Canker sores are painful oral lesions that can make everyday activities like eating and talking uncomfortable. Choosing the right mouthwash can significantly alleviate discomfort and support healing.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth, typically appearing as round or oval sores with a white or yellowish center and a distinct red border. They commonly form on the inside of the lips, cheeks, tongue, soft palate, or at the base of the gums.
While their exact cause is not fully understood, several factors can trigger their appearance. Common triggers include minor mouth injuries (e.g., from dental work or accidental cheek bites), emotional stress, and consuming acidic foods like citrus fruits. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron, may also contribute.
How Mouthwashes Provide Relief
Mouthwashes help manage canker sores by cleansing the affected area, removing food debris, and reducing bacterial load. This cleaning action helps prevent secondary infections.
Some mouthwashes also create a temporary protective barrier, shielding the sore from irritation. Many formulations provide temporary pain relief, making eating and speaking more tolerable, and their soothing properties can reduce inflammation.
Beneficial Mouthwash Ingredients and Types
Selecting a mouthwash with specific ingredients can assist in managing canker sores. Hydrogen peroxide, often found in antiseptic rinses, works by releasing oxygen to cleanse the wound and remove oral debris, potentially preventing infection. A common concentration for oral use is 1.5%, often diluted from a 3% solution.
Saline rinses, made by dissolving baking soda or salt in warm water, are beneficial for their soothing properties and ability to balance oral pH. A salt water rinse, despite initial sting, can help dry out canker sores and reduce swelling. Topical anesthetics like benzocaine or lidocaine are included in some mouthwashes to provide localized pain relief by numbing the sore area.
Natural agents such as aloe vera and chamomile are valued for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera gel can be applied directly or used in a rinse to reduce pain and potentially speed healing. Chamomile contains compounds that offer anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, which can be helpful for oral irritation.
Mouthwashes to Steer Clear Of
Certain mouthwashes can exacerbate pain and slow healing, making them unsuitable for use. Mouthwashes containing alcohol should be avoided entirely, as alcohol’s drying and irritating effects can cause a burning sensation and further distress to an open sore.
Harsh detergents, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are another ingredient to avoid. SLS is commonly used to create foaming action in oral care products but has been linked to irritating existing canker sores. Using SLS-free products may reduce the number and duration of ulcers, as well as associated pain. Strong flavors or artificial colorings can also irritate sensitive tissues around a canker sore, potentially increasing discomfort.
Comprehensive Care and When to See a Doctor
Beyond mouthwash selection, a comprehensive approach to managing canker sores involves general oral hygiene and dietary adjustments. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and regular flossing, helps keep the mouth clean and free of irritants. Avoiding certain foods can also alleviate pain; spicy, acidic, and salty foods can irritate the sore, while soft, bland, and cool foods tend to be more soothing.
Home remedies like dabbing milk of magnesia on the sore can provide relief. Applying ice chips directly to the sore may help numb the area and reduce inflammation. Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks.
However, professional medical or dental advice should be sought in specific situations. Consult a doctor or dentist if canker sores are unusually large, persistent (lasting longer than two to three weeks), or if new sores develop before old ones heal. Additionally, seek medical attention if sores extend into the lips, cause extreme difficulty eating or drinking, or are accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms.