She Strengthens

Say Goodbye to Canker Sores: Fast Relief and Prevention Tips

Are you tired of dealing with painful canker sores? While they usually heal on their own, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Discover the best home remedies and prevention tips to get rid of canker sores quickly and avoid future breakouts.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous stomatitis, are small, round, painful ulcers that appear in your mouth, typically on the insides of your cheeks, lips, or tongue. They can be accompanied by stinging or tingling sensations and a red rim around the ulcer. Most minor canker sores hurt for 3 to 5 days and heal completely after about 2 weeks. Larger, more painful complex canker sores can last up to 6 weeks and might leave a scar.

Home Remedies for Fast Relief

Looking for a quick fix? Try these natural remedies to alleviate canker sore pain and promote healing:

1. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps reduce inflammation by balancing your pH. Dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup water, swish it around your mouth for 15-30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat every few hours as needed.

2. Salt Water

Gargling salt water provides relief while preventing infections. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1/2 cup warm water, swish it around your mouth for 15-30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat every few hours as needed.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

A dab of hydrogen peroxide cleans out mouth ulcers and reduces bacteria. Dilute a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of water, dip a cotton swab into the mixture, and apply directly to the sore. Use a few times daily.

4. Alum Powder

Alum powder has astringent properties that shrink and dry out canker sores. Mix a tiny amount of alum powder with a drop of water, dab the paste onto a canker sore, leave on for at least 1 minute, and rinse with water. Repeat daily.

5. Yogurt

Live probiotic cultures in yogurt combat H. pylori bacteria and inflammatory bowel disease, which can trigger canker sores. Enjoy a cup of yogurt daily to keep cankers at bay.

6. Honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that ease pain and reduce canker sore size. Apply honey to your mouth ulcer 4 times a day using unpasteurized, unfiltered honey.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil’s antimicrobial abilities stop bacteria in its tracks, helping to prevent infection. Apply it to the sore several times a day.

8. Milk of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide, a natural acid neutralizer that prevents the sore from spreading. Apply a small amount to the sore, let it sit for several seconds, and rinse. Repeat up to 3 times daily.

9. Chamomile

Chamomile’s antiseptic and anti-inflammatory compounds provide relief. Apply a hot chamomile tea bag compress to a sore or drink a cup of chamomile tea with honey to reduce pain and inflammation.

10. Echinacea

Echinacea boosts your immune system and helps heal wounds. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid echinacea to an equal amount of warm water, swish the solution around your mouth for about 2 minutes, and spit out (or swallow) the mixture.

11. Sage

Sage has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties that make it a great natural remedy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves to boiling water, steep for at least 5 minutes, strain, and let it cool. Swish the solution around your mouth and spit it out.

12. DGL

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe canker sores. Mix the powder of 1 DGL capsule (200 milligrams) with 1 cup warm water, swish the solution around your mouth for about 3 minutes, and spit out.

13. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar eliminates bacteria, but use it with caution as it can be acidic. Combine 1 teaspoon ACV with 1 cup water, swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, and spit out. Thoroughly rinse your mouth to avoid tooth enamel damage.

14. Zinc Lozenges

Zinc lozenges support immune function and fight bacteria that cause canker sores. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

15. Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to canker sores. Take a supplement daily to help prevent breakouts and reduce pain.

16. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera gel soothes canker sores while reducing pain and inflammation. Use juice form or fresh aloe vera leaves, but be cautious if you have diabetes and use glucose-lowering medication.

17. Ice

Hold an ice cube against the sore for instant relief. While it won’t heal the canker sore, it can help alleviate pain temporarily.

18. OTC Topical Gel

If you prefer a more conventional approach, try an over-the-counter topical gel.

19. OTC Mouth Rinse

Premade mouth rinses designed to alleviate canker sore pain and inflammation are also available.

When to See a Doctor

While canker sores usually heal on their own, they can be painful and potentially lead to infection. Contact a doctor if you experience:

• Fever
• Intolerable pain
• A cluster of sores
• Sores that last longer than 2 weeks
• Sores that spread to your lips
• Difficulty eating and drinking due to pain
• Larger than usual or oozing sores

Canker Sore Prevention Tips

To avoid future canker sores:

• Avoid known triggers
• Brush and floss daily
• Talk with your doctor about changing medications that cause mouth ulcers

Remember, canker sores aren’t contagious, so you don’t have to worry about passing them on or acquiring them from others. By following these home remedies and prevention tips, you can say goodbye to painful canker sores and enjoy a healthier, happier mouth.