Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve by themselves in a few days. Other types of mouth ulcers, such as the apthous variety or those caused by herpes simplex infection, need medical treatment. There is no cure in the treatment of ulcers but the symptoms can be managed and the risk of complications reduced.

The range of treatment options includes:

• Avoid spicy and sour foods until the ulcers heal.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Regularly rinse your mouth out with warm, slightly salted water.
• Keep your mouth clean.
• Take pain-killing medication
• Apply antiseptic gel to the ulcers.
• Use a medicated mouthwash.
• Use steroid gels or tablets where indicated especially in an auto immune condition
• Treat apthous ulcers with anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Treat ulcers caused by the herpes simplex virus with anti-viral drugs.
• Treat oral thrush with anti-fungal drugs.
• Immunosuppressant drugs are sometimes required.

Use of lasers in the treatment of mouth sores is emerging but the science behind this modality is yet to be substantiated says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.