Canker sores are small mouth ulcers that usually form on the gums.
Knowing how to get rid ofcanker soreswith home remedies and over-the-counter treatments can limit pain and discomfort.
Canker sores are not contagious.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
you could’t catch them from someone else or give them to someone else.
The main symptom of a canker sore is pain.
However, when they first start to erupt, you may feel just a tingling sensation.
Round or oval sores then appear with a raised border and a yellow, gray, or white center.
Home Remedies for Cankers
Avoiding canker sore triggers is a good place to start.
you’re free to also try home remedies to reduce pain and help the sores heal.
How Long Do Canker Sores Last?
Canker sores usually heal on their own within four to 14 days.
Home remedies may reduce inflammation and bacteria, making the sores hurt less until they get better.
This creates an environment that makes it harder for bacteria to grow, which can help the healing process.
Saltwater rinses can also promote healthy gums.
How to Make a Salt Water Rinse
Never put salt directly on an ulcer.
Doing so will be very painful and won’t help it heal.
Instead, make asaltwater solutionby mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.
Swish it in your mouth orgargle itfor about 30 seconds, then spit it out.
It may sting at first.
How to Make a Baking Soda Paste
Mix a littlebaking sodawith a small amount of water until it thickens.
Put the paste on your canker sore(s).
Repeat as often as needed while your mouth heals.
How to Make a Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water.
Dab the solution on your canker sore with a cotton swab.
If you’re using a hydrogen peroxide solution to rinse your mouth,do not swallow it.
Honey
Studies have found that honey hashealing properties, including for canker sores.
Studies have found thatchamomileis helpful by itself for healing sores in the mouth.
How to Make an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Mix 1 teaspoon of the vinegar into 1 cup of water.
Swish the solution around your mouth for up to a minute.
Then spit and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
An apple cider vinegar rinse may sting.
Sage mouth rinses are available OTC and can also be made at home.
Swish in your mouth for around a minute, then spit out.
Ice
Ice can help ease pain by numbing the canker sore.
you could also try cold water or ice pops for relief.
Oral Health Products
Various products are marketed to help heal and manage canker sores.
It is frequently used as anantacidandlaxativeto relieveconstipation.
Milk of magnesia can also help reduce canker sore pain by neutralizing acid and coating the ulcer.
The best way to put milk of magnesia into a canker is with a cotton swab.
it’s possible for you to apply it three to four times a day.
You may want to wear it after rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.
Benadryl is very useful for mouth ulcers caused byfood allergies or sensitivities.
you’ve got the option to combine liquid Benadryl with milk of magnesia to make an oral rinse.
Mix one part of each and rinse with the solution for one minute, then spit it out.
Do not swallow it.
Can I Use Listerine or Other OTC Mouthwashes?
Prescription Treatments for Cankers
Prescription medication is sometimes necessary to treat persistent or infected canker sores.
One treatment your dentist can prescribe is tetracycline suspension (liquid).
You must hold the medicine in your mouth for two to five minutes before swallowing it.
Tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children with canker sores because it can causepermanent discolorationin developing teeth.
Corticosteroids
Your dentist may prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone and dexamethasone for severe canker sores.
Gel treatments with fluocinonide may also be recommended.
Additional topical solutions may need to be applied to the burned tissue to help with healing.
It’s important to be seen by a healthcare provider who can prescribe the right treatment.
If you have canker sores that hurt or return, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
They can find out why you have cankers and prescribe the best treatment.
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