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Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)

A canker sore can make every meal, coffee, and conversation hurt. If yours are large, slow to heal, or keep coming back, a licensed pharmacist at our Orleans pharmacy can assess them and prescribe a medicated oral paste that calms inflammation and speeds healing — no doctor's appointment needed, free with OHIP.

Canker sores are small, shallow, painful ulcers inside the mouth — on the inside of the cheeks or lips, the sides of the tongue, or the floor of the mouth. They're not contagious and aren't the same as cold sores, which appear on the outside of the lips.

Why canker sores happen

There's no single cause. Minor mouth injury (a bite, a sharp tooth, dental work), stress, certain foods, and nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate, zinc) can all trigger them. Most heal on their own within 7–14 days; treatment is about easing pain, protecting the sore while it heals, and shortening the episode. Recurring or unusual ulcers deserve a closer look, since they can occasionally signal an underlying condition.

About 20% of people get recurrent canker sores — the most common oral lesion there is — and half of those who get one will have another within three months. They usually first appear between ages 10 and 20 and become less frequent with age.

Common signs and symptoms

Small, round, shallow ulcer with a white or yellowish centre and red border
Burning or tingling a day before the sore appears
Pain with eating, drinking, or talking — worse with acidic or spicy food
Sores inside the cheeks or lips, on the tongue, or floor of the mouth

Treatments our Orleans pharmacist can prescribe

For your information only: in Ontario, our pharmacist can assess this condition and, when appropriate, prescribe from the medications listed below. This information is provided for educational purposes — it is not an offer to sell. These are treatments that require a pharmacist assessment, and the right option is chosen for you.

Anti-inflammatory agents: Triamcinolone in an oral paste/dental base (e.g., Oracort)

Self-care that helps

Numbing gels and oral anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine products like Orajel)
Protective oral pastes that cover and shield the sore
SLS-free toothpaste — sodium lauryl sulfate can worsen sores
Antiseptic / soothing alcohol-free mouth rinses
Salt-water rinse (½–1 tsp salt in warm water, several times daily) to soothe and keep the area clean

Browse related over-the-counter options in our Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers) self-care collection, or ask us in store — our pharmacists will point you to what actually helps.

How the assessment works

1. Walk in or callNo appointment or referral needed. Drop by our pharmacy on St-Joseph Blvd in Orleans during opening hours, or call ahead.

2. Private consultationA licensed pharmacist reviews your symptoms, health history and medications in a short, private assessment.

3. Prescription in handIf appropriate, we prescribe and fill your treatment on the spot — you leave with what you need.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a canker sore and a cold sore?

Canker sores are inside the mouth and aren't contagious. Cold sores sit on or around the lips, are caused by the herpes virus, and are contagious. Both can be assessed and treated by our pharmacists — they're separate minor ailments.

What can the pharmacist prescribe that I can't buy off the shelf?

A prescription corticosteroid oral paste (triamcinolone in a dental base) that reduces inflammation and speeds healing — noticeably more effective for painful ulcers than numbing gels alone.

Why do I keep getting canker sores?

Frequent recurrences can be linked to stress, minor trauma, food triggers, or low iron, B12, or folate. If yours recur often, mention it during the assessment — checking for a correctable cause is worthwhile.

Is the pharmacist assessment covered by OHIP?

Yes. The minor ailment assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. You only pay for the medication itself if one is prescribed, and that is often covered by your drug plan.

Do I need an appointment at your Orleans pharmacy?

No. Walk-ins are welcome during all pharmacy hours — Monday to Friday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. You can also call 613-824-3111 ahead of your visit.

When to see a doctor instead: See a health-care provider if the sore lasts longer than 14 days, is larger than 1 cm, is on the roof of your mouth or gums, keeps coming back or multiplying, or comes with fever, joint pain, eye irritation, or diarrhea.

Mouth ulcer making meals miserable?

Skip the walk-in clinic wait. Our Orleans pharmacists assess and prescribe for canker sores — free with your Ontario health card.

Call 613 · 824 · 3111 Hours & directions

Serving Orleans and east Ottawa — Fallingbrook, Avalon, Chapel Hill, Queenswood Heights, Blackburn Hamlet, Navan & Cumberland. 2746 St-Joseph Blvd, Unit 100, Orleans, ON K1C 1G5.