• Condition characterized by painful ulcers in the mouth, often known as canker sores
• May be caused by multiple factors including injury to the mouth, emotional stress, nutritional deficiencies, dietary allergies, hormonal changes, genetics, bacterial or viral infections, medication use and more
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females
• Can occur at any age but most common in adolescents
• Usually mild and resolves on its own

• Avoid any food that irritates your mouth
• Floss once every day and brush after meals
• Rinse with one of the following (do not swallow)
  • Saltwater
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda in ½ cup warm water
  • ½ hydrogen peroxide, ½ water
  • 1-part diphenhydramine with 1-part bismuth subsalicylate or 1-part simethicone
• Apply ice
• Apply baking soda paste or milk of magnesia

Over-the-counter medicines for pain (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):

• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF

• Sores are unusually large or are spreading
• Sores last longer than 3 weeks
• Pain not controlled by over-the-counter medicines
• High fever
• Inability to eat or drink