canker sores

Mrs.RC

Anyone get a bad canker sore while pregnant? What did u put on it?

BellaKelsey

I used to get them quite often, but oddly enough, never had one while pregnant the last time. I'd recommend calling your pharmacy to ask--they have all the pregnancy info for over-the-counter meds.

tinklinz

They're not really canker sores, but certain foods I have an allergic reaction to and I get blister-type things in the back of my throat. MSG and preservatives set it off before I was pg, but now I find if I don't read every little ingredient on the label something in there is going to jump up and bite me. 

EmandChris08

I have one right now. I think it's from sucking on so much hard candy to help with the nausea.

 I haven't put any meds on it because it's not that bad yet, but in the past I've found that rinsing your mouth with warm salt water a couple times a day helps to heal it faster.

 

JayandJack

I rinse my mouth out several times a day with Listerine. It hurts but it usually takes them away in a few days.

Anything you can buy OTC is fine though.

ColoRxGirl

You may also want to try avoiding toothpaste and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate - a detergent-like agent found in lots of products (it's what helps make foam).  There's data out there that indicates SLS can cause or worsen canker sores in folks that are prone to them.

Tom's of Maine, Biotene, and some of the Sensodyne products are SLS-free.  Just check the ingredient list on what you buy - SLS is listed as an inactive ingredient on most toothpastes.

There's also a product called Kanka that you can find at pharmacies that helps with pain and makes a protective coating over the sore.  Double-check with your doctor, but it should be pretty safe to use in pregnancy.  It tastes like crap and burns like a mofo when you first apply it, but only for a few seconds.  Makes it much easier to eat and drink.

ETA: you can also swish around some liquid Benadryl (the kid's kind) in your mouth and spit it out - use a teasponful or two.  Surprisingly, Benadryl has a mild topical anesthetic effect.  And Benadryl is definitely safe in pregnancy.  Do this just before eating to help with pain.  We actually use Benadryl this way in the hospital (mixed with Maalox and another topical anesthetic) to make a mouthwash for patients with severe mouth sores.

JenShea

My mom is a dental hygienist and she always told me to take a dry q-tip and rub it on the canker sore. Then swish with salt water. HTTH! It always worked for me. Rubbing didn't feel good though just so ya know!

EmberTopaz

I keep getting those sore bumps on my tongue, and they are lasting for days!