How do I treat canker sores?

Dr. Schultz: Canker sores can be recurrent and painful, however, fortunately they are not contagious. Nonetheless, it is important to have a doctor take a look at the sores in your mouth to make sure that is what they are, and then to prescribe the appropriate treatment. Please see DermTV episode #103, The Difference Between Canker Sores and Herpres for more information. In general, topical tetracycline compresses by prescription from your doctor (4-6x/day) can make canker sores go away much faster and a teaspoon of benadryl elixir (available without prescription) swished around in the mouth for a minute and then spit out can reduce the pain and is especially helpful before meals.