(HealthDay News) -- Canker sores are ulcers that form inside the mouth that can make eating and drinking painful.

The American Dental Association suggests how to help heal a canker sore:

• Apply an over-the-counter topical anesthetic to numb the sore.
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse.
• Avoid foods that may irritate the sore, especially anything spicy, hot or acidic.
• See your dentist if the sore doesn't heal without treatment after two weeks.
• Use an antibiotic and/or bandage as recommended by your dentist, to help reduce the risk of infection.