They come when you least expect them and range from annoyances to really painful…the elusive canker sore. Canker sores also known dentally as aphthous ulcers are small, shallow, benign sores in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They can be caused by injury (ie biting your cheek), stress, spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies and some systemic problems. They can be diagnosed by your dentist or by the patient if its not the first time you’ve had one.
In my practice, I see several people a month who come in for my opinion of how to remedy them and asking how long they last. Beyond just time itself (ie 5-10 days), there are a few recommendations that I give which can alleviate the discomfort immediately or at least shorten the duration by a few days…
1. My favorite remedy is an in office treatment which I use myself called Debacterol. It is a topical treatment which cauterizes the sore and reduces healing time significantly. Patients leave painfree after just one treatment. The substance stings for 5 seconds and then you feel immediate relief.
2. Warm salt water rinses ( 1 teaspoon of salt to cup of warm water )
3. Warm water and teaspoon baking soda
4. Avoid spicy and acidic foods
Please feel free to let us know if there are any other natural suggestions
For over 20 years, Inna Chern DDS FAGD, has been offering personalized, high-tech dental care to Manhattan and NYC residents. With a focus on individualized attention and the latest technology, her modern Midtown East office aims to reshape dental care perceptions in New York by prioritizing patient well-being and innovative services.
