According to the American Academy of Oral Medicine, canker sores are one of the most common mouth concerns, with over half the population experiencing a canker sore in their lifetime. You've probably heard of many home remedies to treat these pesky lesions. Should you use hydrogen peroxide on a canker sore?
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small, round, white lesions that can appear inside the cheeks, on the top or bottom of the tongue, on the gums, on the soft palate and inside the lips. Also known as aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcers, you may have several canker sores throughout your life. These sores usually heal within one to two weeks, according to the South African Dental Association. Canker sores can appear as a single ulcer or as clusters. Sometimes, groups of lesions join to form one big ulcer over the course of the outbreak.
Canker sores are often confused with cold sores, but aphthous ulcers are not caused by a virus and are not contagious.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide on Canker Sores?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide on a canker sore. A review in the open access, peer-reviewed Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research advises mixing a solution composed of half hydrogen peroxide and half water. (Take special care to not swallow the solution.) You can dab the solution on your canker sore with a cotton swab, and then apply a small amount of Milk of Magnesia. You can repeat this process three or four times a day. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic, meaning that it may reduce the amount of germs around your canker sore. Milk of Magnesia acts as a pain reliever and may help your sore heal faster.
What Else Can You Do About Canker Sores?
If you don't have hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet, there are other over-the-counter remedies that may help ease the discomfort of a canker sore. The German Medical Association's official journal Deutsches Arzteblatt International notes that common remedies for mouth ulcers include antiseptics, anti-inflammatory medications and topical agents that numb the mouth. The United States-based Penn State Hershey Medical Center recommends avoiding spicy or hot foods to avoid causing pain while a canker sore heals. You should also continue flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice daily and keep the area around the sore clean.
In some cases, you may not be able to avoid canker sores. The Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research reports that about 40 percent of people have a family history of getting canker sores, meaning that genetics may play a role. Other factors that may be responsible for these painful mouth sores are:
- Hormone fluctuations
- Medication side effects
- A poor diet deficient in iron and certain vitamins
- Mouth injuries, namely from ill-fitting dentures or a graze from a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Consult your physician and dentist for advice on how to prevent canker sores. For example, you may be able to work with your doctor to establish a well-rounded diet, and your dentist can adjust the fit of your dentures.
If a canker sore or any oral lesion lasts longer than two weeks or interrupts normal daily activities, visit your dentist or doctor for a full diagnosis.
Disclaimer:The above information is provided for informational purposes only. Colgate does not accept any liability should the above recommendations have an outcome contrary to the intended result. Always seek the advice of a qualified doctor or dental professional. Do not disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read in this article.Not all Colgate products contain hydrogen peroxide. Optic White Expert is the only product in our toothpaste range that contains hydrogen peroxide.