Using Mouthwash to Treat Painful Canker Sores and Help Them Heal Faster

Treating Canker Sores with Mouthwash

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They usually appear as white or yellowish round or oval sores surrounded by a reddish halo. Canker sores are a common condition, affecting around 20% of the population. While they often resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks, canker sores can be quite painful and make activities like eating, drinking, and talking very uncomfortable. Using an antiseptic mouthwash is one way to help relieve canker sore pain and promote healing.

How Mouthwash Helps Canker Sores

Mouthwashes designed for canker sore relief often contain active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite, cetylpyridinium chloride, menthol, benzocaine, and diphenhydramine. These ingredients work in different ways to:

Clean and disinfect the canker sore area
Reduce bacteria in the mouth
Soothe nerve and tissue pain and inflammation
Promote healing by increasing blood flow
Temporarily numb pain

Using an antiseptic and analgesic mouthwash creates an environment that is less likely to irritate the canker sore and enables healing. It can also make eating, drinking, and talking less painful by temporarily numbing nerve endings.

Choosing an Effective Mouthwash for Canker Sores

There are many mouthwash products on the market labeled for canker sore or mouth ulcer relief. When selecting one, look for active ingredients that combat bacteria while also reducing pain and inflammation. Some key ingredients to look for include:

Hydrogen peroxide: Kills bacteria and helps remove debris and food particles from canker sore area.
Sodium chlorite: Antiseptic that kills bacteria like streptococcus mutans.
Cetylpyridinium chloride: Antiseptic that eliminates bacteria responsible for plaque formation.
Menthol/eucalyptol: Soothes nerve pain and enhances blood circulation.
Benzocaine: Numbs nerve endings in mouth to temporarily relieve pain.
Diphenhydramine: Antihistamine that reduces swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Tips for Using Mouthwash for Canker Sores

To maximize the benefits of using mouthwash for canker sores, follow these tips:

Select an alcohol-free formula to avoid stinging irritated tissues.
Swish gently instead of vigorously to avoid mechanical irritation.
Apply mouthwash with a cotton swab directly onto the canker sore for focused effect.
Use mouthwash after any activity that irritates the canker sore like eating, drinking, or smoking.
Rinse with mouthwash 2-3 times per day for best results.
Continue use until 2-3 days after the canker sore has healed fully.

Other Remedies and Treatments for Canker Sores

While mouthwash helps relieve canker sore pain and fights bacteria, other remedies can also help heal canker sores faster and prevent recurrence. This may include both at-home treatments as well as options from your dentist or doctor.

At-Home Remedies

Some easy at-home canker sore remedies include:

Saltwater rinse: Gargle with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce inflammation and pain.
Milk of magnesia: Apply directly to the canker sore 3-4 times a day to relieve pain and promote healing.
Honey: Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help heal canker sores faster.
Aloe vera: Soothes inflamed tissues and enhances healing process.
Baking soda paste: Creates an antiseptic environment while neutralizing acidity.
Tea tree oil: Apply diluted oil directly to canker sore using a cotton swab.

Medical Treatments from Dentist or Doctor

Those with severe or frequently recurring canker sores may benefit from professional medical treatment as well. Treatment options include:

Over-the-counter topical corticosteroid ointments to reduce inflammation.
Prescription mouth rinses with higher strength active ingredients.
Fluocinonide gel applied directly to canker sores.
In-office cauterization to seal wounds using silver nitrate.
For people with frequent recurrence, immunosuppressant medications may be prescribed long-term.

Preventing Future Canker Sore Outbreaks

While mouthwash can help treat active canker sores, preventing recurrences is also important. Some key prevention tips include:

Avoid foods that trigger outbreaks like nuts, chips, or acidic foods.
Manage stress levels which may prompt canker sores in some people.
Stop habits that irritate your mouth like smoking and chewing on your cheeks/lips.
Correct nutritional deficiencies with supplements like folic acid, zinc, or B vitamins.
Use SPF lip balm to shield your mouth from sun exposure.
Have any damaged fillings or appliances adjusted by your dentist.

By combining mouthwash treatment with at-home remedies and paying attention to prevention, you can help get canker sores under control, heal them faster, and reduce how often they recur.

FAQs

Will any mouthwash work for treating canker sores?

No, you'll want to use a mouthwash made specifically for canker sores or mouth ulcers. These contain ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite, or cetylpyridinium chloride to kill bacteria and help clean and disinfect the canker sore area.

How often should I use mouthwash for a canker sore?

For best results, use a medicated mouthwash designed for canker sores 2-3 times per day until 2-3 days after the sore has healed fully. Gentle swishing is recommended rather than vigorous rinsing.

Are mouthwash canker sore products safe to swallow?

No, you should not swallow the mouthwash. Mouth rinses for canker sores often contain antiseptic ingredients not intended for ingestion. Just a small amount of swishing and rinsing is needed.

Can I use mouthwash if I have multiple canker sores?

Yes, antiseptic mouthwashes are safe and beneficial even if you have multiple active canker sores. The medicated ingredients help clean all the sores while numbing nerve pain. Take care not to excessively swish vigorously.

Will a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution work the same?

The lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide found in some generic products may help cleanse the canker sore area but it likely won't have the full pain and bacteria-fighting effects of a canker sore formulated mouthwash product.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.