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 | Are there any alternative therapies for canker sores?
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|  Canker sores are small, painful sores that occur inside the mouth. Also called aphthous ulcers, these sores can appear one at a time or in clusters of as many as 15. The exact cause remains unknown, but they aren't contagious. Contributing factors include stress, mouth injury, hormone changes, food allergies, and diets low in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12. Saline rinses made from table salt in warm water may ease discomfort. Ice can also numb the sore and relieve the pain. Herbal treatments include goldenseal mouthwash, which may act as an antiseptic to clean canker sores. Prepare the mouthwash with one-half to one teaspoonful of goldenseal powder to a cup of water. L-lysine may also promote healing. Doses range from one to three 1,000-mg doses daily. No scientific information exists to support the use of goldenseal or L-lysine for canker sores. Over-the-counter numbing and coating agents are available and can help relieve the symptoms. To help prevent canker sores, brush and floss twice daily to keep your mouth healthy. If your diet is low in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B-12, use a vitamin supplement or multivitamin regularly. Sources:
Robbers, J.E., V.E. Tyler. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. The Haworth Press, 1999.
Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. William Morrow & Co., 1999.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
This answer prepared 5/17/2000.
This information updated 1/4/2007.
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