Canker sores are shallow crater-like ulcers on the tongue or on the inside of the cheek or lip. They are red boarder with white or yellow center and it may cause you pain especially when chewing.
All of us experience canker sores at some point of our lives, or even regularly in some cases, but canker sores cannot be transmitted to other people unlike cold sores. So what is the best way get rid of canker sores in mouth?
Causes:
The actual cause is still unknown, but what’s known is that some conditions are known to encourage canker sores. The following conditions can lead to canker sores in the mouth:
- Extreme stress
- Braces
- Some food allergies
- Malnutrition and lack of essential vitamins including folic acid and Vitamin B12
- During menstrual cycle- in the case of women
- Acidic foods or drinks
How To Get Rid Of Canker Sores In Your Mouth
What’s most important is that you don’t need to see a doctor for most canker sores, usually they go away on their own. Luckily there are number of things you can put on the ulcer to relieve pain or expedite the healing process. We will recommend you safe, natural home remedies that you can use to treat mild symptoms and get rid of the sores.
6 Natural Home Remedies for Canker Sores
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is rich in natural anti-inflammatory properties that help minimize puffiness and also speeds up healing. All you need to do is apply some of the jell directly on the canker sore a few times a day or rinse the mouth with aloe juice at least three times a day.
2. Coriander
Coriander is very effective when it comes to managing canker sores. It has natural antifungal, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate discomfort and boost healing. You can use any of the following methods to apply coriander on the sores:
Start by boiling a small amount of coriander leaves. Leave it to rest until it’s lukewarm and gargle the water three times a day.
To hot-boiled water add a teaspoon of coriander seeds and let it sit for a while. Strain the water and use it to rinse your mouth a few times a day.
Make fresh juice from coriander seeds and drink it a few times a day for the same effect.
3. Salt
Salt draws the fluid inside the canker sore and speeds up the healing process. Mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and stir. Swish it around in your mouth for about 60 seconds and then spit it out. You need to repeat this process three or four times a day. After each rinse, put a tiny pinch of salt directly on the ulcer, it will draw the fluid- don’t worry if it hurts because it helps a lot.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda neutralizes acidity from the sores and minimizes inflammation. Mix a little water with a teaspoonful of baking soda and make a paste. Apply it directly to the canker sore and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water after you’re done.
You can also add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water, and use it to rinse your mouth a few times a day.
5. Honey
If food is the cause of the irritation maybe you could try a natural soothing substance like honey. You’ll need to use just one teaspoonful of honey and apply it all around the area. It will sting a bit but the pain and inflammation will subside within a few minutes.
Or you can mix a small amount of honey with turmeric powder to make a paste. Apply this paste directly on the area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth.
6. Sage
Sage is a natural herb that has calming effect and provides instant relief from pain and inflammation. Boil three teaspoons of sage. Cool it to room temperature and use the liquid to rinse your mouth a few times a day. Other way to use sage is to apply powdered sage directly on the affected area and leave it for a few minutes, after what you would rinse your mouth with warm water.
Managing pain and discomfort
When you have canker sores, they will make it difficult to eat acidic or spicy foods. You’ll need to avoid harsh foods and only consume mild ingredients such as those found in dairy products.
To help you eating, cut the food into small pieces, easier to chew and drink cold fluids such as iced tea. If the drink causes stinging pain try sipping out of a straw and hold an ice cube on the canker sore until it goes numb.
When brushing your teeth, be sure to brush them lightly and use a soft-brittle toothbrush and the most important thing is to avoid touching the open sore directly as that may cause sharp pain and even bleeding.
If the pain becomes intense, take a pain-reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other non-steroidal medicine.
Will I catch a canker sore?
Women, teens and young adults are more vulnerable to canker sores. If even after two weeks of trying these steps at home the ulcer doesn’t go away, it can be an indication of another problem so it is best to visit your doctor before attempting to use any other medicine.
Avoid the foods you’ve noticed to cause canker sores in your mouth or tongue, and also keep away from dry foods such as bread crusts or potato chips because they may sting the open sore. You should avoid alcohol and tobacco because they contribute to stress and will interfere with the healing process.
Proper nutrition is crucial for fighting canker sores. Be sure to include enough iron and vitamins in your diet- such as folic acid, zinc, iron, and Vitamin B12. Try these tips the next time you see a canker sore appearing in your tongue or mouth and you will soon see the results.
