MEDWATCH

It's worth a try for those annoying canker sores

BY JODI MAILANDER FARRELL

• Product: Cankermelts-GX, 12 discs for $6.99.

• Key ingredient: licorice root (glycyrrhiza) extract, also
known as GX.

• The pitch: Guaranteed to heal new canker sores in one
to four days or your money back.
(Most sores last one to two weeks.)

• How it works: The medicated disc adheres on or near the sore and slowly releases the licorice extract over two to six hours.

• Pros: A University of Washington School of Dentistry study found that topically applied glycyrrhiza extract in contact with a mouth ulcer for at least 16 hours per day can relieve pain and speed healing to one to three days. There is no numbing or unpleasant taste. The disc can be left in place while eating and can be swallowed.

• Cons: Some users have complained the dime-sized disc is too big and takes too long to attach to the sore.  Over months of daily use, GX could stain white composite fillings.

• Bottom line: Avoid extended use, but it's worth a try for chronic sufferers.

--JODI MAILANDER FARRELL