Treatment Overview
For many people, the sudden appearance of a mouth ulcer turns simple daily activities like eating, drinking, or brushing teeth into painful ordeals. Also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, these small lesions can cause stinging pain that seems disproportionate to their size. Whether caused by stress, minor injury, or acidic foods, the discomfort can disrupt sleep and concentration. While most ulcers heal on their own, the waiting period can be frustratingly slow.
Treatment is essential to minimize pain, speed up the healing process, and allow for normal nutrition and oral hygiene. The primary goal is to protect the raw tissue and reduce inflammation. Because ulcers range from occasional, minor nuisances to large, recurring outbreaks, treatment plans vary. Medication choices depend on the frequency of the sores, the level of pain, and whether there is an underlying deficiency or condition contributing to the problem (Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Overview of treatment options for Mouth Ulcers
The management of mouth ulcers is largely focused on symptom relief and accelerating the body’s natural repair process. For the majority of cases, treatment involves topical medications applied directly to the sore. These treatments aim to numb the pain, cover the lesion to prevent friction, or suppress the local immune response.
Medical intervention is typically reserved for moderate to severe cases. While maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding spicy or acidic triggers are important lifestyle steps, medications provide the active intervention needed to shorten the lifespan of the ulcer. For severe, recurring cases, doctors may look beyond topical creams to systemic medications that address the body’s overall immune activity.
Medications used for Mouth Ulcers
Topical corticosteroids are the most common prescription treatment for mouth ulcers. Pastes or gels containing triamcinolone acetonide or fluocinonide are applied directly to the sore. Clinical experience suggests that applying these pastes at the earliest sign of an ulcer can prevent it from becoming fully inflamed and significantly shorten healing time.
To manage the immediate, sharp pain, doctors often recommend topical anesthetics. These products usually contain benzocaine or lidocaine. They are available in gels, creams, or sprays and provide temporary numbing relief, making it easier to eat or sleep.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses are another key component of treatment. Prescription washes containing chlorhexidine gluconate help reduce bacteria in the mouth. While bacteria do not cause canker sores, a cleaner oral environment prevents secondary infections that can delay healing.
For severe or persistent cases that do not respond to topical treatments, oral systemic medications may be necessary. Short courses of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are sometimes used to bring widespread inflammation under control. In complex cases, other immunomodulatory drugs typically used for other conditions, such as colchicine, may be considered to prevent recurrence. If a nutritional deficiency is identified as the root cause, supplements like Vitamin B12, folate, or iron may be prescribed (Cleveland Clinic, 2019).
How these medications work
Corticosteroids suppress the inflammatory response by dampening the immune system’s rush of white blood cells to an ulcer, which causes swelling and pain. This prevents growth and allows tissue repair.
Topical anesthetics temporarily block nerve signals in mucous membranes, stopping pain transmission from the sore to the brain for immediate, short-term relief.
Antimicrobial rinses clean the ulcer by breaking down bacterial and fungal cell walls, fostering an optimal environment for healing. Protective pastes act as a physical barrier, shielding raw nerve endings from irritants like saliva and food (MedlinePlus, 2021).
Side effects and safety considerations
Topical treatments are generally safe but have minor side effects. Steroid pastes may alter taste or cause a sensation of thickness in the mouth. Prolonged oral steroid use risks oral thrush (a fungal infection) by disrupting the natural oral microflora.
Extended use of Chlorhexidine mouthwash can temporarily stain teeth and tongue. Numbing agents like lidocaine need caution, as a completely numb mouth risks accidental cheek or tongue biting. Seek medical attention if ulcers last over two or three weeks, are unusually large, or include a high fever or difficulty swallowing. Since everyone’s experience with the condition and its treatments can vary, working closely with a qualified healthcare provider helps ensure safe and effective care.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org
- Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org
- MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov
- American Academy of Oral Medicine. https://www.aaom.com
Medications for Mouth Ulcers
These are drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they have been determined to be safe and effective for use in Mouth Ulcers.