How to Get Rid of a Canker Sore: Evidence-Based Remedies and Tips
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Click to rate this article!
[Total: 12 Avg: 3]
Get more insightful and
helpful tips to
treat Diabetes for FREE
Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024Table of Contents
Canker sores are also known as aphthous ulcers. They are small, painful ulcers that appear in your mouth. They make eating, drinking, and talking painful. When they show up, they usually disappear on their own within a couple of weeks. Yet they can sometimes lead to more serious issues, like infections or nutrient deficiencies. In this article, we’ll delve into their causes and share management options. We will also discuss the difference between canker sores and cold sores and when to seek professional help. By the end, you’ll know how to manage these ulcers. You’ll know how to lessen the effect they have on your day-to-day life.
Did you know?
Canker sores are small, shallow, and painful ulcers located inside your mouth. Often inside your cheeks, lips, or under your tongue. They usually have a white or yellow middle. Around the middle, you’ll see a red halo. They cause localized pain which makes eating, drinking, or talking difficult. The size can vary. They may appear alone or in groups. The pain often drives people to seek relief.
Canker sores and cold sores both cause discomfort in your mouth. But they’re not the same. They have different causes. Cold sores are also known as fever blisters. They’re caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores form on or around your lips. They’re contagious, fluid-filled blisters. They crust over before resolving.
Canker sores, on the other hand, are non-contagious mouth ulcers. They’re not caused by a virus. It’s key to know the difference between them. This helps you pick the right management plan and take needed precautions.
The real cause of canker sores still baffles scientists. Yet, they have found several possible triggers. Knowing these might help you identify what causes your canker sores. It may also help you avoid future sore events.
Physical injury to the mouth can cause canker sores. For instance, biting your cheek by mistake. Brushing your teeth too hard or having dental work done.
Low levels of certain nutrients can cause canker sores. These nutrients include vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and zinc. Keeping a balanced diet may help avoid this.
Some people get canker sores due to food allergies or sensitivities. Finding and avoiding these foods might lower the chance of getting canker sores.
Stress can weaken your immune system. This makes you more prone to getting canker sores. Taking steps to manage stress may help reduce canker sore events.
Changes in hormone levels can also trigger canker sores. For example, changes during menstruation or pregnancy. Keeping track of and managing these changes could help avoid canker sores.
Certain medical conditions could cause canker sores. For instance, issues with your gut or autoimmune diseases. Keeping these conditions under control may improve health. It may also lower the chance of getting canker sores.
Healthcare professionals can usually detect canker sores by looking in your mouth. Yet, if your canker sores are stubborn, very painful, or have other symptoms, your doctor or dentist might run some tests. They do this to rule out other health problems like infections or autoimmune diseases.
There isn’t a sure-fire cure for canker sores. However, there are many ways to ease the pain, fasten repair, and reduce the risk of related issues. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at therapies. These include over-the-counter products, mouth rinses, topical remedies, herbal supplements, and prescription medications.
Over-the-counter products like numbing gels and creams may help relieve canker sore pain and inflammation. You apply them right on the sore and they’re safe for short-term use.
Mouth rinses may help ease pain and aid canker sore repair. Here are a few options.
Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater mix may help lower swelling and soothe pain. To make the rinse, dissolve one teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water. Swish the mix in your mouth gently for 30 seconds. Then spit it out. Repeat this process as many times a day as needed.
A baking soda rinse may help balance the acidity levels in your mouth. This promotes canker sore repair. Make the rinse by dissolving one teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water. Swish the mix gently in your mouth for 30 seconds. Then spit it out. Repeat this as many times a day as needed.
You can use hydrogen peroxide to cleanse your mouth. This common household antiseptic can help kill bacteria. It can fasten repair of canker sores. To make a rinse, mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Dip a cotton swab into the mix and dab it onto the canker sore. You can also swish the mix in your mouth and then spit it out.
Apple cider vinegar has properties that may help kill bacteria in your mouth. But bear in mind, that it might not work for everyone. In some people, it might worsen the sores or irritate them. If you want to try it, mix one teaspoon of vinegar with one cup of water. Swish the mix around your mouth for 30 seconds. Then spit it out.
Another option is topical remedies. They focus right on the canker sore and aid repair. Some popular choices are as follows.
A drying substance called alum powder may help dry out canker sores. This may fasten the repair. To use alum powder, mix a little with a drop of water to make a paste. Put the paste on the canker sore. Leave it there for at least a minute before rinsing your mouth.
Honey may help ease pain and swelling. Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help repair canker sores. Apply honey right onto the canker sore four times a day.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It may help reduce pain and swelling tied to canker sores. Put the coconut oil right onto the canker sore as needed.
Eating yogurt with live probiotic cultures might help lower the number of canker sores. Yogurt promotes a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. Try to eat at least a cup of yogurt a day.
Milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide. The substance is said to neutralize acid in the mouth. It may also help soothe canker sore pain. Put a little milk of magnesia on the canker sore as needed.
Chamomile may help soothe canker sore pain. To use it, put a cooled chamomile tea bag directly onto the canker sore for a few minutes.
Sage is an herb that may soothe canker sore pain. Pour equal parts sage and water into a pot. Once it’s steeped, swish the mixture in your mouth for 30 seconds. Then spit it out.
A few herbal fixes and supplements might boost the repair of canker sores:
Echinacea is said to support the immune system and alleviate inflammation. These may help fasten the repair of canker sores. Add one teaspoon of liquid echinacea to equal parts warm water. Swish it around your mouth for about 2 minutes. You can then swallow or spit it out.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract is a herbal remedy. It is proposed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may ease pain and swelling linked to canker sores. To make a mouthwash, mix the powder from one DGL capsule with one cup of warm water. Swish this around your mouth for about 3 minutes before spitting it out.
Zinc is a vital mineral. It supports the immune system. To fight off bacteria causing canker sores, try sucking on zinc lozenges. They help the immune system and fasten repair.
Low vitamin B levels can lead to canker sores. Taking a vitamin B complex supplement may help avoid them or fasten the repair.
Oral medicines, for example, NSAIDs or corticosteroids, might be prescribed by a healthcare provider. They help control pain and reduce swelling tied to canker sores.
In a few cases, a doctor might suggest trying cautery. The doctor uses a tool or chemical to burn, sear, or destroy the tissue near the canker sore. This is proposed to promote repair.
If you lack vital nutrients, that might be causing your canker sores. If so, your healthcare provider might suggest taking a nutritional supplement.
Also Read: Burnt Tongue and Burning Mouth Syndrome: Quick Relief Tips and Management Methods
There are changes you may make to your life and home care to lower the chance of getting canker sores. These include altering your diet, managing stress, keeping good oral hygiene, and avoiding triggers.
Your diet matters. Avoid foods that could irritate or trigger canker sores like acidic or spicy foods. Also, make sure your diet includes vital nutrients. They may help avoid canker sore outbreaks. For example, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc.
Stress plays a part. It can weaken the immune system and lead to canker sores. Use stress-reducing methods to avoid this. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or get help for stress management.
Taking care of your oral health is important to avoid sores. Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristle brush. Floss regularly, too. Use a mouthwash that’s made to manage canker sore.
Watch out for triggers to avoid more canker sores. Keep track of when they happen. Look for potential causes like certain food, hormone changes, or injury to your mouth.
Sometimes you need professional help for canker sores. Who can help with symptoms or find possible health problems. Contact your doctor or dentist if you have stubborn or very painful sores, if the sores are coming back often, or if you have other symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, headache, skin rash, or if over-the-counter gels or antacids aren’t helping.
Be prepared when you go to see your healthcare provider. Take notes of your symptoms, medicines, any health conditions, and questions. During your appointment, be ready to answer questions about your oral hygiene practices, recent dental work or injuries to your mouth, diet, and other possible triggers.
Taking steps to avoid canker sores can keep you from having to deal with the pain and discomfort. A balanced diet, ways to manage stress, good oral hygiene, and knowing your triggers may greatly decrease your risk of canker sores.
Also Read: Echinacea: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!
Living with canker sores is tough. But good care and steps to reduce risk may lessen their impact on your life. You may try the management options we discussed in this article. Work closely with dental and medical professionals to check for any health problems that might cause your canker sores. Remember, dealing with stubborn or severe episodes early may make a big difference in your oral health.
There’s no way to resolve a canker sore overnight. Over-the-counter therapy and home remedies like baking soda may lessen pain and aid repair. But be patient repair takes time.
Canker sores can be caused by different things. These include injury to your mouth, lack of certain nutrients, food allergies, stress, hormone changes, or certain health conditions.
The best medicine for canker sores depends on the person. Over-the-counter products, mouth rinses, and topical remedies may help ease pain and control swelling. If the sores are stubborn or very painful, you might need prescription medicines.
Gargling with salt water might dry out canker sores. But it could also cause more pain due to irritation. Go for a gentler option such as a baking soda rinse or an over-the-counter product to support repair and manage pain.
Canker sores usually resolve within one or two weeks. If you’re worried about how long it’s taking to repair or if you have any complications, think about talking to a healthcare professional. They can provide advice or a more detailed management plan.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Comments