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Treatment

Canker sores heal within 2 weeks. Self-care can help with symptoms and speed up healing. If needed, a mouthwash with tetracycline or a medicated paste can be prescribed.

Cold sores are treated with self-care measures and antiviral medications, such as acyclovir and penciclovir.

Thrush is treated with prescribed, oral antifungal medicines.

Treat Canker Sores

• Mix 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Rinse the mouth with an ounce of this mixture 4 times a day. Don’t swallow the water.
• Put ice on the canker sore. Suck on a frozen popsicle.
• Avoid spicy foods and acidic drinks like citrus juices.
• Use over-the-counter products, like Anbesol, Blistex, and aloe vera gel.
• Swish Mylanta or milk of magnesia around the mouth to coat the sore. Then spit the medicine out.
• Take an over-the-counter pain medicine as directed.

Treat Cold Sores

• Apply antiviral medication, if prescribed. Or, use an over-the-counter treatment (e.g., Abreva antiviral cream, Campho-Phenique, Blistex) on the affected area at the first sign of a cold sore. You can also gently dab aloe vera or petroleum jelly on the sore.
• Apply ice to the sore. Suck on a frozen popsicle.
• Use a cotton swab to apply aloe vera, etc. to the affected area.
• Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain as directed.
• Learn ways to manage stress. Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation.
• Avoid sour, spicy, or acidic foods. These may irritate the sores.
• Apply topical zinc oxide cream.
• Apply cool compresses when the sores have crusted over.

• Increasing pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness around the wound or piercing site. Swollen glands in the neck or jaw area.
• Pus drains from the wound site. Temperature of 100OF (37.8OC) or higher. Overall ill feeling.

Self-Care / Prevention

Help Prevent Canker Sores

• Avoid things that injure or irritate the mouth, such as hot drinks and sharp objects. Sometimes, spicy or citrus foods can be a trigger.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate. Don’t brush too hard.
• Take vitamins and minerals, as advised by your doctor.

Avoid Getting or Spreading Cold Sores

• Use medicines, as prescribed by your doctor.
• Don’t share drinking glasses, towels, or cooking utensils.
• Avoid direct skin contact with the sores.
• Don’t touch cold sores with your fingers. If you do touch the cold sores, do not touch your eyes. This could cause a serious eye infection.
• Try to figure out and then avoid things that trigger cold sores.
• When you are in the sun, wear a hat and use a sunblock with a sun-protective factor (SPF) of 30 or more on the lips.
• Use a lip balm on cold or windy days.

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Yes

Mouth sores

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Mouth sores