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NO PAIN,YOUR GAIN
The complete guide to canker sore treatments.
About the author
Joe Scott is a writer, filmmaker, and humorist who has
suffered from canker sores his entire life. He is also
a gigantic geek, which led him to study and research
canker sores and track his own to find solutions that
work for him. Seeing that there’s a large percentage
of the population that also suffer from these sores
and practically zero blogs that focus on the subject,
Joe started Cankerboy.com in 2011.
About Cankerboy.com
Cankerboy.com is the first and only blog of its kind
dedicated to the subject of living with and treating
canker sores. On it, Joe reviews canker sore products
and tests the myths and science to find answers to
the problem of recurrent canker sores, or Recurrent
Aphthous Stomatitis. While there are dozens of web
pages selling canker sore products and hundreds of
medical pages dedicated to the subject, this is the
only one that puts it all to the test, with a bit of wit and
humor thrown into the mix.
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Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 3
Tracking the Results ...................................................... 5
Treatments .................................................................... 8
Rinses ....................................................................... 9
Melts ........................................................................12
Over the Counter Ointments/Pastes ........................13
Toothpastes............................................................. 19
Alternative/Home Remedies ....................................22
Supplements ............................................................24
Cauterizing Treatments............................................27
Prescription Pastes ..................................................29
Prescription Rinses ..................................................30
Prescription Drugs ...................................................31
Laser Treatments .....................................................32
Last Thoughts ...............................................................33
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IntroductionI’m thrilled with the response I’ve received from my first ebook, Beyond the Pain, which explained in detail what happens when you get a canker sore, the biology behind it, the myths and realities, and some of the trig-gers that bring them on.
Many people said, “That’s great information, but what the heck can I do about it!?”
Okay, valid question.
So I wrote this ebook to try to answer that.
Truth is, there’s a lot you can do about it, and dozens of products, treat-ments, and therapies you can try to rid yourself of this scurge.
But where to start? Hopefully this ebook will answer that question.
Here, I’ve scoured the web in an attempt to find every possible treat-ment known to man for RAS. Everything from topical pain-killers to homemade teas and tinctures to powerful prescription drugs and even lasers.
And while I can’t claim to have actually used each and every one of these, I’ve included wherever I can any research – clinical or anecdotal – I can find to support them.
Then, I’ve included actual strategies you can use to test out the products and apply them to your life.
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PLUS, along with this book you should have received a spreadsheet document. This Canker Tracker will allow you to keep detailed records of each outbreak along with the treatments used so you can see in graphic detail what works and what doesn’t – and use it to get a handle on your condition and maybe put it to bed once and for all.
And because I just can’t stop giving, I’ve included links for each product (that are available to buy) that will take you directly to a place you can buy them and start giving it a try.
See a treatment that looks promising? Just click on the picture and whip out your credit card and go for it.
In closing, I want to sincerely thank you for purchasing my book. I know you actu-ally had to spend some money for this, so I’ve done everything I can to make it worth it. And I’ve read every ebook I’ve been able to find on this subject in the course of running cankerboy.com and I can tell you, without any exaggeration, this is the most thorough book on canker sore treatments ever written. I’ve spent over $40 on an ebook that didn’t have half the information this one does.
So I hope you enjoy it, and even more importantly, give some of these a try. You can read about it for a thousand years, but it won’t make any difference unless you try it.
Best of luck!
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Tracking the Results
The number of causes and treatments for canker sores is so fast, varied, and sometimes ridiculous that I literally created an entire website with the sole purpose of testing them all out and reporting the results.
But before I start listing the various and sundry options, I have to stress one thing first: Everybody is different. What works for me may not work for you, and the only way you can know the answer is to track it. Tap in to your inner anal-retentive self and document everything. It’s tedious. A little mind-numbing at first. But once you get into that habit and start noticing the results, the answers will present themselves, and once you have the answer, it’s smooth and pain-free sailing from that point on.
Luckily, I’ve created the Canker Tracker for this very purpose.
The Canker Tracker is a basic Excel spreadsheet with drop-down menus in each field for easy data entry. You enter the info for every day that you have an ul-cer, and let the spreadsheet do the rest.
You track for:Current dateSize: A drop-down lets you choose between 0-10+mmPain: A subjective 1-10Inflammation: 1-10Location in the mouth: Drop-down gives you several options to chooseTreatments: Drop-down lists the most popular treatments
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Click to download!
It also has a field titled “Name”. This may feel weird, the idea of naming your canker sores, but it’s more like a code. Include the date the canker sore be-gan in the code and a little hint as to it’s location. So, say, a canker sore on the tip of your tongue that started June 1st of 2012 would be named:
060112TT
That way it’s easy to tell how long the sore lasts.
Once all the data is entered, it’s easy to do a chart and see how things have progressed:
As for how long to track treatments, I track at least 2-3 ulcers when track-ing for topical treatments or rinses, but I give supplements or pills at least 6 weeks to see results.
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One more thing on tracking:
Tracking the treatments is only half of the equation, it’s also important to track the triggers that bring about canker sores in the first place. So outside of the Canker Tracker, it’s also a good idea to keep a food and canker sore journal.
Here’s what you do: For a predetermined period of time, maybe one or two months, write down everything you eat. It’s not as horrible as it sounds. But if you have a trigger for your canker sores, writing it down is the only way to tell what it is. There are several apps that do the job if you have a smart phone – my favorite being Evernote – or just a handy notepad will do.
Also keep track of your stress levels. Not in any detailed way - don’t want to add more stress - just a basic daily grade. Good day? Bad day? Did you get to relax? Just make a note along with what you’re eating. Also - illness. How ya feeling?
(Side note – As Tim Ferriss pointed out in The 4-Hour Body, tracking your food is also an excellent way to lose weight. Some studies have shown that simply the act of writing everything down can make you lose weight without even trying, just by making you think about what you are eating.)
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Treatments
With an estimated billion people in the world with some form of RAS, the number of treatments on the market is flabbergasting. They range from extremely aggressive prescription drugs to fairly hokey old-wives-tales.
To keep up with all of these treatments would be an act of futility.
But hey... I never said I wasn’t up to a challenge.
I think you’ll find on the following pages the single most extensive list of canker sore treatments and medications in the world. Seriously. While I encourage you to try as many of these as you can, many of them do fall into the same category and contain the same ingredients. I’ll take care to point out which ones are similar to save you time and money.
For the most part, all treatments fall into the following categories:
RinsesMeltsBenzocaine-based pastes/ointmentsOther pastes/ointmentsPerscription PastesCauterizing TreatmentsSupplementsAlternative/Home RemediesPrescription RinsesPrescription Drugs
Let’s get started on the next page...8
Rinses:
Most rinse solutions require you to use it several times throughout the day. This can be a bit intrusive, but rinsing after any meal is a good idea.
Maalox with ½ tablespoon of Benadryl Maalox to coat the ulcer and Benadryl to cut down on the swelling. Can’t go wrong with this combo.
Mix of Listerine and hydrogen peroxide (sold by Colgate as Peroxyl).
Yes, the sting factor on this is nothing to sneeze at, but any wound heals better when it’s clean.
Orajel Rinse Orajel’s rinse formula is mostly composed of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. Much like the Listerine/hydrogen peroxide mix, but all in one bottle.
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Rinses (continued):
Gly-Oxide A carbamide peroxide solution that helps heal canker sores and other mouth irritations. You only use 10 drops or so and it foams on contact.
CuraseptA chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash claims to have a
special formula to prevent tooth discoloration. Available in the UK.
Difflam Difflam is a popular sore throat and mouth pain solution in the United Kingdom that Australia that contians benzydamine hydrochloride, an anti- inflammatory ingredient that makes it great for canker sores. They carry a line of products from rinses to sore throat sprays to lozenges.
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Rinses (continued):
OraSoothe A carbamide peroxide solution that helps heal canker sores and other mouth irritations. You only use 10 drops or so and it foams on contact.
AloclairActive Ingredient: Aloe Vera Extract
This alcohol-free formula forms a film over the ulcer and protects it without stinging. Also comes in a spray.
Oraldene Active Ingredient: Hexetidine 0.1% An antibacterial and antifungal solution that is also effective against thrush (overgrowth of candida yeast in the mouth).
RincinolAlcohol and benzocaine-free rinse that forms a bio-adhe-
sive mucosal coating around the ulcer.
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Natural/Herbal Rinses
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has been touted for dozens of medicinal uses over the years, from acne to heartburn to high blood pressure, to dandruff. And yes, some believe for canker sores. Try mixing it with aloe vera and swishing for 30 seconds.
Salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon in 8oz water) That this stings probably goes without saying, but salt water is said to work wonders for drying out and speeding the healing of canker sores.
Myrrh This suggestion came from Dr. Oz himself: Mix 5 drops of Myrrh in 3oz. of water and rinse twice a day.
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Melts:
The idea behind canker sore melts is that they are disks you place over the sore that absorb the saliva and expand to cover the sore and medi-cate it with vitamins or herbs. While they do coat the sore and prevent future abrasion, and may help speed healing, I’d recommend only using these at night because they can become a huge mess, especially if you’re trying to eat and talk during the day.
CankerMelts These use Glycyrrhiza extract from the licorice plant, which has been shown in studies to be effective in decreasing swelling and speed healing.
Avamin Melts The active ingredient in these is Vitamin B-12,
which it introduces directly on the canker sore.
Canker Cover These claim to work by way of a menthol and a carnalite mineral blend. The mentol soothes the sore while carnalite, a hydrated potassium magnesium choride, dries it out.
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Over the counter ointments/pastes:
Most over-the-counter pastes have two objectives, to temporarily cover the sore and to relieve pain. These are best to use just before eating. And these can be broken down into three different types of products: Gels, pastes, and liquids. Gels typically form a film over the ulcer while an active ingredient reduces pain, and the pastes stick to the sore and cover it like a plaster. Liquids are purely for pain relief and often are products people also use for toothaches. It’ll numb the area, but it’s temporary, and provides no protection.
The pain-relieving products mostly use benzocaine as their active ingredient. And it’s not uncommon (especially with the gels and liquids) for it to sting quite a bit when it first is applied.
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Benzocaine-based liquids:
Anbesol20% Benzocaine Famous for soothing toothache pain, Anbesol can be applied to an ulcer by a Q-Tip and lasts anywhere from 10-30 minutes, depending on how much you speak or eat. Like many products that contain alcohol, this stings like a mother when you first apply it.
Orajel Liquid20% Benzocaine Orajel has concocted several products for canker sores over the years, including a liquid very similar to Anbesol but perhaps with less of a taste. It’s a lot harder to find in the original vial container, but they do offer it in this handy cotton swab formula.
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Benzocaine-based gels:
Orajel20% Benzocaine The original and still most recognized pain relief gel. (Now also comes in a film-forming gel that seals ulcers.)
Zilactin-B10% Benzocaine
What Zilactin-B lacks in percentage of Benzocaine, it makes up for with extra adhesive power. This one will coat the
ulcer for longer and protect it more than other brands.
Tanac10% Benzocaine This product claims to have a “no-sting” formula and has rave reviews on Amazon. For unknown reasons, it stopped being sold in stores several years ago, but you can find it online.
Kanka20% Benzocaine This is perhaps the most popular gel because it has both high benzocaine and a strong adhesive. Plus, it’s the only product with an applicator in the cap, making it easy to apply.
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Benzocaine-based pastes:
Orabase-B20% Benzocaine Orabase is a general term given to the paste base to which many different active ingredients are added (including some prescription pastes we’ll cover later). The “B” in Orabase B refers to the Benzocaine. This is a hugely popular medicine because it applies with almost no stinging, covers
the sore for a relatively long period of time, and numbs it very well.
Red Cross Canker Sore20% Benzocaine
Red Cross Canker Sore medication is... well... It’s basi-cally the same thing as Orabase. Some of the ingredi-ents in the paste differ, but it’s all inactive ingredients.
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Non-Benzocaine based ointments:
Bye Mouth Ulcers!Active Ingredient: Dimethicone This Swiss ointment, sold mostly in Europe, seals the sore with a breathable protective film. It also claims to soften the skin around the ulcer and promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Bonjela8.714% Choline Salicylate
0.01% Cetalkonium ChlorideIf you live in the UK, you know all about Bonjela.
Bonjela has been trusted for decades to reduce canker sore pain and help them to heal faster. The choline salicylate serves as an anti-inflammatory.
PyralvexActive Ingredients: Rhubarb extract and salicylic acid. Reduces inflammation and forms a seal when applied directly to the sore. Note: Salicylic Acid is not recommended for children under 16.
DologelActive Ingredients: Propolis, Chamomile, and Valerian
Natural solution that contains anti-inflammatory properties.
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Non-Benzocaine based ointments:
Ora5Active Ingredients: Copper Sulphate and Iodine Apply directly to the sore - it forms a liquid band-aid that pro tects and coats the ulcer.
GengigelActive Ingredient: Hyaluronic Acid
Can be applied directly to the sore to coat and protect it. Also formulated to prevent gum disease and can be applied to the
gumline on a regular basis for healthy gums.
Frador A liquid solution that comes with a supply of disposable applicators to prevent bacterial infections. Coats the sore and numbs with natural ingredients.
Bonjela Complete PlusActive Ingredient: Salicylic Acid
An extension of the well-known Bonjela line, this product coats and seals the ulcer for up to 4 hours.
Note: Not for kids under 16. Salicylic acid can increase the likelihood of developing Reye’s Disease.
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Non-Benzocaine based ointments:
Aloclair Aloe Vera based gel containing no alcohol that coats the ulcer with no stinging. They also create a mouthwash, which is listed previously in this book.
Iglu GelActive Ingredients:
Lidocaine Hydrochloride 0.66% and Aminoacridine Hydrochloride 0.05%
The lidocaine numbs the sore and the solution forms a seal around the ulcer.
SM33 Gel Popular in Australia. Coats the ulcer and reduces inflammation with anti septic ingredients.
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Herbal/natural pastes:
Canker-XActive Ingredient: Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Reviews are mixed on Canker-X, an ointment that promises no burning, a protective barrier, and to last for hours. Only sold online and features all-natural ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, and Aloe Vera.
Canker-RidActive Ingredient: Propolis
Propolis is a natural substance that is produced by bees. This product is made by Durham’s Bee Farm and works by coating the
ulcer while an alcohol solution numbs the pain, but stings just like a bee when you first put it on.
Canker Care Herbal Gel Made by the same company that manufactures Canker Covers, this herbal gel is concocted from a soup of ingredients, including lysine, aoe vera, menthol, myrrh, licorice, goldenseal, echinacea, tea tree oil, gum benzoin, and vitamin B12.
Canker Sores BeGoneThis homemade concoction has grown over the years and
become quite popular. The maker claims that using the products a few times a day will heal the sore in a few days.
Contains Menthol, Glycerin, Deionized Water, Grapefruit Seed, Elder Flower, Lemon Balm, Echinacea, Golden Seal
Root, Aloe Vera Gel, and Methylparaben.21
Toothpastes:
A lot of people put the blame for their ulcers square at the feet of Sodium Lau-ryl Sulfate, or SLS, a chemical additive found in most toothpastes. While stud-ies have produced differing results, it could be possible that some poople have a sensitivity to SLS that could cause tiny abrasions in the mucosal lining that could lead to canker sores.
Either way, here are some of the best options if you’re looking for a non-SLS toothpaste:
Rembrandt CRembrandt has made a name for themselves as a whitening toothpaste, but
in the last few years, they have begun to address a number of other conditions, including canker sores. Enter Rembrandt C, specially formulated for canker sores. Using Sodium Fluoride instead of SLS, it both whitens and stays gentle for us sen-sitive types. Comes in mint flavor.
Tom’s of MaineTom’s natural ingredients have always been a draw for those who would rather not put industrial chemicals into their bodies, which made it a natural choice for canker sore suf-ferers. In their Clean & Gentle version, they use the natural ingredient glycyrrhizin, from the licorice plant. It both creates foaming action to take the place of SLS and is a known ingredient to help soothe canker sores.
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Toothpastes (continued):
Sendodyne Iso-ActiveIf you’ve ever had sensitive teeth, you’re likely very familiar with Sensodyne toothpaste. Their formula has made life liveable for many people who otherwise lived in extreme pain whenever they ate. They more recently introduced their Iso-Active line which is made to foam and reach areas that otherwise weren’t being reached. What most people don’t know is that it is also SLS free. So you can whiten, lessen sensitivity, and avoid canker sores all at the same time.
BioteneBiotene’s main reason for being is to cure dry mouth, but it is also SLS free. It’s got a chalky, gritty texture to it that does a good job of clean-ing your teeth. So if you have any dry mouth issues, this could definitely help because dry-ness in the mouth can lead to cracks, which become... well, you know where I’m going.
JASON PowersmileJASON is a well-known natural cosmetics company. Their all-natural toothpaste, Powersmile, is a minty concoction that unlike some of the others on this list, actually foams up like regular toothpaste, which goes a long way toward you wanting to use it.
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Toothpastes (continued):
TherabreathTherabreath, as the name implies, was created to prevent bad breath and tonsil stones (youtube it – and get a bucket ready), but the side effect is an SLS-free toothpaste that’s gentle on canker sores and helps prevent breakouts.
XyliWhiteXyliwhite, a product from ubiquitous vitamin manufacturer, NOW, is powered by xylitol, a natural sugar substitute, and substitutes silica and sodium bicarbonates for fluoride for whitening and foaming. Tea tree oil and spearmint gives it a nice flavor.
Periactil Xylitol-based toothpaste said to stop periodontal disease, re-calcify teeth, stop bad breath, and help with canker sores.
Verve Ultra It has fluoride for cavities and en-riched with antioxidants including Vitamin E.
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Toothpastes (continued):
Revitin Features a proprietary blend of vitamins and trace minerals they call NuPath BioActives that work with the ecology of your mouth to promote healthy mucosal lining.
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Alternative/Home Remedies:
Some of these admittedly sound a little bit wackadoo, but I say anything is worth trying, so if you want to find a totally natural solution and can find these ingredients, by all means please give them a whirl.
Rhodiola rosea 200 mg capsule once a day.
Glycyrrhiza glabraGiven as a tea or as a tablet
(this is the licorice extract used in some of the melts).
Coptis supp, Hydrastis canadensis root Diluted in water and applied to ulcers as needed.
Mahonia aquifolium rootTincture or tea applied topically to ulcers as needed.
Spilanthes acmella flowerTincture or tea applied topically to ulcers as needed.
Alchemilla vulgaris leaf Tincture or tea applied topically to ulcers as needed.
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Alternative/Home Remedies (continued):
Myrtus communis leaf Mix power in water and apply to ulcer as needed.
Salt & AlumRock salt is one of the first things people think
of when discussing canker sore treatments, Alum is closely related to salt, but many believe it may work better to dry up the sores. Evidence is
mostly anecdotal.
Baking Soda Baking soda might have more uses than any other thing on the planet. Same as with Alum, it helps to dry out a sore and may help with the process of inflammation.
Aloe VeraAloe Vera is one of the most versatile cure-alls in nature. It can
be added to water and rinsed or simply applied to the sore.
Copper Sulphate “Bluestone” An astringent similar to salt and alum that you can apply directly to the sore. Hurts, but helps.
Sage TeaKnown for its anti-inflammatory properties, drinking sage
tea can help reduce the inflammatory response in your body, and applying the tea directly to the sore can help
locally.27
Alternative/Home Remedies (continued):
Clove oil Applied directly to the sore, clove oil will both soothe and coat the ulcer and promote healing.
Watermelon FrostIn powder form, watermelon frost can be applied
directly to the sore to serve as an astringent, and can also be taken in tablet form.
Bentonite Clay Apply directly to the sore. The clay will mix with your saliva to form a paste that will cover the ulcer and help dry it out.
Acidophilus Acidophilus is a natural probiotic that helps maintain bacterial
balance in your gastric system, which helps to cut down on ulcers. It can be found naturally in yogurt or in supplement form. Try 2-4
capsules a day.
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Supplements:
A number of supplements have been suggested for canker sores over the years, but these are the ones that I’ve found to be backed up with the most evidence:
Vitamin B121000 mcg/dayIf you’re a canker sore sufferer, Vitamin B12 may be your best friend. In a clinical trial in 2009, 78% of subjects on B12 had complete remission after 6 months.
Iron50 mg/day
Iron deficiencies in the body results in a decrease in a protein called serum ferritin. Low serum ferritin has
been observed in many studies of RAS patients.
(Note: check with your doctor before you use iron. Oversupplementation can result in hemochromatosis,
which can be painful and damage your liver.)
Lysine1000-2000mg/dayLysine (also called L-Lysine) is a naturally occuring amino acid that is vital to proper growth and cellular function. Lysine supplementation has been shown to help everything from can-ker sores to cold sores to irritable bowel syndrome.
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Supplements (continued):
Folic Acid800mg/day
In many studies, RAS patients were shown to have folate deficiencies. While no major studies seem to have been done,
corrolative evidence suggests it’s worth a try.
Zinc50mg/dayZinc can be taken both as a supplement and applied directly to the sore. It’s a popular ingredient in many canker covers for this reason. Zinc lozenges are popular amongst public speakers for their ability to knock out a sore throat.
Omega-3Known as a fatty acid and found mostly in fish, Omega-3 is beneficial for a whole host of reasons, from Cardiovas-cular health, to rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, even Al-zheimer’s disease. Online experimentation has shown a connection between Omega-3 and canker sores.
And one more...Astaxanthin
64mg/day This is an extremely powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation, preventing the ulcer from increas-
ing in size and pain. Take only during breakouts and it can help manage and shorten the length of ulcers.
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Supplement Blends:
The Canker SpankerThe makers of the Canker Spanker claim that their blend of OTC vitamins and minerals re-duce canker sore breakouts by 75% and help current breakouts go away 75% faster.
AftaZenIngredients: Thiamin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Aloe Vera
AftaZen is a popular dietary supplement created specifically for the reduction of canker sores. They have no figures on
their website to show its effectiveness, but they do have a money-back guarantee.
Oraldiet probioticTaking a bit of a different tack, Oraldiet seeks to increase your oral health through the use of ben-eficial bacteria, which are key to healthy diges-tion all throughout your body. These are lozenes enriched with the bacteria Lactobacillus reuteri, which restores the natural balance of the mouth. Available in the UK.
Canker CureThis supplement claims to prevent canker sores through a special blend of amino acids, the building blocks of essential proteins. The maker does not specify the ingredients, but guarantees results.
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Cauterizing treatments:
Sometimes you’ve just got to burn the darn things.
It’s not as bad as it sounds. Cauterizing an ulcer somewhat reboots the heal-ing process, allowing it to mend naturally.
These are probably best done by a dentist or at least with the okay of one.
Silver nitrate sticks Silver nitrate is used to cauterize wounds by every- one from surgeons to dog groomers. It reacts to the water in your saliva to create nitric acid and will temporarily create a gray/black spot.
Debacterol Only available by prescription, Debacterol is a compound of 30% sulfuric acid stored
inside a hollow cotton swab tube. When the seal is broken, the compound drains into the
cotton, where it can be placed on the ulcer for no more than 5 seconds.
OralMedic Almost exactly the same formula as Debacterol, Oralmedic is only sold overseas, but is available without a prescription. You can find it online (link on the image). So, if you’d rather not deal with get- ting a prescription for Debacterol, here’s your option.
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A Note About Cauterizing Treatments:
The first thought that comes to mind when you mention cauterizing mouth ulcers is that it must hurt like all of humanity’s suffering has been focused into one spot. Truthfully... yes, it stings.
Also truthfully... so do most of the products listed in this ebook. Many of which hurt way worse than these do.
The difference is, once you cauterize it, the pain is way less and the ulcer goes away in a day or two. For a canker sore sufferer, it’s truly like a miracle.
Now... Having said that...
Obviously, consult your dentist first before trying it, and follow a few rules:
1. Start Small Don’t go trying to take down the biggest ulcer in your mouth. Pick a baby. Give it a try. The smaller the better. The newer the better.
2. No more than 5 seconds That’s it. Especially when you’re first trying it. You only want to remove the top layer, not burn a hole to China.
3. Dispose properly This is acid. It will mess up your clothes. It will burn plastic. Wrap it in paper when you dispose of it.
4. Keep your mouth clean Rinse well and keep clean for a few days. It’s a wound. Be smart.
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Prescription pastes and gels:
Any dentist should be able to prescribe the following pastes to apply topically to a canker sore:
Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenalog in Orabase) This can be applied up to three times a day, preferably after meals or at bedtime. This is a steroidal paste that works very well at lowering inflammation.
Amlexanox (Aphthasol)
This can be applied up to four times a day, after each meal and at bed-time. Some studies have shown a drastic improvement with this medicine.
(My experience was not so much.)
Viscous lidocaineThis is a 2% gel that is applied to the affected area up to four times a day. In order to avoid toxicity, patients should avoid swallowing the medi-cation and should not use the medication more than four times a day.
Other Corticosteroid Gels (and their brand names):clobetasol - (Clobex, Cormax, Embeline, Orlux, Temovate)betamethasone - (Bet-Val, Diprosone, Luxiq, Maxivate, Teladar)dexamethasone - (Decadron, Dexone, Dexameth, Hexadrol)fluocinonide - (Fluonex, Lidex, Lidex -E)
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Prescription Rinses:
Tetracycline An antibiotic that some studies have shown to reduce the pain associated with canker sores when you swish with it several times a day. However, It hasn’t been shown to reduce the time or number of canker sores.
PeridexAnother antibiotic rinse, this has been shown to speed the
healing of canker sores, but does not necessarily decrease the pain involved. It also must be taken with care because it can stain
teeth over time.
Sucralfate slurry (Carafate, a prescription medication used to treat peptic ulcers): This treatment is not recommended by many experts and there are limited studies supporting its use. You mix one tablet in 5-10 milliliters (1-2 teaspoons) of water. The slurry is swished around the mouth and spit out four times a day.
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Prescription drugs:
Prescription drugs are not used in the treatment of canker sores except in extreme cases, which usually involves an immunodeficiency of some kind or a rare debilitating outbreak. To put it bluntly, if you’re being prescribed these medicines, canker sores are likely the least of your problems. But for the sake of thoroughness, here they are.
Corticosteroids Steroid therapy is only prescribed if doctors believe the benefits of treatment exceed the risks, which include weight gain, weakening of the immune system, brittle bones, and others.
ThalidomideIf it sounds familiar, you probably don’t have a positive memory of it. Thalidomide, prescribed to preganant women in the 50’s to curb morn-ing sickness, resulted in a rash of children born with birth defects and its use has been all but wiped out ever since. At this time, it is only FDA approved for treatment of major aphthous ulcers in HIV-positive patients.
Other potential medications have shown promise, but are often expen-sive and have potential adverse side effects:
ColchicinePentoxifylline (Trental)InterferonCimetidine (Tagamet)Clofazimine (Lamprene)
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Anti-TNF-a agents: Infliximab (Remicade) Etanercept (Enbrel)Levamisole (Ergamisol)Dapsone
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Laser Treatment:
Laser treatment for canker sores are a bit of a mystery.
In many ways, it feels like it’s just another thing dentists offer because they spent money on these dental lasers and now need to pay for them. In searching around on the subject, I can only find multiple dentist offices that offer the service and say that it works “like a miracle”, but don’t say how.
I’m not trying to suggest that all these dentists are charlatans just trying to rip people off, the procedure may in fact work like a charm. It’s just that nobody seems to know why.
So, until I have some better answers, I’ll just say that these treatments do exist, and it may be worth a visit to the dentist to see for yourself.
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Last Thoughts
As I said before, canker sores suck. But even worse than the pain and the social stigma is the feeling of helplessness that comes along with them. After all, even most doctors you talk to about canker sores do little more than shake their head and say, “Yeah, some people just get them, we don’t really know why. Not really anything you can do about it.”
Never something you want to hear a doctor say.
After a while it leads to a malaise about the condition, a feeling like it’s just your lot in life, like you were born with a bad hand. And that’s a horrible feel-ing. It leads to even deeper feelings of depression about life. A “why bother” mentality.
I say life is hard enough, and the last thing we need is something holding us back.
I also say that there is hope, and there is something you can do. It might not be easy to find the answer, it might take some work and some patience, but it’s worth it. It’s your life. Put in the effort. Take it back.
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As I said before, I researched far and wide to make sure this eBook was the single most comprehensive list of canker sore treatments on the planet, and I’m pretty sure it is. Granted, there’s always people out there doing crazy things like putting cat litter on their ulcers, but I decided to stick to the treatments that have had some research behind them.
With any luck, this eBook, along with the tracking sheet, can serve as a guide to help you find the answers you need. I’d urge all of you to try some of the treatments listed here, and join us at Cankerboy.com and share your experiences. The more people that join in, the more answers we’ll uncover!
Remember, if you’re reading this on your computer or tablet, I’ve linked to places online where you can find them, so just click and go!
Thank you so much for reading this eBook and visiting my website. I’m sincerely thrilled to be sharing it with you. I wish you all the best.
And remember, smile… Canker sores hate smiles.
- Joe Scott
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SOME QUICK DISCLAIMERS:
First, I’ve got to offer the standard disclaimer that this book is for educa-tional purposes only and Cankerboy.com is not responsible for any side effects or negative outcomes of using any of these treatments. As always, consult with a doctor or dentist before embarking on any course of treat-ment and please use your best judgement.
I’ve tried to include every treatment I’ve ever come across in this book. Some have been left out due to a lack of evidence or because they were not available for purchase. If your favorite canker sore remedy is some-how not in this book, please contact me at Cankerboy.com. I’ll include it in future updates.
Also, for the purposes of transparency, many of the links in this book to buy the products are affiliate links, which means I will get a kickback from the manufacturer. Please keep in mind that this is at absolutely no additional cost to you. Having said that, if you enjoy the information you’re receiving from these eBooks and Cankerboy.com, please feel free to purchase through the links in the book - it’s like throwing a buck in the tip jar.
Except it’s someone else’s buck.
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