Canker Sores - Supplements

Pain caused by canker sores can make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak. How can you soothe the pain and shorten the healing time? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.

Aim for more balanced nutrition
Not getting the right amounts of certain vitamins can contribute to canker sores; take a multivitamin containing zinc and generous amounts of vitamin B-complex, and include iron if tests show that your levels are low
Try a little licorice
Try chewable (or powdered) deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) to shorten canker sore healing time
Make a date with your dentist
Get checked for sources of minor trauma, such as rough fillings, braces, or poorly fitting dentures, which can aggravate canker sores
Forego certain foods
Work with a knowledgeable health professional to find out if you’re sensitive to foods that make symptoms worse

Also indexed as:

aphthous ulcers,
canker sores,
mouth ulcers,
oral ulcer

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Aloe	Follow label instructions	A gel containing the herbal Aloe vera polysaccharide acemannan may speed the healing of canker sores.
Aloe Follow label instructions A gel containing the Aloe vera polysaccharide acemannan was found in one double-blind trial to speed the healing of canker sores better than the conventional treatment Orabase Plain.¹¹ The gel was applied four times daily. Because acemannan levels can vary widely in commercial aloe gel products, it is difficult to translate these results to the use of aloe gel for canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
DG Licorice	Mix 200 mg DGL in 200 ml in warm water and swish in mouth several minutes, four times per day	Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) and warm water applied to the inside of the mouth may speed the healing of canker sores. Chewable DGL tablets may have the same effect.
DG Licorice Mix 200 mg DGL in 200 ml in warm water and swish in mouth several minutes, four times per day Licorice that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed is called deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). Glycyrrhizic acid is the portion of licorice root that can increase blood pressure and cause water retention in some people. The wound-healing and soothing components of the root remain in DGL. A mixture of DGL and warm water applied to the inside of the mouth may shorten the healing time for canker sores, according to a double-blind trial.¹² This DGL mixture is made by combining 200 mg of powdered DGL and 200 ml of warm water. It can then be swished in the mouth for two to three minutes, then spit out. This procedure may be repeated each morning and evening for one week. Chewable DGL tablets may be an acceptable substitute.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Iron (Iron-Deficiency Anemia)	Consult with your doctor	Talk to your doctor to see if your recurrent canker sores might be related to iron deficiency.
Iron Consult with your doctor Several preliminary studies,¹³ ^{, 14} ^{, 15} ^{, 16} though not all,¹⁷ have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent canker sores. Treating these deficiencies has been reported in preliminary¹⁸ ^{, 19} and controlled²⁰ studies to reduce or eliminate canker sore recurrences in most cases. Supplementing daily with B vitamins—300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg vitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6—has been reported to provide some people with relief.²¹ Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.²² The right supplemental level of iron requires diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a healthcare professional using lab tests. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Probiotics	Apply powdered culture topically several times daily and orally take 1.5 billion colony-forming units two times daily	Topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus may help people with recurrent canker sores.
Probiotics Apply powdered culture topically several times daily and orally take 1.5 billion colony-forming units two times daily According to preliminary reports, some people with recurrent canker sores may respond to topical and/or oral use of Lactobacillus acidophilus²³ and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. ²⁴ However, a double-blind study found no effect of acidophilus bacteria on the healing time of canker sores.²⁵ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin B-Complex	300 mg B1 daily, 20 mg B2 daily, 150 mg B6 daily	People with recurrent canker sores may have a B vitamin deficiency. Supplementing with vitamins B1, B2, and B6 has been reported to provide relief.
Vitamin B-Complex 300 mg B1 daily, 20 mg B2 daily, 150 mg B6 daily Several preliminary studies,²⁶ ^{, 27} ^{, 28} ^{, 29} though not all,³⁰ have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent canker sores. Treating these deficiencies has been reported in preliminary³¹ ^{, 32} and controlled³³ studies to reduce or eliminate recurrences in most cases. Supplementing daily with B vitamins—300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg vitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6—has been reported to provide some people with relief.³⁴ Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.³⁵ The right supplemental level of iron requires diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a healthcare professional using lab tests. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Zinc (Zinc Deficiency)	150 mg daily plus 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency	Zinc deficiency has been linked with recurrent canker sores, so treating the deficiency may lead to relief. Long-term zinc supplementation requires extra copper to avoid deficiency.
Zinc 150 mg daily plus 1 to 2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency Zinc deficiency has also been linked with recurrent canker sores in preliminary studies³⁶ and in one case report.³⁷ A preliminary trial found that supplementation with up to 150 mg of zinc per day reduced recurrences of canker sores by 50 to 100%; participants who were zinc deficient experienced the most consistent benefit.³⁸ However, a double-blind trial (that did not test people for zinc deficiency) did not find zinc supplements helpful for recurrent canker sores.³⁹ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Agrimony	Refer to label instructions	Agrimony is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Agrimony Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Chamomile	Refer to label instructions	Chamomile has healing properties and swishing a tincture made of strong tea may have a soothing effect on the lining of the mouth.
Chamomile Because of its soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth) and its healing properties, chamomile may be tried for canker sores and other mouth irritations.⁴⁰ A strong tea made from chamomile tincture can be swished in the mouth before swallowing, three to four times per day. Goldenseal has also been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Cranesbill	Refer to label instructions	Cranesbill is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Cranesbill Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Echinacea	Refer to label instructions	The antiviral, immune-enhancing, and wound-healing properties of echinacea may make this herb a reasonable choice for canker sores.
Echinacea The antiviral, immune-enhancing, and wound-healing properties of echinacea may make this herb a reasonable choice for canker sores. Liquid echinacea in the amount of 4 ml can be swished in the mouth for two to three minutes, then swallowed. This procedure may be repeated three times per day. However, no research has investigated the possible effects of this treatment. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Goldenseal	Refer to label instructions	Goldenseal has been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal canker sores.
Goldenseal Because of its soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth) and its healing properties, chamomile may be tried for canker sores and other mouth irritations.⁴¹ A strong tea made from chamomile tincture can be swished in the mouth before swallowing, three to four times per day. Goldenseal has also been used historically as a mouthwash to help heal canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Myrrh	Refer to label instructions	Myrrh is a traditional remedy with wound-healing properties that has a long history of use for mouth and gum irritations.
Myrrh Myrrh, another traditional remedy with wound-healing properties, has a long history of use for mouth and gum irritations. Some herbalists suggest mixing 200 to 300 mg of herbal extract or 4 ml of myrrh tincture with warm water and swishing it in the mouth before swallowing; this can be done two to three times per day. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Oak	Refer to label instructions	Oak is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Oak Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Periwinkle	Refer to label instructions	Periwinkle is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Periwinkle Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Tormentil	Refer to label instructions	Tormentil is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Tormentil Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin B12	3 to 1,000 mcg daily	Recurrent canker sores might be related to vitamin B12 deficiency, but research has shown that even without deficiency supplementing this vitamin may be beneficial.
Vitamin B12 3 to 1,000 mcg daily Several preliminary studies,⁴² ^{, 43} ^{, 44} ^{, 45} though not all,⁴⁶ have found a surprisingly high incidence of iron and B vitamin deficiency among people with recurrent canker sores. Treating these deficiencies has been reported in preliminary and controlled studies to reduce or eliminate recurrences in most cases.⁴⁷ ^{, 48} ^{, 49} In addition, a double-blind study found that supplementing with vitamin B12 prevented recurrences even in people who were not deficient in the vitamin.⁵⁰ The amount used in that study was 1,000 mcg twice a day for six months. Supplementing daily with B vitamins—300 mg vitamin B1, 20 mg vitamin B2, and 150 mg vitamin B6—has been reported to provide some people with relief.⁵¹ Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.⁵² The right supplemental level of iron requires diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a healthcare professional using lab tests. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Witch Hazel	Refer to label instructions	Witch hazel is an astringent herb that can be used as a mouth rinse to soothe the pain of canker sores. The herb contains tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation.
Witch Hazel Historically, herbs known as astringents have been used to soothe the pain of canker sores. These herbs usually contain tannins that can bind up fluids and possibly relieve inflammation. They are used as a mouth rinse and then are spit out. None of these herbs has been studied in modern times. Examples of astringent herbs include agrimony, cranesbill, tormentil, oak, periwinkle, and witch hazel. Witch hazel is approved by the German Commission E for local inflammations of the mouth, presumably a condition that includes canker sores. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

References

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

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