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Canker Sores

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Uses

Related Terms

  • Aphthous Stomatitis

Principal Proposed Natural Treatments

  • None

Other Proposed Natural Treatments

Proposed Natural Treatments References

Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth caused by an assortment of viruses. A susceptibility to canker sores tends to run in families. No successful conventional treatment is available.

Proposed Natural Treatments for Canker Sores

A highly preliminary study suggests that a chemically altered form of the herb licorice known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may be useful for speeding the resolution of canker sores. 1 And, in a second, better designed trial employing a dissolving adhesive patch with glycyrrhiza root extract, researchers noted an improvement in ulcer size and pain compared to the use of a placebo patch. 8

A product containing vitamins and minerals as well as the herbs paprika, rosemary , peppermint , milfoil, hawthorn , and pumpkin seed has been used in Scandinavia for many years as a treatment for various mouth-related conditions. A small 6-month study reported that use of this product could reduce frequency of canker sores. 2 However, two subsequent studies failed to find any meaningful benefit. 3-4

One small double-blind study found benefits with an extract of the bark of the red mangrove tree, Rhizophora mangle . 5

A study performed in Iraq reported benefits through use of a mouthwash containing 5% lactic acid. 7

Other herbs and supplements sometimes recommended for canker sores but lacking supporting evidence include caraway , oak bark , witch hazel , acidophilus , calendula , slippery elm , and vitamin B 1 .

One study failed to find that alpha-linolenic acid from perilla oil reduced incidence of canker sores. 6

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • 1

    Das SK, Das V, Gulati AK, et al. Deglycyrrhizinated liquorice in aphthous ulcers. J Assoc Physicians India . 1989;37:647.

  • 2

    Pedersen A, Hougen HP, Klausen B et al. LongoVital in the prevention of recurrent aphthous ulceration. J Oral Pathol Med . 1990;19:371-375.

  • 3

    Brateli J, Hakeberg M, Jontell M et al. The effect of LongoVital on recurrent aphthous stomatitis in a controlled clinical trial. Oral Health Prev Dent . 2005;3:3-8.

  • 4

    Kolseth I, Herlofson B, Pedersen A et al. Norwegian LongoVital and recurrent aphthous ulceration: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Oral Dis. 2005;11:374-378.

  • 5

    de Armas E, Sarracent Y, Marrero E et al. Efficacy of Rhizophora mangle aqueous bark extract (RMABE) in the treatment of aphthous ulcers: a pilot study. Curr Med Res Opin. 2005;21:1711-1715.

  • 6

    Hamazaki K, Itomura M, Hamazaki T et al. Effects of cooking plant oils on recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Nutrition. 2006 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print]

  • 7

    Sharquie KE, Al-Tammimy SM, Al-Mashhadani S, et al. Lactic acid 5 percent mouthwash is an effective mode of therapy in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcerations. Dermatol Online J. 2006;12:2.

  • 8

    Martin MD, Sherman J, van der Ven P, et al. A controlled trial of a dissolving oral patch concerning glycyrrhiza (licorice) herbal extract for the treatment of aphthous ulcers. Gen Dent. 2008;56:206-210;quiz 211-212, 224.