Canker Sore That Won't Heal? Get Assessed Online in Ontario

A canker sore is a small ulcer on the inside of your lip, cheek or tongue. Most fade within a week or two, but a big one can make eating, drinking and talking genuinely miserable - and some people get them again and again. In Ontario you do not need a doctor's appointment to have one looked at: canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are a minor ailment an Ontario pharmacist can assess and prescribe for online.

Can a pharmacist prescribe for this?

A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your answers and, when it is clinically appropriate, can prescribe treatment to ease the pain and help the ulcer heal, or recommend an over-the-counter option if that is the better fit. A prescription is never guaranteed - sometimes the right answer is simple self-care while it settles.

What helps while you wait

Rinse with warm salt water, skip acidic, salty and crunchy foods for a few days, use a soft toothbrush, and avoid toothpaste that stings. Canker sores are not contagious, so you do not need to isolate or change utensils.

When to see a doctor instead

The assessment screens for cases that need in-person care. See a doctor or dentist if an ulcer is larger than about 1 cm, has not healed in three weeks, or keeps returning; if you have several ulcers at once with a fever or feel unwell; if you also have ulcers elsewhere on the body or unexplained weight loss; or if you cannot swallow or stay hydrated. Trouble breathing or rapid swelling of the mouth or throat is an emergency - call 911.

How to start

1. Open the canker sores assessment - a short, secure questionnaire (about 5 minutes).
2. A licensed Ontario pharmacist reviews your answers and follows up within 24 business hours (our average is about 2 hours).
3. If treatment is appropriate, they prescribe or recommend it and can send a prescription to the pharmacy of your choice.

Is it free?

The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card, or a flat $30 without one. Any prescribed medication is billed at its usual price, which your drug plan may cover.

Common questions

Do I need a family doctor or a referral?

No. Neither is needed, and the whole assessment happens online from anywhere in Ontario.

Is a canker sore the same as a cold sore?

No - canker sores are inside the mouth and are not contagious, while cold sores are blisters on or around the lips caused by a virus. Both can be assessed by a pharmacist; pick the one that matches what you see.

See what we treat and start a free assessment →

Pharmly is operated by Citrus Pharmacy, accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP #306740). A prescription is never guaranteed - a pharmacist prescribes only when it is clinically appropriate. Not for emergencies: call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department for urgent symptoms.