Many canker sore sufferers have expressed frustration over their doctor's or dentist's lack of knowledge concerning canker sores. Dentist's doctor's have often been quotes as saying "There is simply nothing you can do. Just wait four to five days and your canker sores will heal."

Well there are things your dentist can do to help you get relief from canker sore pain. Below we provide information and resources for you to share with your dentist or doctor.

Treatments that Dentists or Doctors Should Know About

Aphthasol (amlexanox oral paste, 5%): The Block Drug company has recently introduced Aphthasol (amlexanox oral paste, 5%) , a prescription paste for the treatment of canker sores. Dentists and doctors can obtain more information about Aphthasol by visiting the Block Drug website at www.blockdrug.com.

Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids act by treating the inflammation associated with canker sores (mouth ulcers) . These corticosteroids often come in gel or cream form and are usually applied three to four times a day. A significant number of patients benefit from using corticosteroid gels / creams. Ask your dentist or doctor for either of the following prescriptions:

• .05% Lidex (Fluocinonide) gel.
• Triamcinolone acetonide, commonly known as Kenalog in orabase.

Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash: In particular, studies have shown that medicated mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex) are especially effective in helping canker sore sufferers. A study by Drs. Hunter and Addy revealed that chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash used three times a day reduced the total number of ulcer days experienced by patients by approximately 20 percent.

Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine gluconate, however, should only be used in patients who normally experience moderate to severe cases of canker sores as this mouthwash can stain teeth.

Canker Sore Literature for Your Dentist or Doctor

Rees, Terry, and William Binne, RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, Dermatology Clinics 1996; 14(2), pgs. 243-256

Woo, Sook-Bin and Stephen Sonis RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERS: A REVIEW OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT, JADA 1996; vol 127, pgs. 1202-1213

Porter, S.R. and C. Scully RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 1998; 9(3) pgs306-321

R.S. Rogers RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS: CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMIC DISORDERS, Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 1997; 16(4) pgs 278-283

L. MacPhail TOPICAL AND SYSTEMIC THERAPY FOR RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 1997; 16(4) pgs 301-307

Chahine, L., Nancy, S. and C. Wagoner THE EFFECT OF SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE ON RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCERS: A CLINICAL STUDY, Compendium 1997; 18(12) pgs 1238-1240

Edres, M.A., Scully, C., and M. Gelbier USE OF PROPROETARY AGENTS TO RELIEVE RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS, British Dental Journal 1997; 182(4) pgs 144-146

Peterson, M.J. and R.A. Baughman RECURRENT APHTHOUS STOMATITIS: PRIMARY CASE MANAGEMENT, Nurse Practitioner 1996; 21(5) pgs 36-40, 42, 47