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Are there any prescription treatments for canker sores?

Canker sores are small, painful sores that occur inside the mouth. Also called aphthous ulcers, their 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.

Canker sores typically heal in seven to 14 days. Over-the-counter numbing and coating agents can help relieve the pain. You should contact a doctor or dentist if pain from a canker sore prevents you from drinking, if the sores last longer than 14 days, or if you have a fever.

For people with severe canker sores or ones that come back frequently, a prescription medicine called amlexanox (brand name Aphthasol) eases pain and heals the sores a day or two sooner than if they weren't treated. Doctors also use steroids such as dexamethasone (>Decadron) mouth rinse or prednisone (Orasone) tablets. Antibiotics, such as tetracycline (>Sumycin) mouthwash, are sometimes prescribed. And in some cases, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (>Benadryl) are recommended.

Beyond drug treatment, doctors may cauterize canker sores with silver nitrate, which destroys the nerves under the sores. This option is used to relieve pain for people who have severe, repeated outbreaks.

Sources:
Swartzberg, J.E., S. Margen. The UC Berkeley Wellness Self-Care Handbook. Rebus Inc., 1998.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons, 1999.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.

This answer prepared 5/17/2000.
This information updated 1/4/2007.