The standard over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for canker sores are benzocaine and lidocaine. These drugs are esters – which means they are compounds made from an acid – better known as – PABA (para amino benzoic acid) and the alcohol ethanol. Dentists use a related ester – procaine, also called Novocain – as a topical anesthetic during dental work.
Benzocaine and lidocaine are chemically similar to cocaine, another drug with topical anesthetic properties. These drugs interfere with the body's ability to send electric signals through the nerves. That's how they numb the pain. According to the drug manufacturers, overdoses of these esters may cause blurred or double vision; confusion; convulsions; dizziness; slow or irregular heartbeat; trouble breathing; anxiety; and unusual fatigue. In addition, people taking cholinesterase inhibitors or sulfonamides should avoid benzocaine and lidocaine.
Natural alternatives for pain relief to the ester-class drugs include menthol and camphor. Although these natural pain relievers may not be quite as strong as the drugs, they can be safer, and may have a reduced risk of side effects. Other natural substances may reduce healing time as well -some of the most promising herbs and vitamins include:
Lysine
An amino acid with healing and anti viral properties
Aloe Vera
Soothing plant used to speed healing.
Menthol
An FDA approved oral analgesic and pain reliever
Myrrh
A traditional remedy for gum and mouth irritations.
Licorice (DGL)
Clinically proven to heal canker sores fast (J Assoc Physicians India. 1989 Oct; 37(10):647.)
Goldenseal
Has astringent properties that help treat wounds and sores.
Echinacea
Native American herb traditionally used to heal open sores.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is anti-fungal healing oil distilled from the Australian plant Melaleucan alternifolia
Gum Benzoin
A gum resin used in healing skin irritations.
Vitamin B12
Deficiencies of this vitamin are thought to cause canker sores.
Propolis
Plant resins collected by bees for their hives, this is a traditional canker sore treatment.
Calendula
Many herbalists recommend applying calendula to canker sores.
Cajeput Oil
Used as a cooling and healing agent, according to the German "Commission E" Report.
Clove Bud Oil
Helps numb the skin and relieve discomfort.
A revolutionary new approach to Healing canker sores
Canker Cover is small tablet-like patch made from edible ingredients. It sticks to the canker sore within seconds and lasts for up to 8 hours. Shortly after it is placed on the sore, the patch becomes gel-like. It absorbs fluids from the sore as part of the healing process. The patch will stick to the affected area and cover the sore for 6 – 8 hours. Then it dissolves by itself. In most cases, a single patch will eliminate the sore completely, according to a recent study… Canker Cover works in three ways:
The natural ingredients in Canker Cover speed healing. Most canker sores are eliminated with a single patch.
Canker Cover "seals" and isolates the canker sore from contact with the tongue, teeth, and food. No other products protect so thoroughly for eight hours.
Canker Cover provides immediate and long lasting pain relief by steadily releasing pain-numbing menthol, beta-carotene and other natural ingredients onto the sore. To learn more, visit: www.cankercover.com.
