Over The Counter Medicine For Ulcers In Mouth
Ulcers in the mouth can be extremely painful and can make eating and talking difficult. They can be caused by a variety of factors such as stress, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions. While there are prescription medications available to treat mouth ulcers, there are also over-the-counter options that can provide relief. In this article, we will discuss the best over-the-counter medicine for ulcers in the mouth.
What are ulcers in the mouth?
Ulcers in the mouth, also known as canker sores, are painful sores that can develop on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They can be white, gray, or yellow in color and have a red border. Mouth ulcers can be caused by a number of factors including:
- Stress
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Sharp teeth
- Poor oral hygiene
- Food allergies
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Fungal infections
- Genetic factors
Ulcers in the mouth are not contagious and usually heal within 1-2 weeks. However, they can be extremely painful and can interfere with eating, drinking, and speaking.
Over-the-counter medicine for ulcers in the mouth
There are several over-the-counter medicines that can help to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with ulcers in the mouth. These include:
- Topical anesthetics
- Antimicrobial mouthwashes
- Oral pain relievers
- Oral antihistamines
- Oral corticosteroids
Topical anesthetics
Topical anesthetics are over-the-counter medications that can help to numb the area around the ulcer, providing temporary relief from the pain. These medications are available in the form of gels, creams, and liquids. Some common topical anesthetics include:
- Benzocaine (Anbesol, Orajel, and other brands)
- Lidocaine (Xylocaine)
- Dyclonine (Sucrets)
Antimicrobial mouthwashes
Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing of the ulcer. These mouthwashes contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, or sodium bicarbonate. Some common antimicrobial mouthwashes include:
- Listerine
- Cepacol
- Peridex
Oral pain relievers
Oral pain relievers can help to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with ulcers in the mouth. These medications are available over-the-counter and include drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions when taking these medications.
Oral antihistamines
Oral antihistamines can help to reduce the inflammation and swelling associated with ulcers in the mouth. These medications are available over-the-counter and include drugs such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), loratadine (Claritin), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Oral corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids can help to reduce the inflammation and promote healing of the ulcer. These medications are available over-the-counter and include drugs such as prednisone (Deltasone) and hydrocortisone (Cortef).
Conclusion
Ulcers in the mouth can be extremely painful and can make eating and talking difficult. While there are prescription medications available to treat mouth ulcers, there are also over-the-counter options that can provide relief. Topical anesthetics, antimicrobial mouthwashes, oral pain relievers, oral antihistamines, and oral corticosteroids are all effective over-the-counter options for treating ulcers in the mouth. If you have persistent or severe mouth ulcers, it is important to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.