How To Treat Aphthous Ulcers

Are you one of the many unfortunate individuals who suffer from recurrent aphthous ulcers? Aphthous ulcers are as common as they are painful with more than half the adult population reporting at least one episode. Aphthous ulcers can be challenging to prevent since the cause may vary tremendously between individuals. There isn't one definitive cause for aphthous ulcers, as a result numerous treatments have been utilized to alleviate mouth pain and promote healing. Response to these different therapies is highly variable. What are the best ways to treat aphthous ulcers?

Select topical OTC gels and ointments such as Anbesol or Hurricane that contain the mild anesthetic benzocaine. Though pain relief is brief these products are relatively safe and can be frequently reapplied to the aphthous ulcers.

Create your own OTC magic mouthwash by mixing equal parts of Benadryl elixir and Maalox antacid. Swish this solution in your mouth for a couple of minutes and spit it out. This basic mixture helps to treat aphthous ulcer pain and speeds healing by forming a protective coating over the aphthous ulcer.

Use an amlexanox containing mucoadhesive disc or paste to treat aphthous ulcers. Amlexanox is the only medication FDA approved for treating aphthous ulcers. The medication seems to work by decreasing local inflammation and histamine release. When used early amlexanox may actually shorten aphthous ulcer duration.

Try using Viscous Lidocaine suspension for severe aphthous ulcers. This powerful topical anesthetic can temporarily diminish discomfort by disrupting local nerve endings; unfortunately, since it's swished in the mouth it will also numb most of your mouth as well.

Apply corticosteroids directly to aphthous ulcers in the form of a gel or paste to reduce both discomfort and healing time. A corticosteroid (Kenalog in Orabase) is typically mixed with an adhesive anesthetic paste which provides better adhesion to the ulcerated mucosa.

Gargle with an alcohol free antimicrobial mouth wash several times a day to reduce aphthous ulcer pain. Some small studies suggest regular use may help to prevent recurrent aphthous ulcers.

Purchase some CankerMelts GX patches. These are novel licorice containing patches available OTC. When used to treat aphthous ulcers the licorice patch facilitates healing and reduces pain.

Rinse your mouth several times a day with an antibiotic solution made from either tetracycline, doxycycline or minocycline to treat aphthous ulcers. These solutions significantly ease pain and speed ulcer resolution.    

*  Dozens of other medications which have been used off label to treat aphthous ulcers including cancer drugs. Some have these medications have significant side effects and therefore their use in aphthous ulcers is controversial.
*  Try using topical therapies before considering any oral or injectable medications.
*  As uncomfortable and inconvenient as aphthous ulcers are they generally resolve in 7 to 10 days without any treatment.

*  If you get recurrent aphthous ulcers see your doctor to rule out medical disorders that may predispose you to them.