Other than topical anesthetics and avoidance of certain foods, little can be done in the treatment of canker sores.
a) True _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Wrong answer ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ b) False _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Correct ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ Answer and Commentary _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ For optimal treatment of oral ulcers, poor dental hygiene must be corrected. A toothpaste such as SensodyneTM works well. Topical anesthesia is sometimes necessary to relieve discomfort and pain before eating. Viscous lidocaine is usually used for this purpose. Several other preparations that include diphenhydramine hydrochloride, topical steroids and tetracycline have been used successfully. An elixir made of tetracycline syrup (60 ml) diphenhydramine (60 ml elixir) +/- fluocinolone acetonide solution (20 mg) may be used as a mouthwash, 1 tsp. 3 times daily, or applied directly to the canker with a piece of gauze or Q-tip. Frequent use of milk is also useful as it has a soothing effect on the canker. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯
