To heal canker sores effectively, consider the following approaches:
Home Remedies
- Saltwater rinse: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup warm water, swish in your mouth for 15-30 seconds, then spit out. Repeat several times daily to help dry out sores and reduce bacteria
- Baking soda rinse: Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup water, swish and spit out. This may restore pH balance and reduce inflammation
- Milk of magnesia: Dab a small amount on the sore a few times daily to neutralize acid and coat the sore, reducing irritation and pain
- Hydrogen peroxide: Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal water, apply directly with a cotton swab or use as a mouth rinse to clean and reduce bacteria
- Coconut oil: Apply to the sore several times a day; it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may speed healing
- Chamomile compress: Apply a wet chamomile tea bag to soothe pain and inflammation
- Honey and aloe vera: Applying honey or aloe vera gel may reduce pain and promote faster healing
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
- Topical anesthetics: Gels or creams containing lidocaine can relieve pain and inflammation
- Mouth rinses: Non-alcoholic mouthwashes with chlorhexidine or lidocaine help prevent infection and reduce pain
- Anti-inflammatory gels or corticosteroids: Some OTC products contain these to reduce inflammation and aid healing
When to See a Doctor
If canker sores persist longer than two weeks, are unusually large, extremely painful, or recurrent, consult a healthcare provider. Prescription treatments may include steroid mouth rinses, topical medications, or oral drugs to reduce inflammation and pain
Additional Tips
- Avoid abrasive, acidic, or spicy foods that can worsen irritation
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
- Nutritional supplements like vitamin B12 or zinc may help if deficiencies are a factor
Canker sores usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, but these remedies can help relieve pain and potentially speed up recovery
