Oral Care - Researched Articles on the Latest in Oral Care News

A canker sore is within the mouth or on the lips and appears as a round spot with a yellow or red interior and a red circle around it. These will generally go away on their own if left untreated, but can occasionally last longer than a few days and can then be treated to decrease discomfort. While mostly harmless and safe to ignore they can occasionally cause larger concerns and may even lead to tooth damage.

Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Researchers have found that hydrogen peroxide - the active ingredient in over-the-counter whitening strips - can damage the protein-rich dentin tissue found beneath the tooth's protective enamel. It is well established that hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the enamel and dentin.