Q: I frequently get canker sores inside my mouth. My dentist just says: “wait 10 days and they will go away.” What can I do?….. … JHC Palm Beach

A: You and me both, kiddo. Every time I have dental work or slip with the toothbrush and scratch my gum, bite my cheek or tongue, I wind up with what is known in the “biz” as an apthous ulcer. These are caused by unknown viruses floating around in the normal flora of our mouths. (Personally, I think the city should evict them!)

Apthous ulcers look like a white moon crater, surrounded by a red, inflamed border. Spicey and citris foods make you want to punch a hole in the wall. These are not to be confused with the herpes labialis cold sores on the lip; these are inside the lips, cheeks, tongue and near the gums.

Your dentist just does not have the right “goo”. I have been using a product called Debacterol for years that instantly chemically cauterizes the pesky canker in five seconds. The pain stops immediately and within a day or two that puppy is history.