$Unique_ID{BRK01044}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Digestive System}
$Title{What Can be Done to Help Control Frequent Canker Sores?}
$Subject{canker sore diagnosis aphthes treatment}
$Volume{A-11, I-11}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Can be Done to Help Control Frequent Canker Sores?


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QUESTION:  It seems that I am a frequent sufferer of some type of canker sore
in my mouth.  I get them frequently and they are very painful and sometimes
prevent me from eating.  What can I do to help control them?

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ANSWER:  Canker sores are common and almost half the people in the United
States have experienced them at one time or another.  The technical name for
the condition is "Aphthous Stomatitis" and there are a variety of treatments
which are used to reduce the pain and help speed recovery.  Some physicians
recommend a mouth rinse containing the alkaloid, Sanguinarine, because it can
kill bacteria and stop their growth.  When infection does occur in canker
sores, the antibiotic, tetracycline, may be used to reduce that complication.
A dental paste containing a steroid (triaminolone acetonide) is especially
effective when used early in the course of the affliction.  Because these
ulcers burn when in contact with spicy foods, it may be necessary to use a
topical anesthetic agent such as lidocaine hydrochloride in a viscous
solution.  Cauterization of early lesions with silver nitrate or other
coagulating agents may relieve pain.  Often it may be treatment enough to
cover the ulcers with petrolatum jelly and allow them to heal by themselves.
     There are a variety of other causes that can create painful lesions in
the mouth, including some nutritional deficiencies, and it is important that a
physician get a good look at your "canker sores" in order to obtain as exact a
diagnosis as possible.  Then your treatment will be directed at eliminating
the cause of these painful mouth sores.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
