Minor Ailments

Canker Sores

Find fast canker sore relief with soothing treatments and helpful guidance from your RxHealthMed pharmacist.

Relief from Canker Sores

Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small, shallow sores that develop inside the mouth on the gums, tongue, cheeks, or lips. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious and are not caused by a virus. The exact cause is not always clear, but common triggers include stress, minor mouth injuries, acidic foods, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies. Most canker sores heal on their own within a week or two, and the right treatment can help reduce pain and move things along.

Recognizing Canker Sores

Canker sores usually appear as small round or oval ulcers with a white or yellowish centre and a red border, found on the inside surfaces of the mouth. They can be quite painful, especially when eating or talking. Many people notice a tingling or burning sensation one to two days before the sore actually appears.

How Your RxHealthMed Pharmacist Can Help

Your RxHealthMed pharmacist can suggest topical anesthetics, antiseptic rinses, protective oral gels, or antimicrobial mouthwashes to ease pain and support healing. They can also help you identify possible triggers in your diet or medications and share tips on reducing how often canker sores occur.

Find Canker Sore Relief Near You

Stop by an RxHealthMed pharmacy near you for effective canker sore treatments and friendly pharmacist guidance. No appointment needed.

Frequently asked questions

Have questions about canker sores? Here you will find answers about what causes them, how to treat them, and what you can do to prevent them from showing up again.

What is the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

Canker sores form inside the mouth and are not contagious at all. Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, appear on or around the outside of the lips, and can be passed to others.

What tends to trigger canker sores?

Common triggers include stress, minor injuries inside the mouth such as accidental biting or dental work, acidic or spicy foods, hormonal changes, nutritional shortfalls in B12, folate, or iron, and some toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

How long do canker sores usually last?

Most minor canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. Larger or more complex sores can take up to six weeks and may leave some scarring. Using a treatment can help ease the pain and support faster healing.

What over-the-counter products help with canker sores?

Topical anesthetic gels such as those containing benzocaine, protective oral pastes, antiseptic mouthwashes, and anti-inflammatory rinses can all help with pain and recovery. Your RxHealthMed pharmacist can point you toward the right option.

When should I see a doctor about a canker sore?

It is worth seeing a doctor if your canker sores are unusually large or painful, persist for more than three weeks, come with a fever, or keep coming back frequently, as these patterns can sometimes point to an underlying health condition.

Skip the clinic wait, feel better faster

Our pharmacists can assess symptoms and prescribe treatments for minor ailments.