Mouth Sores: Part 2

Home Care 101

Mouth sores will often go away on their own within 10 to 14 days, even if you don’t do anything, but sometimes they can last up to 6 weeks.

The following tips can make you feel better:

Avoid hot beverages and foods, including spicy, salty or citrus foods.

Gargle with salt water or cool water.

Eat fruit-flavored ice pops. This is helpful if you have a mouth burn.

Take pain relievers like acetaminophen, if necessary.

For canker sores:

Apply a thin paste of baking soda and water to the sore.

Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 1 part water and apply this mixture to the sores using a cotton swab.

For more severe cases, treatments include fluocinonide gel), an anti-inflammatory, or special mouthwash.

Over-the-counter medications, such as Orabase, can protect a sore inside the lip and on the gums. Blistex may provide some relief of canker sores and fever blisters

especially if applied when the sore first appears. To help sooth cold sores or fever blisters, you can also apply ice to the sore.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

The sore begins soon after you start a new medication

You have large white patches on the roof of your mouth or your tongue (this may be thrush or another type of infection)

Your mouth sore lasts longer than 2 weeks

You have a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or cancer)

You have other symptoms like fever, skin rash, drooling, or difficulty swallowing.

If you are experiencing any of these mouth sores or symptoms and would like a consultation contact us today at clinic@davincisdentalcare.com