We have a one visit in-office treatment for relief of canker sore pain - debacterol.

Canker sores (commonly called oral ulcers, aphthous ulcers, or mouth ulcers) affect millions of people causing extreme pain and discomfort. Although these tiny oral ulcerations affect nearly twenty percent of the population, their exact cause remains a mystery.

Despite a great deal of research into the problem, the cause of canker sores remains elusive. Current thinking suggests that stress or skin injury may be involved in the eruption of common canker sores. Some researchers think the sores are made worse by certain foods--for example, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and some nuts.

In only some 20 percent of cases of complex aphthosis, doctors are able to find and treat an underlying cause. These include: faulty immune system function, nutritional problems such as vitamin B₁₂, folic acid or iron deficiencies, and disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Science has, however, identified a number of factors which tend to increase a person's chances of experiencing an episode of canker sores:

Stress - Stress has been related to a number of health problems including migraines, high blood pressure, heart disease, and gastric/intestinal disorders. It is not surprising then that stress has been linked to an increase risk of developing canker sores.

Toothpaste Ingredients - It appears that an ingredient in toothpaste called SLS, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, may cause canker sores in many people. SLS is responsible for the foaming action of toothpaste. The use of SLS free toothpaste has provided relief for many canker sore sufferers. For more information about this amazing breakthrough, you can read this SLS article. See also another source of non-SLS toothpaste".

Certain Foods - Some people have allergies to certain foods. Consumption of these foods can lead to canker sores. Studies show that elimination of these offending foods can sometimes dramatically reduce the number of canker sore episodes a person experiences. Foods related to canker sores include: buckwheat, whole wheat, rye, barley, chocolate, nuts, shellfish, soy, tomatoes, apples, figs, cheese, lemon, vinegar, French mustard, pineapples, apples and milk.

Minor Oral Trauma - There is evidence that trauma to the inside of the mouth may initiate canker sores. In many cases, this trauma can be caused by such simple things as biting the inside of the mouth or eating hard candy which scrapes or nicks the inside of the mouth. Brushing too hard can also cause canker sore formation.

Major advances have been made in the treatment of canker sores:

Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids act by treating the inflammation associated with canker sores. These corticosteroids often come in gel or cream form and are usually applied three to four times a day. If you are interested in trying corticosteroid compounds ask your dentist or doctor for .05% Lidex (Fluocinonide) gel or Kenalog in orabase

Analgesic (pain relieving) Compounds:
An analgesic compound is any compound which relieves pain. Several of these are available over the counter at your local drug store. For many people these compounds are effective. Active ingredients often found in these compounds include benzocaine or Diphenhydramine HCL. In addition to providing pain relief, several of these analgesic compounds form an adhesive film which protects the sore from mouth acids and foods.

Other treatments include:

1. Anti-microbial mouthwashes containing the active ingredient chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex)

2. Aphthasol (amlexanox oral paste, 5%) - a prescription canker sore ointment

3. Salt-water rinses
   
4. ORA5 - a natural, topical antibacterial agent
   
5. Debacterol - a one time treatment (an in-office procedure)