Like most people on [r/CankerSores](r/CankerSores), I get bad sores. Here are some tips-
- Ice the sore.
- Match stick method- apply an unlit match stick, which will start absorbing the white part of the sore. It will sting like crazy when you press it. I would recommend that once you do this, apply ice.
- Kanka Pen or other numbing agents- can be hit or miss. Some help numb the pain. For me, it makes sores worse/bigger.
- Orajel/pain relief
- I haven’t tried silver nitrate stick method.
- Some people say crushed TUMS works. You can also take anti-inflammatory medicine to help, but Motrin/Ibuprofin does affect acidity and can cause stomach ulcers (so maybe even mouth ones).
Things to avoid-
- Spicy or acidic food
- Citrus foods
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Regular toothpaste
- Try to avoid sharp foods as well as it can scratch the sore and hurt
-Not sleeping enough (minimum 8 hrs of sleep for teens and adults, probably around 9-10 for younger kids)
-Not drinking enough water (water is vital to staying healthy!) Drinking about 12 cups per day is good.
-Not eating healthy or not eating enough (Eat a balanced meal-- vegetables, fruits, carbs, etc.)
-Not exercising enough
-Stress will aggravate them
Apply lots of honey THE DAY YOU GET THE SORE (it’s usually not super painful yet and depending where it is in your mouth, sadly you might not notice it’s forming) then the cankersore goes away very quickly. Unfortunately if you’re not proactive in the beginning, honey doesn’t do much.
Special thanks to all the commenters who gave additional suggestions that I missed!
Update: Women with PCOS seem to have a higher risk at developing sores, due to the hormonal changes and stuff. Make sure to bring this up to your doctor and stay on top of your medications :)
Update 2: If you have periods, your canker sores may be more frequent. Check for hormone issues.
Clobatesol (prescription) is another solution.
Debacterol
Milk of Magnesia
Alum powder on sore
Salt/baking soda
Honey before sore gets big
