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Canker Sores
Canker Sores
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Home Remedy For Canker Sore
Without Damaging Your Mouth
Home Remedy For Canker Sore
Without Damaging Your Mouth
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Canker Sores
By Anthony William
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There are around three dozen different mouth-related herpes
varieties other than HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Canker sores do not stem from HSV-1 or HSV-2,
but are created by entirely separate herpes varieties.
Canker sores can appear on the mouth, but may pop up on the tongue or gums as well.
Red sores, which are a type of canker sore, can also appear around the mouth.
Unfortunately, medical research and medical science have yet to reveal the herpes varieties that produce canker sores, and these strains remain unidentified.
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Anthony William Remedy
❖
By Anthony William
❖
There are around three dozen different mouth-related herpes
varieties other than HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Canker sores do not stem from HSV-1 or HSV-2,
but are created by entirely separate herpes varieties.
Canker sores can appear on the mouth, but may pop up on the tongue or gums as well.
Red sores, which are a type of canker sore, can also appear around the mouth.
Unfortunately, medical research and medical science have yet to reveal the herpes varieties that produce canker sores, and these strains remain unidentified.
❖
Anthony William Remedy
❖
By Annie Price, CHHC
September 15, 2023
Share on EmailPrint Article
Did you know that women are actually more likely to get a canker sore than men? It’s true. Canker sores can also run in families — possibly due to heredity or to a shared environmental factor like foods or allergens!
Unfortunately, anyone at any age can develop a canker sore.
Do you know what causes a canker sore or how you can get rid of one faster? You can make your own canker sore remedy, of course, but there are other ways as well.
Keep reading, and soon you will find out how!
What Is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore is a small, shallow, benign ulcer that can develop on the soft tissues inside your cheeks or lips, underneath your tongue, or at the base of your gums. It’s also called aphthous stomatitis or an aphthous ulcer.
Most canker sores are under a third of an inch across. Canker sores that occur frequently are known as recurrent aphthous ulcers.
A canker sore is generally round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. Your mouth might tingle or burn shortly before a canker sore forms in your mouth.
Unlike fever blisters or cold sores (caused by the herpes virus), canker sores are never on the outside of the mouth — they only form in the lining of the inside of the mouth, known as the oral mucosa — and they’re absolutely not contagious.
However, they can be painful, and the pain is more likely to be felt when eating or speaking.
Symptoms and Types of Canker SoresTypes of aphthous ulcers or canker sores include:
1. Minor Canker Sores
2. Major Canker Sores
3. Herpetiform Canker Sores
Less common symptoms of canker sore include:
Causes
The exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, but it’s believed that several factors can trigger the occurrence of a canker sore, including:
Canker sores can also occur when you have certain conditions or diseases, including:
13 Natural Canker Sore Remedies
Most canker sores are very small and go away on their own within a week or two without any scarring. Still, even though they’re small, seven to 14 days of annoying pain in your mouth is not desirable to say the least.
Thankfully, there are plenty of natural ways to cut down pain and healing time, starting with No. 1 on our list — plus, we have 12 more awesome ideas to come to the rescue, naturally!
1. DIY Homemade Canker Sore Mouth Rinse Recipe
This simple yet super-effective mouth rinse is sure to reduce inflammation and ease pain fast.
2. Ice It
Suck on small ice cubes to soothe canker sores and reduce inflammation. The coldness of the ice slows down blood flow to the canker sore, thereby reducing pain and swelling.
3. Watch What You Eat
Avoid rough (think burnt toast), spicy (think hot sauce) or acidic (think orange juice) foods that can cause even more irritation and pain. One of the easiest ways to get a canker sore angry or angrier is to consume one or all of these foods.
4. Supplement with B vitamins
Certain nutritional deficiencies can lead to canker sores. A double-blind study found that supplementing with sublingual vitamin B12 prevented canker sore recurrence even in people who were not deficient in B12. The amount used in the study was 1,000 micrograms (one milligram) twice a day for six months.
In addition, supplementing daily with B vitamins — 300 milligrams of vitamin B1, 20 milligrams of vitamin B2 and 150 milligrams of vitamin B6 — has been reported to provide some people with relief. Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has also been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.
5. Supplement with Iron
To know the correct supplemental level of iron or if you need additional iron in your diet at all, you need to establish a diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a health care professional using lab tests. If you do, it could contribute to your canker sores, so supplementing with iron could help.
6. Yogurt
Having high-quality probiotic yogurt daily is great for the treatment of canker sores. The passage of friendly bacteria from probiotics through the mouth helps the canker sore calm down and heal, and the smooth coolness of yogurt helps with pain.
7. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Research found that people with canker sores who gargled four times per day with DGL liquid extract dissolved in warm water felt pain relief. Seventy-five percent of patients experienced a 50 percent to 75 percent improvement within one day followed by complete healing of the ulcers by day three.
To make a DGL mouthwash, mix 1/2 teaspoon licorice extract with 1/4 cup water, swish, gargle and expel the mouthwash four times daily for canker sore relief. You can also chew one or two 200-milligram tablets of DGL two or three times a day.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water, and use this as a daily gargle to speed the disappearance of canker sores. Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which has the ability to kill dangerous “bad” bacteria and at the same time foster the growth of beneficial “good” bacteria.
It essentially acts as a natural antibiotic for the canker sore.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Use a cotton swab to apply a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide, half water directly to the canker sore. Do not eat or drink for an hour after treatment. Repeat daily.
10. Tea Time
Next time you have a cup of black tea (preferably organic), save the tea bag if you have a canker sore because by simply applying a wet black tea bag to the sore, it can help with pain and inflammation. You can thank the tea’s tannin content for the positive effects.
You can also use a chamomile tea bag instead of black tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps treat canker sores as well.
11. Go Gluten-Free
If you suspect that a gluten intolerance is linked with your canker sores, then you can get tested for celiac disease by your doctor. Eliminating products with gluten could then become your main defense against canker sores.
12. Zinc Lozenges
Zinc deficiency has been linked with recurrent canker sores so treating the deficiency may lead to relief. However, talk to your doctor before long-term zinc supplementation.
A preliminary trial found that supplementation with up to 150 milligrams of zinc per day reduced recurrences of canker sores by 50 percent to 100 percent. Participants who were zinc-deficient experienced the most consistent benefit. A high-quality zinc lozenge once or twice a day is an easy way to help speed healing of a canker sore just like it cuts the duration of a cold.
13. Say No to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Entirely avoid toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming agent that has been found to contribute to canker sore formation and recurrence.
A study conducted in Norway linked sodium lauryl sulfate to canker sore incidences. It found that the denaturing effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on the oral mucin layer, with exposure of the underlying epithelium, induces an increased incidence of recurrent canker sores.
When to See Your Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have a canker sore that is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, headache and/or a skin rash. If your canker sores are unusually large, last more than two weeks, extend into the lips themselves or outbreaks are excessively frequent, then it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.
Recurring sores (also called recurrent aphthous stomatitis), especially when new ones develop before old ones heal, are another cause for concern — as is pain from a canker sore that is intolerable, excessive, or causes extreme difficulty when eating or drinking.
You can also visit your dentist if sharp teeth or dental work seem to be causing your canker sores.
September 15, 2023
Share on EmailPrint Article
- What Is a Canker Sore?
- Symptoms and Types of Canker Sores
- Causes
- 13 Natural Canker Sore Remedies
- When to See Your Doctor
Did you know that women are actually more likely to get a canker sore than men? It’s true. Canker sores can also run in families — possibly due to heredity or to a shared environmental factor like foods or allergens!
Unfortunately, anyone at any age can develop a canker sore.
Do you know what causes a canker sore or how you can get rid of one faster? You can make your own canker sore remedy, of course, but there are other ways as well.
Keep reading, and soon you will find out how!
What Is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore is a small, shallow, benign ulcer that can develop on the soft tissues inside your cheeks or lips, underneath your tongue, or at the base of your gums. It’s also called aphthous stomatitis or an aphthous ulcer.
Most canker sores are under a third of an inch across. Canker sores that occur frequently are known as recurrent aphthous ulcers.
A canker sore is generally round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. Your mouth might tingle or burn shortly before a canker sore forms in your mouth.
Unlike fever blisters or cold sores (caused by the herpes virus), canker sores are never on the outside of the mouth — they only form in the lining of the inside of the mouth, known as the oral mucosa — and they’re absolutely not contagious.
However, they can be painful, and the pain is more likely to be felt when eating or speaking.
Symptoms and Types of Canker SoresTypes of aphthous ulcers or canker sores include:
1. Minor Canker Sores
- most common type of canker sore or aphthous stomatitis
- usually small and oval-shaped with a red edge
- can be painful at times, particularly when eating
- healing occurs within one to two weeks without any scarring
2. Major Canker Sores
- less common than minor canker sores
- usually round with defined borders, but they can have irregular edges when they’re very big
- deeper and larger than minor sores
- can be extremely painful
- can take as long as six weeks to heal and can leave behind pervasive scarring
3. Herpetiform Canker Sores
- uncommon and usually tend to occur in the elderly
- are the size of a pinpoint but tend to occur in clusters of 10 to 100 sores, sometimes merging together into one large ulcer with irregular edges
- typically heal without scarring in one to two weeks
Less common symptoms of canker sore include:
- fever
- general discomfort or uneasiness (malaise)
- swollen lymph nodes
Causes
The exact cause of canker sores is still unknown, but it’s believed that several factors can trigger the occurrence of a canker sore, including:
- An accidental cheek bite
- A food sensitivity (most commonly to an acidic or spicy food or to gluten)
- Certain oral care practices or injuries, such as cleaning teeth too roughly, injury from dental work, toothpaste or mouth rinse containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Emotional stress
- Hormonal changes
- The presence of Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori (the same bacteria that causes peptic ulcers)
- B vitamins, zinc, folate (folic acid) and/or iron deficiencies are believed to contribute to the development of canker sores
Canker sores can also occur when you have certain conditions or diseases, including:
- Immune-suppressing viruses, such as HIV or AIDS
- Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine; it’s estimated to affect one in 100 people worldwide.
- Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or another inflammatory bowel problem
- Behçet’s disease, a rare, chronic, autoinflammatory disorder of unknown origin that causes inflammation throughout the body, including the mouth
13 Natural Canker Sore Remedies
Most canker sores are very small and go away on their own within a week or two without any scarring. Still, even though they’re small, seven to 14 days of annoying pain in your mouth is not desirable to say the least.
Thankfully, there are plenty of natural ways to cut down pain and healing time, starting with No. 1 on our list — plus, we have 12 more awesome ideas to come to the rescue, naturally!
1. DIY Homemade Canker Sore Mouth Rinse Recipe
This simple yet super-effective mouth rinse is sure to reduce inflammation and ease pain fast.
2. Ice It
Suck on small ice cubes to soothe canker sores and reduce inflammation. The coldness of the ice slows down blood flow to the canker sore, thereby reducing pain and swelling.
3. Watch What You Eat
Avoid rough (think burnt toast), spicy (think hot sauce) or acidic (think orange juice) foods that can cause even more irritation and pain. One of the easiest ways to get a canker sore angry or angrier is to consume one or all of these foods.
4. Supplement with B vitamins
Certain nutritional deficiencies can lead to canker sores. A double-blind study found that supplementing with sublingual vitamin B12 prevented canker sore recurrence even in people who were not deficient in B12. The amount used in the study was 1,000 micrograms (one milligram) twice a day for six months.
In addition, supplementing daily with B vitamins — 300 milligrams of vitamin B1, 20 milligrams of vitamin B2 and 150 milligrams of vitamin B6 — has been reported to provide some people with relief. Thiamine (B1) deficiency specifically has also been linked to an increased risk of canker sores.
5. Supplement with Iron
To know the correct supplemental level of iron or if you need additional iron in your diet at all, you need to establish a diagnosis of an iron deficiency by a health care professional using lab tests. If you do, it could contribute to your canker sores, so supplementing with iron could help.
6. Yogurt
Having high-quality probiotic yogurt daily is great for the treatment of canker sores. The passage of friendly bacteria from probiotics through the mouth helps the canker sore calm down and heal, and the smooth coolness of yogurt helps with pain.
7. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Research found that people with canker sores who gargled four times per day with DGL liquid extract dissolved in warm water felt pain relief. Seventy-five percent of patients experienced a 50 percent to 75 percent improvement within one day followed by complete healing of the ulcers by day three.
To make a DGL mouthwash, mix 1/2 teaspoon licorice extract with 1/4 cup water, swish, gargle and expel the mouthwash four times daily for canker sore relief. You can also chew one or two 200-milligram tablets of DGL two or three times a day.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water, and use this as a daily gargle to speed the disappearance of canker sores. Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which has the ability to kill dangerous “bad” bacteria and at the same time foster the growth of beneficial “good” bacteria.
It essentially acts as a natural antibiotic for the canker sore.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Use a cotton swab to apply a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide, half water directly to the canker sore. Do not eat or drink for an hour after treatment. Repeat daily.
10. Tea Time
Next time you have a cup of black tea (preferably organic), save the tea bag if you have a canker sore because by simply applying a wet black tea bag to the sore, it can help with pain and inflammation. You can thank the tea’s tannin content for the positive effects.
You can also use a chamomile tea bag instead of black tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps treat canker sores as well.
11. Go Gluten-Free
If you suspect that a gluten intolerance is linked with your canker sores, then you can get tested for celiac disease by your doctor. Eliminating products with gluten could then become your main defense against canker sores.
12. Zinc Lozenges
Zinc deficiency has been linked with recurrent canker sores so treating the deficiency may lead to relief. However, talk to your doctor before long-term zinc supplementation.
A preliminary trial found that supplementation with up to 150 milligrams of zinc per day reduced recurrences of canker sores by 50 percent to 100 percent. Participants who were zinc-deficient experienced the most consistent benefit. A high-quality zinc lozenge once or twice a day is an easy way to help speed healing of a canker sore just like it cuts the duration of a cold.
13. Say No to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Entirely avoid toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming agent that has been found to contribute to canker sore formation and recurrence.
A study conducted in Norway linked sodium lauryl sulfate to canker sore incidences. It found that the denaturing effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on the oral mucin layer, with exposure of the underlying epithelium, induces an increased incidence of recurrent canker sores.
When to See Your Doctor
Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have a canker sore that is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, headache and/or a skin rash. If your canker sores are unusually large, last more than two weeks, extend into the lips themselves or outbreaks are excessively frequent, then it’s a good idea to seek medical attention.
Recurring sores (also called recurrent aphthous stomatitis), especially when new ones develop before old ones heal, are another cause for concern — as is pain from a canker sore that is intolerable, excessive, or causes extreme difficulty when eating or drinking.
You can also visit your dentist if sharp teeth or dental work seem to be causing your canker sores.
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Canker sores can be a painful condition for the person who is experiencing them. Eating and anything that you intake causes pain and discomfort. However, food allergies or mouth trauma can be a reason for canker sores.
Usually, these sores go away on their own, but if you want them to heal faster, you can consider home remedies that can be helpful in the rapid healing of canker sores. There are several at home treatment for canker sores available to help ease the discomfort of alum for canker sores.
From saltwater or baking soda gargles to milk of magnesia to diet changes, relief is not far away. First, let’s answer the question:
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small ulcers, also called aphthous ulcerations, that occur either on your gums or in your mouth. Whether bacteria cause them or trauma is still being investigated, but it is likely. They can be painful, but generally, you don’t need to worry about them causing permanent damage because they heal in a couple of weeks. They can also make it hard to eat or talk like usual and may rub against your braces. Therefore, you can use an over-the-counter canker sore home remedy or a natural one for fast healing.
Canker sores should not be confused with cold or fever blisters, which usually appear on the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
How Can I Treat Canker Sores?
Several commercial oral medications are on the market to help relieve canker sore pain and inflammation and reduce bruises. You can also use several at-home remedies to help relieve pain and heal faster. You can also contact your dentist near me or orthodontist to see what they recommend. Many different mouth rinses can help reduce the symptoms. Let’s look at some of the home remedies for canker sores.
Home Remedies for Canker Sores Gathered from the Internet ...
Yogurt or Curd:
This might sound weird, but the live cultures in yogurt may help counteract the bacteria that cause alum for canker sores. This is the best home remedy for canker sores, so just eat a cup of yogurt a day, but make sure you see the words live or probiotic cultures on the package.
Honey:
This has been used since antiquity to help preserve things and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Simply apply honey to a canker sore four times daily to help heal the sore. Remember, though, that babies and toddlers should never be fed honey. If you can find unpasteurized local honey, that is the best choice.
Coconut oil:
This particular oil has some antimicrobial properties, so if you swish it around your canker sore, it can both help with the bacteria that caused the canker sore and act as an anti-inflammatory that reduces the lump and, therefore, some of the pain it causes. You can do this several times a day.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide helps by cleaning out the bacteria that cause the canker sore. To use as a canker sore remedy, you will want to use the 3% peroxide version that you can get at the store with equal water, then use a cotton swab to apply the solution to your canker sore.
You can use this several times a day. Alternatively, you can use the peroxide dilution like a mouthwash. Swish for a minute, then spit it out. It’s important not to swallow peroxide. You can easily use it for canker-sore treatment at home to heal the sores.
Saltwater rinse:
Saltwater rinse is a classic home canker sore treatment for all kinds of soreness in the mouth. It may be a bit irritating at the time, but ultimately, it will be soothing and help dry out the sore. Use at a ratio of 1 teaspoon salt to ½ cup warm water. Swish for up to 30 seconds, then spit it out. You can use this as often as you need.
Baking soda:
While also salty, it is alkaline, so it can help balance your mouth’s pH and, therefore, reduce the soreness. Make a baking soda rinse and use it as a canker sore remedy, like you do for the saltwater rinse.
Chamomile tea:
This herb is widely used to soothe irritated things. It can also help heal due to its anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the bacteria that are causing the sore. It’s easy to apply; use a chamomile tea bag on your canker sore and let it sit for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can brew the tea and use it as a mouth rinse. This is safe to use up to four times a day.
Echinacea:
This herbal remedy can help heal the sore and also help support the mouth tissues to prevent future sores from forming. Use liquid echinacea in a ratio of one teaspoon of liquid to one teaspoon of water. Swish for two minutes, then spit it out. You can also brew some echinacea tea and use it as a mouth rinse. These are safe to use up to three times a day.
Sage leaves:
This wonderful herb that makes holiday stuffing taste like stuffing is also great at reducing inflammation in the mouth. You can make an easy canker sore remedy mouthwash that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Use one to two tablespoons of fresh sage leaves, available at your grocery store, and brew with boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes before straining, and then let it cool. Swish for two minutes, then spit it out.
Milk of Magnesia:
You might think this one is strange, but some studies have shown that those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may also be more susceptible to canker sores. Milk of Magnesia can be an effective way of treating canker sores at home by lowering the acid in your mouth and therefore reducing the canker sore, much like baking soda does, thus speeding the healing process. It also has agents that can coat the mouth, so you are less likely to notice the pain.
Apply the MoM to your sore canker and let it sit for a few seconds before rinsing. You can use this safely three times a day.
Zinc lozenges:
Zinc helps boost your immune system, so it can kill the bacteria causing your canker to sore. Just use the lozenge per the package instructions.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice:
This is an herbal extract of licorice that has anti-inflammatory properties and is great at helping stomach ulcers, which is why it is thought to work well for canker sores. DGL is found in capsule forms at vitamin shops or online. To make it into a canker sore remedy, use one capsule and mix it with one cup of warm water, then swish for three minutes and spit it out. You can also find DGL patches that are meant to apply to canker sores. Use for 30 minutes, and then remove.
Apple cider vinegar:
It might seem strange that an acidic option is a good one, but there are a lot of properties to ACV that make it effective for a lot of natural medicine purposes. It has antibacterial properties that will kill the bacteria that cause the sore. Use one teaspoon of ACV in one cup of water, swish for up to a minute, then spit out and rinse to keep the acid from harming your tooth enamel. You can use it once a day. If you find that your canker sore gets worse by using it, discontinue use.
Vitamin B supplements:
You may be more susceptible to canker sores if you don’t have enough B vitamins in your diet, particularly B-12.
You can readily find B-complex vitamins in your local supermarket or drugstore, but they can come with some side effects or make you feel a bit nauseous. You should talk to your doctor before beginning a B vitamin regimen.
Clove oil:
This comes in an oral gel that you apply to the sore to help reduce the pain of canker sores. Or you can find clove oil at a pharmacy and apply it as a canker-sore remedy.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is widely known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties when treating sunburns, but it can also help with canker sores. Apply straight aloe vera gel to the sore, or drink some aloe vera juice slowly.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores.
Your diet can also be a reason why you have canker sores. You can make some dietary changes to get rid of canker sores. You need to avoid certain foods, including spicy or acidic foods. Sometimes, not getting enough vitamins can also cause sores in the mouth. So, to get rid of canker sores, avoid eating certain foods.
You can also help numb the discomfort by applying ice chips to your sore and just letting them dissolve. Finally, you can use a specialty toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel and a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating the area. Consult with your dentist to know which toothpaste will be best for your condition.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Canker sores are painful white or yellow ulcers that appear in the mouth or gums, preventing you from eating anything. Canker sores are not infectious but can cause extreme pain and discomfort. It can occur to anyone because of the following factors:
How Long Do Canker Sores Last?
Canker sores are usually painful and may improve within a few days or weeks without treatment.
Therefore, mild canker sores can last from 7 to 14 days and heal without scarring. However, severe sores can last for up to more than a week or two, causing extreme pain and may also leave a scar.
So, if you are suffering from a canker sore that lasts more than a week, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Talk To Your Dentist!
If you have any worries about your oral health, you should be sure to talk to your dentist near me right away, especially if you keep getting canker sores or you have a sore that just won’t go away with a home canker sore remedy treatment meant to speed healing.
On another note, if you are taking any prescription medications, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting any herbal treatments, as they can have a negative influence on some drugs. You can try all these canker sore home remedies to see if they work for your condition or ask for help from your doctor.
Summing Up:
There are numerous natural methods for treating canker sores, but as these remedies involve natural products, some individuals might have sensitivities to certain plants, or a specific treatment might not be effective for everyone.
Exploring different options until you find the one that works for you is advisable. Remember, canker sores aren’t permanent and can be effectively treated. If they persist longer than anticipated, it’s wise to consult your dentist or orthodontist.
For personalized guidance and treatment, consider visiting Ivanov Orthodontics.
FAQs About Canker Sores
Can braces cause canker sores?
Yes. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can sometimes rub against your cheeks or gums, leading to irritation and canker sores. If you’re experiencing frequent sores, ask your orthodontist about soft wax or adjustments. Searching for braces near me can help you find a local specialist to guide you.
Do Invisalign aligners reduce the risk of canker sores?
When should I see an orthodontist or dentist for canker sores?Do clear braces make canker sores worse? Are canker sores contagious like cold sores?Can diet changes help prevent canker sores during orthodontic treatment?Should I stop orthodontic treatment if I keep getting canker sores?
Usually, these sores go away on their own, but if you want them to heal faster, you can consider home remedies that can be helpful in the rapid healing of canker sores. There are several at home treatment for canker sores available to help ease the discomfort of alum for canker sores.
From saltwater or baking soda gargles to milk of magnesia to diet changes, relief is not far away. First, let’s answer the question:
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are small ulcers, also called aphthous ulcerations, that occur either on your gums or in your mouth. Whether bacteria cause them or trauma is still being investigated, but it is likely. They can be painful, but generally, you don’t need to worry about them causing permanent damage because they heal in a couple of weeks. They can also make it hard to eat or talk like usual and may rub against your braces. Therefore, you can use an over-the-counter canker sore home remedy or a natural one for fast healing.
Canker sores should not be confused with cold or fever blisters, which usually appear on the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
How Can I Treat Canker Sores?
Several commercial oral medications are on the market to help relieve canker sore pain and inflammation and reduce bruises. You can also use several at-home remedies to help relieve pain and heal faster. You can also contact your dentist near me or orthodontist to see what they recommend. Many different mouth rinses can help reduce the symptoms. Let’s look at some of the home remedies for canker sores.
Home Remedies for Canker Sores Gathered from the Internet ...
Yogurt or Curd:
This might sound weird, but the live cultures in yogurt may help counteract the bacteria that cause alum for canker sores. This is the best home remedy for canker sores, so just eat a cup of yogurt a day, but make sure you see the words live or probiotic cultures on the package.
Honey:
This has been used since antiquity to help preserve things and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Simply apply honey to a canker sore four times daily to help heal the sore. Remember, though, that babies and toddlers should never be fed honey. If you can find unpasteurized local honey, that is the best choice.
Coconut oil:
This particular oil has some antimicrobial properties, so if you swish it around your canker sore, it can both help with the bacteria that caused the canker sore and act as an anti-inflammatory that reduces the lump and, therefore, some of the pain it causes. You can do this several times a day.
Hydrogen peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide helps by cleaning out the bacteria that cause the canker sore. To use as a canker sore remedy, you will want to use the 3% peroxide version that you can get at the store with equal water, then use a cotton swab to apply the solution to your canker sore.
You can use this several times a day. Alternatively, you can use the peroxide dilution like a mouthwash. Swish for a minute, then spit it out. It’s important not to swallow peroxide. You can easily use it for canker-sore treatment at home to heal the sores.
Saltwater rinse:
Saltwater rinse is a classic home canker sore treatment for all kinds of soreness in the mouth. It may be a bit irritating at the time, but ultimately, it will be soothing and help dry out the sore. Use at a ratio of 1 teaspoon salt to ½ cup warm water. Swish for up to 30 seconds, then spit it out. You can use this as often as you need.
Baking soda:
While also salty, it is alkaline, so it can help balance your mouth’s pH and, therefore, reduce the soreness. Make a baking soda rinse and use it as a canker sore remedy, like you do for the saltwater rinse.
Chamomile tea:
This herb is widely used to soothe irritated things. It can also help heal due to its anti-inflammatory properties and reduce the bacteria that are causing the sore. It’s easy to apply; use a chamomile tea bag on your canker sore and let it sit for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can brew the tea and use it as a mouth rinse. This is safe to use up to four times a day.
Echinacea:
This herbal remedy can help heal the sore and also help support the mouth tissues to prevent future sores from forming. Use liquid echinacea in a ratio of one teaspoon of liquid to one teaspoon of water. Swish for two minutes, then spit it out. You can also brew some echinacea tea and use it as a mouth rinse. These are safe to use up to three times a day.
Sage leaves:
This wonderful herb that makes holiday stuffing taste like stuffing is also great at reducing inflammation in the mouth. You can make an easy canker sore remedy mouthwash that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Use one to two tablespoons of fresh sage leaves, available at your grocery store, and brew with boiling water. Let it steep for five minutes before straining, and then let it cool. Swish for two minutes, then spit it out.
Milk of Magnesia:
You might think this one is strange, but some studies have shown that those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may also be more susceptible to canker sores. Milk of Magnesia can be an effective way of treating canker sores at home by lowering the acid in your mouth and therefore reducing the canker sore, much like baking soda does, thus speeding the healing process. It also has agents that can coat the mouth, so you are less likely to notice the pain.
Apply the MoM to your sore canker and let it sit for a few seconds before rinsing. You can use this safely three times a day.
Zinc lozenges:
Zinc helps boost your immune system, so it can kill the bacteria causing your canker to sore. Just use the lozenge per the package instructions.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice:
This is an herbal extract of licorice that has anti-inflammatory properties and is great at helping stomach ulcers, which is why it is thought to work well for canker sores. DGL is found in capsule forms at vitamin shops or online. To make it into a canker sore remedy, use one capsule and mix it with one cup of warm water, then swish for three minutes and spit it out. You can also find DGL patches that are meant to apply to canker sores. Use for 30 minutes, and then remove.
Apple cider vinegar:
It might seem strange that an acidic option is a good one, but there are a lot of properties to ACV that make it effective for a lot of natural medicine purposes. It has antibacterial properties that will kill the bacteria that cause the sore. Use one teaspoon of ACV in one cup of water, swish for up to a minute, then spit out and rinse to keep the acid from harming your tooth enamel. You can use it once a day. If you find that your canker sore gets worse by using it, discontinue use.
Vitamin B supplements:
You may be more susceptible to canker sores if you don’t have enough B vitamins in your diet, particularly B-12.
You can readily find B-complex vitamins in your local supermarket or drugstore, but they can come with some side effects or make you feel a bit nauseous. You should talk to your doctor before beginning a B vitamin regimen.
Clove oil:
This comes in an oral gel that you apply to the sore to help reduce the pain of canker sores. Or you can find clove oil at a pharmacy and apply it as a canker-sore remedy.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera is widely known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties when treating sunburns, but it can also help with canker sores. Apply straight aloe vera gel to the sore, or drink some aloe vera juice slowly.
Other Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores.
Your diet can also be a reason why you have canker sores. You can make some dietary changes to get rid of canker sores. You need to avoid certain foods, including spicy or acidic foods. Sometimes, not getting enough vitamins can also cause sores in the mouth. So, to get rid of canker sores, avoid eating certain foods.
You can also help numb the discomfort by applying ice chips to your sore and just letting them dissolve. Finally, you can use a specialty toothpaste like Sensodyne Pronamel and a soft toothbrush to avoid irritating the area. Consult with your dentist to know which toothpaste will be best for your condition.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Canker sores are painful white or yellow ulcers that appear in the mouth or gums, preventing you from eating anything. Canker sores are not infectious but can cause extreme pain and discomfort. It can occur to anyone because of the following factors:
- Dental trauma
- Dental appliances, such as braces
- Wound inside your mouth.
- Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits.
How Long Do Canker Sores Last?
Canker sores are usually painful and may improve within a few days or weeks without treatment.
Therefore, mild canker sores can last from 7 to 14 days and heal without scarring. However, severe sores can last for up to more than a week or two, causing extreme pain and may also leave a scar.
So, if you are suffering from a canker sore that lasts more than a week, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Talk To Your Dentist!
If you have any worries about your oral health, you should be sure to talk to your dentist near me right away, especially if you keep getting canker sores or you have a sore that just won’t go away with a home canker sore remedy treatment meant to speed healing.
On another note, if you are taking any prescription medications, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist before starting any herbal treatments, as they can have a negative influence on some drugs. You can try all these canker sore home remedies to see if they work for your condition or ask for help from your doctor.
Summing Up:
There are numerous natural methods for treating canker sores, but as these remedies involve natural products, some individuals might have sensitivities to certain plants, or a specific treatment might not be effective for everyone.
Exploring different options until you find the one that works for you is advisable. Remember, canker sores aren’t permanent and can be effectively treated. If they persist longer than anticipated, it’s wise to consult your dentist or orthodontist.
For personalized guidance and treatment, consider visiting Ivanov Orthodontics.
FAQs About Canker Sores
Can braces cause canker sores?
Yes. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can sometimes rub against your cheeks or gums, leading to irritation and canker sores. If you’re experiencing frequent sores, ask your orthodontist about soft wax or adjustments. Searching for braces near me can help you find a local specialist to guide you.
Do Invisalign aligners reduce the risk of canker sores?
When should I see an orthodontist or dentist for canker sores?Do clear braces make canker sores worse? Are canker sores contagious like cold sores?Can diet changes help prevent canker sores during orthodontic treatment?Should I stop orthodontic treatment if I keep getting canker sores?