-the-counter anesthetic made for use in the mouth to target the pain of the sore itself. Make sure the medication contains an effective numbing agent, such as benzocaine, lidocaine or phenol.

• 8

  If the canker sore still persists, see your doctor who may prescribe an anti-inflammatory agent or a collagenase inhibitor, such as Peridex.

• 9

  Follow the doctor's instructions exactly, and use the medication for as long as prescribed, even if the canker sore improves. For medication that needs to be applied directly to the canker sore, dab the sore first with a tissue to remove excess saliva, then put the medication on with a cotton swab. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after applying the medication.