Introduction
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow, painful lesions that develop in the soft tissues inside the mouth. They can occur on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, and the base of the gums. Canker sores are quite common, affecting around 20% of the population. While they are not contagious and usually go away on their own within 1-2 weeks, canker sores can be very uncomfortable and make activities like eating and talking difficult. There is no definitive cure for canker sores, so finding an effective way to treat them is important for those who experience them frequently.
Propolis is a natural substance produced by honeybees from substances they collect from plants and trees. It is used by bees to seal cracks in their hives, acting as a protective barrier. Propolis has been used in folk medicine for centuries and contains a variety of compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. There has recently been some interest in using propolis to treat canker sores due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. This article will examine the current research on whether propolis may be an effective remedy for managing canker sores.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers or aphthous stomatitis, are small, oval-shaped ulcers that appear on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the inner lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, and gums. They have a white or yellow center with a red border. Canker sores can be quite painful, especially when eating acidic or spicy foods. Other symptoms may include:
- Burning or tingling sensation before ulcers appear
- Pain that can range from mild to severe
- Redness and inflammation around ulcers
- Gray or white patches around ulcers
- Difficulty eating or swallowing due to pain
Canker sores usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks without scarring. Most people will develop canker sores at some point, but about 20% experience them on a recurrent basis. Canker sores are different from cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Canker sores have some known triggers:
- Injury or trauma – Accidentally biting the cheek or tongue
- Stress and fatigue
- Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation
- Food sensitivities
- Nutritional deficiencies like iron, vitamin B-12 or zinc
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Allergies or weakened immunity
- Spicy, acidic or hard foods that irritate the soft tissues
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. They appear to involve a complex interaction of factors like genetics, immune system dysfunction, and damage to the oral mucosa. Diagnosis is usually made based on appearance and symptoms.
Treatment Options for Canker Sores
While there is no cure for canker sores, there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms during flare-ups:
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Oral rinses and gels containing active ingredients like benzocaine, lidocaine or diclofenac can provide temporary pain relief and numbness.
- Corticosteroid Ointments: Triamcinolone acetonide dental paste is an prescription steroid ointment that can reduce inflammation and pain when applied directly to canker sores.
- Medications: For severe or recurring canker sores, medications may be prescribed like immune modulators, steroid medications, antibiotics, collagenase inhibitors or bioadhesive medications to reduce pain and speed healing.
- Laser Therapy: Low-level laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Nutritional Supplements: Supplements containing zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin C and L-lysine may help prevent recurrent canker sores in some people.
- Avoid Irritants: Avoiding spicy, acidic, crunchy and salty foods that can further irritate canker sores during flare-ups.
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing gently using a soft toothbrush and avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol can help prevent irritation.
With no definitive cure available, alternative remedies for canker sores have been investigated. One natural substance that has shown promising results is propolis.
What is Propolis?
Propolis is a resinous material produced by honey bees from substances collected from tree buds, sap flows and other botanical sources. Bees use propolis to seal unwanted open spaces in their hive. Since ancient times, propolis has been used in folk medicine for its natural healing properties and health benefits.
The composition of propolis varies based on geography and location, the bees’ food source and collection season. But in general, it contains over 300 active compounds including:
- Polyphenols
- Phenolic aldehydes and ketones
- Quinones
- Aromatic acids
- Fatty acids
- Resin acids
- Wax
- Amino acids
- Minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium
- Vitamins including vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin
The diverse chemical composition of propolis is responsible for its wide-ranging therapeutic benefits. Propolis exhibits strong antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some of its most researched uses include:
- Treating wounds and burns
- Supporting immune health
- Protecting against bacteria and viruses
- Fighting fungal infections like oral thrush
- Reducing inflammation and swelling
- Treating cold sores
- Relieving symptoms of allergies and asthma
- Promoting oral health
Let’s take a closer look at the evidence on using propolis specifically for canker sores.
| Type of Study | Participants | Propolis Administration | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled | 60 patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis | Propolis mucoadhesive tablets applied 4 times daily for 6 days | Significantly decreased ulcer size, erythema, exudation, ulcer activity and pain compared to placebo |
| Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled | 75 patients with aphthous ulcers | 3% propolis microemulsion mouthwash 4 times daily for 6 days | Faster healing time, reduced erythema and exudation, lower pain scores vs. placebo |
| Randomized controlled | 60 patients with minor aphthous ulcers | Propolis extract vs. placebo mouthwash for 7 days | Significantly faster ulcer healing time in propolis group |
| Randomized controlled | 90 minor recurrent aphthous ulcer patients | 3% propolis vs. placebo ointment topically for 4 days | Propolis reduced ulcer size, pain, erythema and exudation |
Evidence That Propolis Helps Treat Canker Sores
The research on propolis for canker sores is promising:
- In a study published in Phytotherapy Research, applying propolis mucoadhesive tablets 4 times daily significantly reduced ulcer size, redness, exudation, ulcer activity and pain compared to placebo in 60 patients with minor recurrent canker sores.
- A study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that using a 3% propolis microemulsion mouthwash 4 times a day healed canker sores faster, reduced redness and exudation, and lowered pain compared to placebo mouthwash in 75 patients.
- A randomized trial in Oral Health and Prevetive Dentistry gave 90 patients with minor canker sores either a 3% propolis ointment or placebo to apply topically four times a day. After 4 days, the propolis group had significantly smaller ulcers, less pain, redness and exudation.
- A study published in Orl Journal for Oto-rhino-laryngology and Its Related Specialties gave 60 patients with minor aphthous ulcers either propolis extract mouthwash or placebo for 7 days. Those using the propolis mouthwash had a significantly faster healing time compared to placebo.
Researchers have proposed a few mechanisms for how propolis may work to speed up canker sore healing and reduce associated pain and inflammation:
- Propolis has antimicrobial effects against oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans that may trigger canker sores or hinder healing.
- The flavonoids in propolis have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can dampen inflammation and immune cell activation involved in canker sores.
- Propolis contains antioxidants like vitamin C, flavonoids and polyphenols that can neutralize damaging free radicals at canker sore sites.
- Propolis can form a protective film over lesions, shielding them from irritation.
- Compounds in propolis like caffeic acid aid in tissue repair and regeneration.
More clinical studies are still needed, but the current evidence indicates that propolis may be an effective complementary therapy for managing troublesome canker sores.
How to Use Propolis for Canker Sores
Propolis is available commercially in a variety of formulations:
- Raw propolis resin: This can be directly applied to canker sores using a clean fingertip or cotton swab 1-2 times per day. It has a sticky, gummy texture.
- Propolis tincture: Typically extracted in ethanol or grain alcohol. Several drops can be swished in mouth and applied directly to canker sores with a cotton swab.
- Propolis mouthwash: A popular method of use, swishing a dilute propolis rinse can coat the inside of the mouth and directly treat affected areas.
- Propolis spray: Easy to spray sores for convenient pain relief.
- Propolis ointment: Apply to sores 4 times a day.
- Propolis capsule: Oral propolis supplements provide immune and antioxidant support.
Propolis is safe for most people when used appropriately and doesn’t seem to induce allergic reactions as easily as bee pollen or honey. But it’s still best to do a small skin patch test before applying it inside the mouth. Mix a small amount with coconut oil and dab on the arm. If any redness or itching develops, avoid using it orally.
The optimal dosage and duration of using propolis for canker sores is not yet established. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using commercial preparations. Using propolis for one week during a canker sore outbreak is reasonable. Propolis has low bioavailability so using a sufficient concentration and frequency is important. Work with an integrative doctor or naturopath to tailor your propolis protocol.
Propolis use is considered safe during pregnancy but check with your OB-GYN first. Children can also use propolis but dosage should be significantly reduced. People with asthma or allergies should be cautious as propolis may exacerbate respiratory symptoms. Consult your physician before using propolis if you have any medical condition or take any medications.
Other Remedies That May Help Canker Sores
While propolis shows promise for relieving canker sores, there are some other natural remedies that may be beneficial:
A multifaceted approach is best – using propolis along with good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, stress reduction and other natural remedies to minimize canker sore outbreaks and discomfort.
Key Takeaways on Propolis for Canker Sores
- Propolis is a resin produced by bees that contains compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and wound healing properties.
- Early research indicates propolis may speed up healing of canker sores when used topically or as a mouth rinse.
- Propolis is thought to work by inhibiting bacteria, reducing inflammation, neutralizing free radicals, forming a protective coating and stimulating tissue repair.
- Propolis is available in various forms including tinctures, sprays, ointments, and mouthwashes that can be applied directly to canker sores.
- More clinical studies are needed, but propolis appears promising and safe based on existing research.
- Propolis can be used alongside other natural remedies like aloe vera, turmeric, honey and herbs to relieve canker sores.
The Bottom Line
For many people, canker sores can be a painful, frustrating problem. Early research on propolis, a bee product with myriad medicinal properties, indicates it may help speed up healing time and reduce pain when applied topically to canker sores. More research is warranted, but propolis appears to be a generally safe, natural option for managing canker sores. Propolis can be used in conjunction with other home remedies, oral hygiene practices and lifestyle changes to effectively relieve the discomfort of canker sores.
