What is a Canker Sore?

Caused by a virus, a canker sore is the most common type of mouth ulcer. The medical term for a canker sore is apthous ulcer or apthous stomatitis. Other common names include mouth ulcer, oral ulcer, and mouth sore.

Developing only on the inside of the mouth, a canker sore may be triggered by various substances, stress, vitamin deficiencies, or existing medical conditions.

There are three types of canker sores:

1. Minor Recurrent Stomatitis The most common canker sore, it is small (less than one centimeter in diameter) and usually heals within 7 to 14 days.


2. Major Recurrent Stomatitis Often larger than 1 centimeter in size, these may take up to three weeks to heal and often leave a scar.


3. Herpetiform Rare, pinpoint size sores.

If you suffer from canker sores, you may consider using toothpaste that does not contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS), such as Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste. SLS is a detergent in toothpaste and clinical studies show that SLS promotes canker sores.

Treating Canker Sores:

• Rinse with Ulcer Ease anesthetic mouth rinse.


• Cover tender tissue and exposed nerves with Ora5 and experience immediate relief.

If you have one, you want a remedy. Two of the oldest natural antibiotics that are known to man, copper sulfate and iodine, are key ingredients in the canker sore relief product Ora5.

In the 1920's a dentist in Edna, Texas began applying the non-toxic, antibacterial agents copper sulfate and iodine to treat periodontal disease. In the 1970's this dentist's grandson, Dr. McHenry "Mac" Lee, reviewed these records as he researched soft tissue management (canker sores form in the soft tissues of the mouth) and periodontal disease. Dr. Lee's research led to the establishment of McHenry Laboratories and ultimately, the canker sore relief product Ora5.

Ora5 is a topical bacterial agent that contains copper sulfate and iodine. It forms a protective covering when applied to a canker sore (apthous ulcer), reducing superficial soreness and infection.

Since 1980, dentists have used this liquid band-aid to treat patients suffering from canker sores. Ora5 is now available without prescription for consumer use to treat painful canker sores.

Read more here about remedies. You can limit the discomfort of a canker sore (apthous ulcer) with non-prescription medications and home remedies.

Professional Medications (non-prescription)

• Ulcer Ease - a gentle, healing anesthetic mouth rinse


• Ora5 - a liquid band aid that creates a protective covering over the ulcer


• Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste - free of Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)

Home Remediies

• Yogurt -daily consumption of lactobacillus acidophilus (found in yogurt containing active cultures) is believed to help prevent canker sores.


• Multi-Vitamins - Nutritional deficiencies may contribute to canker sores.


• Monitor Trigger Foods - Keep a food diary to determine if you should avoid any of the foods that trigger canker sores (Vinegar, Soy, Chocolate, French Mustard, Pineapple, Tomatoes, Lemons, Cheese, Milk, Nuts, Apples, Figs, Shellfish, Buckwheat, Whole Wheat, Rye, Barley, and Flour).