Internist Questions Canker Sores

How do I get rid of a canker sore?

I have had a canker sore in my mouth on the inside of my cheek for over a week and it own't go away. Is there anything I can do to get rid of it?

6 Answers

Put a touch of baking soda on it twice a day. If it does not get better whitin another few days you need to see your doctor for possible biopsy
Avoid toothpastes with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). Try Sensodyne or some other toothpaste without SLS.
Your doctor can neutralize the sore with a silver nitrate stick. These are typically used to help control bleeding but they work very well in managing painful mouth ulcers.
Most people get a canker sore from sharp tooth hurting the mucosa of tongue or walls of mouth. You may need to get the sharp tooth grind down by dentist plus get medicine to help with sore from your doctor.
Yes, your doctor can prescribe something for you.
Canker sores should go away on their own in a few days. You can use over-the-counter teething medication for the pain. If a sore does not go away in a week, I would recommend going to the doctor to make sure it is not something else.