The bane of food lovers everywhere is canker sores.  This is something that many people get and it is not a disgusting thing, just life.  

Now that the end of May is upon us, the thermometer is starting to hit its high point in the year. This usually brings about family gatherings, poolside lounging, and Memorial Day barbecues. 

What’s the best way to ruin having a good time at a cookout with your loved ones, though? Mouth sores.  Canker sores in particular are quite the bother when they’re around. Even the smallest ones will cause discomfort and annoyances, which may drive you to change what you eat in order to avoid the pain and discomfort. The good thing is that there are things you can do to get rid of canker sores, if at least reduce the pain some. Is your mouth riddled with canker sores? Oftentimes they can be a sign of other dental problems. 

So it really is important to make sure you are keeping up with your dental routine and spending time with a dentist With that said, here are a few ways to treat those nasty, irritating sores. Now what happens when they come and how do you work with it? 

Mouth rinse is usually what we all go for first.  It is the area that we are most familiure with.  

Over the counter mouth rinses help to at least clean the area surrounding canker sores, which can provide immediate relief from pain or discomfort. Antiseptic mouthwashes are your best bet here, which can help prevent infection and even numb parts of your mouth.

Warm salt water can also be an easy and fast way to help overcome these issues.  .

This advice never gets old and works for so many things. It’s a natural alternative, it helps to promote healing, and it can kill small amounts of bacteria that may be surrounding the canker sore. If you are prescribed medicated mouthwashes, though, saltwater rinsing shouldn’t replace those but rather supplement them.

Over the counter gel is also an option that can work really well. You do not always have to go to the doctor for this issue, but I am not saying that is not the thing to do. 

Topical medications like oral gels or pastes can directly numb the canker sore and even coat it in a layer that prevents spicy or acidic foods from irritating it. Just as well, there are patches out there that can line the canker sore just like a bandaid would so that it protects the ulcer from irritation.

Using a soft brush during brushing can help when the canker sores come.

One thing that people forget with canker sores is that they don’t want to damage them during the healing process. Sometimes, brushing with older or cheaper toothbrushes can do just that. The best thing you can do is use a soft brush to avoid irritating the canker sores, which can lead to infection. Proper hygiene is key, but working around the sores is even better.

Now with all of this said, I am always a fan of making sure that you are safe and healthy.  So set up a time to talk through these scenarios with your doctor when canker sores come.  They can give the best game plan for your dental health.