Treatment for Mouth Sores

The type of treatment prescribed is dependent on the type of mouth sore that is present and the cause of that mouth sore. Just as there are many types of mouth sores, there are many types of treatments.

Ultimately it will be up to your doctor or dentist to determine the severity of the mouth sore. However, if the mouth sore is spotted early and is not causing an inordinate amount of pain or discomfort there are some simply home remedies which can be employed.

The first port of call is to gargle salt water. Salt water is effectively saline and is great for ridding the mouth of infection. It is also possible to add sodium bicarbonate to the mix to create a sort of paste like mixture which can be applied to the infected area. This mixture will help reduce alkaline levels in the mouth and get rid of bacteria.

Another good formula is hydrogen peroxide solution, which is mixed in equal amounts with water. A cotton swab can then be used to dab the solution on to the mouth sore. As an additional precaution milk of magnesia can also be used. Again, use a cotton swab to dab the mouth sore with the milk of magnesia and this will greatly aid the healing process.

It is also possible to create a liquid antihistamine by mixing milk of magnesia with a diphenhydramine such as Benadryl in equal parts. Rinse the solution in the mouth for one minute, then spit out. Take care not to swallow any of it.

In cases where the mouth sore is not so severe or inflamed it is possible to find suitable medications in the local pharmacy. Most mouthwashes have antiseptic and antibacterial agents in them, which can help reduce the pain and discomfort of mouth sores. These types of mouthwashes cannot only reduce bacteria in the mouth but they also alleviate the pain. However, it is important to follow instructions carefully.

Where the mouth sore has developed into a more serious canker sore and is causing further infection, it will be necessary to take an oral medication. There are a few options including tetracycline and zovirax. As these are used to treat more serious mouth sores, it will be necessary to visit your doctor or dentist to get a prescription for these medications.

Another possible treatment is corticoid steroid which are generally used on canker sores. It is also possible to get this treatment in a liquid format and use it for rinsing the mouth.