canker sore treatment

Use alcohol-free mouth rinses as a temporary oral wound cleanser: swish a capful around the affected areas for at least one minute. They can be used up to four times daily or as directed by your dentist or physician.

Hydrocolloid patches help retain moisture, shield the sore from irritants, and create a protective barrier while healing. Many are semi-transparent and easy to apply, stay on for hours, and can be worn with lip gloss or makeup for discreet coverage.

Labeling varies by product: some rinses are marked for ages 2 and up, many topical cold-sore gels and creams list 12 years and up, and a few ointments or patches specify 18 years and up.

Topical docosanol creams are described as shortening healing time, while benzocaine-containing gels and liquids are used primarily for fast, temporary topical pain relief and numbing.

Users commonly report tingling or tightening sensations and rapid numbing or pain relief. A minority mention mild burning, foaming, or a residual taste or film with some rinses or topicals.