What are the treatments for aphthous ulcers?

Treatment aims to ease the pain when ulcers occur, and to help them to heal as quickly as possible. (There is no treatment that prevents aphthous mouth ulcers from recurring.)
• No treatment may be needed. The pain is often mild, particularly with the common 'minor' type of aphthous ulcer. Each bout of ulcers will go without treatment.
• General measures include:
o Avoid spicy foods, acidic fruit drinks, and very salty foods (such as crisps) which can make the pain worse.
o Use a straw to drink, to by-pass ulcers in the front of the mouth. (Note: do not drink hot drinks with a straw, as you may burn your throat. Only cold drinks.)
o Use a very soft toothbrush. See a dentist if you have badly fitting dentures.
o If you suspect a medication is causing the ulcers, then a change may be possible. For example, if you are using oral nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine gum or lozenges), it may help to use a different type instead such as patches or nasal spray.
• Lidocaine paste (gel) for pain control
• A painkilling oral rinse, gel, or mouth spray may help to ease pain. However, the effect of each dose does not last very long.
Other treatments may be tried if the above do not help or where the pain and ulceration are severe.