12 Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Are you tired of those pesky canker sores ruining your day? Of course, most canker sores will get better on their own in a couple of weeks. But worry not! I have for you the best simple yet effective home remedies to ease your pain and accelerate healing. Let’s jump right in.

1. Salt Water Rinse

Sometimes, the simplest remedies can be the most effective. Gargling with warm salt water is one such canker sores remedy. The salt helps to reduce inflammation, dry out canker sores, and promote healing.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
• Swish the solution around your mouth for 15-30 seconds.
• Spit it out and repeat 2-3 times a day.

2. Alum Powder

Alum powder, derived from potassium aluminum sulfate, is a popular treatment for canker sores due to its astringent and antiseptic properties. It helps to dry out the sore, potentially speeding up the healing process.

• Moisten a cotton swab and dip it in a small amount of alum powder.
• Apply the alum directly to the canker sore and leave it on for 1-2 minutes.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
• Repeat once a day until the sore heals.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is another popular home remedy for canker sores. It helps to neutralize the acidity in your mouth, creating an environment less favorable for the sores.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
• Apply the paste directly to the sore and leave it on for a few minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with water and repeat 2-3 times a day.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

A mild antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide, can help to clean the affected area and reduce the risk of infection in your mouth.

• Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide (3%) and water.
• Dab a cotton swab in the solution and apply it to the sore.
• Repeat a few times daily.

5. Ice

For instant relief from pain and swelling, ice is your best friend. Applying ice to the sore will numb the area, providing temporary respite.

• Wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or use a cold pack.
• Hold it against the canker sore for a few minutes.
• Repeat as needed throughout the day.

6 Honey

Honey is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying honey to the sore can help to reduce pain and promote healing. In fact, one study showed that honey was helpful in easing canker sore pain, redness, and size. It even aids in averting infection.

• Apply a small amount of raw honey directly to the sore.
• Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day.

7. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another excellent home remedy for canker sores. This is because coconut oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Therefore, applying coconut oil to canker sores can help prevent bacteria, reduce redness and pain, and promote faster healing.

• Clean your hands and the affected area.
• Using a clean finger or a cotton swab, apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil directly to the canker sore.
• Allow the oil to sit on the sore without rinsing.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day until the sore heals.

8. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a popular remedy for various skin conditions, and it can perform wonders on canker sores too. Its soothing properties can help to alleviate pain and inflammation.

• Extract the gel from a fresh aloe vera leaf.
• Apply the gel directly to the sore.
• Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day.

9. Chamomile Tea

Generally speaking, chamomile tea is known for its calming effects. However, according to studies, it can also help to relieve pain and heal canker sores due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

• Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool down.
• Swish the cooled tea around your mouth for 30 seconds.
• Spit it out and repeat it 2-3 times a day.

10. Vitamin B12

Canker sores may be linked to vitamin B12 deficiency. Thus taking B12 supplements may help to reduce the frequency and severity of the sores.

• Consult with your pharmacist or doctor for the appropriate dosage.
• Take the recommended vitamin B12 supplements daily.

11. Yogurt

Yogurt is a probiotic food that can help to restore the balance of good bacteria in your mouth, which in turn may aid in the healing of canker sores.

• Consume a cup of plain, unsweetened yogurt daily.
• Swish a small amount of yogurt around the affected area before swallowing.

12. Milk of Magnesia

Also known as magnesium hydroxide, it is commonly used as an antacid and laxative. However, it can also be used to treat canker sores due to its soothing and antacid properties. It helps to neutralize the acidity in the mouth, creating a less favorable environment for canker sores.

• Shake the bottle of milk of magnesia well before using.
• Using a cotton swab, dab a small amount of milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sore.
• Allow it to sit on the sore for a few minutes.
• Rinse your mouth with water or spit out the excess.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day until your canker sore is gone.

Prevention is Key

While home remedies can provide relief, it’s essential to prevent canker sores from occurring in the first place. Here are some tips to reduce the likelihood of developing these pesky sores:

• Maintain your proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating the mouth.
• Avoid acidic and spicy foods that can trigger canker sores.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
• Ensure that you get enough vitamins and minerals, particularly B12, iron, and folate.

To sum up, canker sores can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. However, with these ten home remedies and preventative measures, you can alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with them. Remember, if your canker sores persist or worsen despite trying these remedies, consult with your healthcare professional for treatment.