About this topic
A mouth sore is a small, painful, open sore inside your mouth. It is often on the inside of the cheek, on the tongue, or at the bottom of the gum. These sores do not spread from person to person. ‚
Most sores get better in 1 to 2 weeks. Some do not go away on their own. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Gargle with warm salt water a few times daily. Mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with a cup of warm water.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid hurting the sore.
- Avoid eating hot or spicy foods, nuts, or chips.
- If you have braces or other dental appliances, use a protective cover or wax on the sharp edges. Ask your dentist about it.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity will not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Sore may not heal
- Infection
- Sore may come back
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sore grows larger or changes color
- Sore lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Pain gets worse
- Trouble eating and drinking
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my mouth.
- I can tell you what I will do if my sores get bigger or I have problems eating or drinking.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/canker-sores.printerview.all.html ‚
Kids Health ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/aches/canker.html# ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcer/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚