Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers as they’re sometimes called, are common, painful sores that appear in your mouth and can really sting. The good news is that they usually heal on their own within a week or two. But if you’re looking for some quick relief, there are plenty of remedies you can try to help ease the pain and speed up the healing.
Home Remedies for Pain Relief and Healing:
- Rinses:
- Saltwater rinse: To make a simple saltwater rinse, just mix 1 teaspoon of salt into about 1/2 cup of warm water. Give it a good swish in your mouth for 15-30 seconds, then spit it out. Feel free to give this a try a few times during your day.
- Baking soda rinse: To get started, just mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into about 1/2 cup of warm water. Give it a good swish around in your mouth and then spit it out. Feel free to give this another go as many times as you want.
- Topical Applications:
- Baking soda paste: Just take some baking soda and mix it with a few drops of water to create a paste. Then, gently apply that mixture right onto the sore.
- Milk of magnesia: Just apply a little bit directly onto your canker sore a few times throughout the day. This will help neutralize acids.
- Honey: Just take a small amount of pure honey and apply it. Honey is great because it has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits.
- Aloe Vera: Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel, known for its soothing and healing properties.
- Ice: Try letting some ice chips melt in your mouth and gently letting them sit on the sore spot. This can help numb the area and ease any swelling.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:
- Topical Numbing Agents: If you’re looking for some quick relief from pain, you might want to try gels, creams, or liquids that have ingredients like benzocaine, such as Anbesol or Orajel. These products can help numb the area and give you some temporary comfort.
- Mouth Rinses: If you’re dealing with a sore, using an antiseptic mouth rinse with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide can really help keep things clean. Just avoid those that have alcohol, since they might make the sore feel worse.
- Sore-Coating Products: You can use pastes or liquids, like those containing benzocaine or fluocinonide, to help soothe the sore and keep it safe from irritation.
- Nutritional Supplements: If you’re dealing with canker sores and think it might be related to a deficiency, considering supplements like Vitamin B-12, folate, iron, or zinc could be beneficial.
To Avoid Irritation While Healing:
- Avoid certain foods: It’s a good idea to avoid foods and drinks that are acidic, spicy, or really hot—like citrus fruits, coffee, or crunchy chips. They might just add to any irritation you’re feeling.
- Practice gentle oral hygiene: Grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently. If you’re looking for a little extra comfort, you might want to try using a toothpaste that’s free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
When to See a Doctor or Dentist:
Canker sores usually heal on their own, but it’s a good idea to check in with a healthcare professional if:
- The sores might feel larger or more painful than usual.
- They stick around for more than three weeks.
- New sores can appear even before the old ones have had a chance to heal.
- It can be really tough to eat or drink when you’re in pain.
- The sores come with a pretty high fever.
If you’re dealing with something more serious, your doctor or dentist might suggest some stronger mouth rinses, topical steroids, or other oral medications to help you out.
If you’re dealing with a canker sore, don’t worry too much—most of them heal up on their own in about one to two weeks. The key is to focus on keeping that pain and irritation in check. You can try some easy home remedies, like rinsing your mouth with saltwater or using over-the-counter gels to help soothe the sore. Also, avoiding certain trigger foods can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel while it heals.
If you have any sores that are big, stick around for a while, or come with other symptoms, check in with your dentist or doctor. They can help you get the right evaluation and explore some more effective treatment options.
Can You Brush Out A Canker Sore?
No, it’s best to avoid trying to brush out a canker sore.
If you have a canker sore, it’s an open ulcer, and we want to be gentle with it. Brushing too hard can make things worse, causing more pain and irritation, and might even slow down how quickly it heals. Instead, here are some tips for taking care of it:
- Continue good oral hygiene: Keep up with your brushing routine, but just be extra gentle around that sore spot.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently care for the sensitive tissues in your mouth.
- If you think sodium lauryl sulfate might be causing you some irritation, it might be a good idea to avoid toothpastes that contain it.
- Try some gentle remedies to ease that soreness. A simple saltwater rinse or a soothing topical gel can really help.
If you’re dealing with a canker sore, it might be tempting to scrub it away, but that could just lead to more discomfort. Instead, stick to gentle oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush and try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater. These soothing methods can really help your sore heal naturally.
What Causes Canker Sores?
Brushing a canker sore is definitely not the way to go, but figuring out what causes them can really help you avoid them in the future and get some quicker relief when they do appear. While the exact cause isn’t entirely clear, researchers have found a few usual suspects. These can include things like minor injuries to your mouth, stress, certain foods that might not sit well with you, and even some nutritional gaps in your diet.
It’s usually not just one thing that sets off an outbreak; it’s often a mix of different factors that come together:
Common Triggers
- Injury/Trauma: One of the most frequent reasons for mouth discomfort is actually just a small injury to the lining inside your mouth. This can happen in various ways, including:
- Accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
- Aggressive or overzealous tooth brushing.
- Scrapes from dental appliances (braces, retainers, ill-fitting dentures).
- Injury from dental work.
- Emotional Stress: Many people find that when stress levels rise, it can often lead to outbreaks.
- Food Sensitivities: Some foods can be harsh on your mouth and might cause irritation or even lead to a sore, especially:
- Acidic fruits and vegetables (lemons, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes).
- Spicy foods.
- Nuts, coffee, chocolate, or cheese (in sensitive individuals).
- Ingredients in Oral Products: Some folks can be sensitive to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It’s a common ingredient in many toothpastes and mouthwashes that helps create that nice foamy feel. However, for some people, it might lead to or even aggravate sores in the mouth.
- Hormonal Shifts: Some women find that canker sores can sometimes show up around the time of their menstrual cycle.
Underlying Factors
- Nutritional Deficiencies: If your diet doesn’t include enough vitamins and minerals, you might find yourself dealing with recurring sores. Here are some nutrients that might be worth looking into:
- Vitamin B-12
- Folate (Folic Acid)
- Iron
- Zinc
- Genetics: Canker sores can sometimes run in the family, which might mean there’s a genetic connection at play.
- Immune System Issues: If your immune system is out of balance, it can really affect your body. Canker sores can sometimes appear as a sign of other health issues, such as:
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (like Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
- Celiac Disease
- Behçet’s disease (a rare inflammatory disorder)
- HIV/AIDS
Canker sores can be tricky to understand, as their causes often come from a mix of different factors. A great way to prevent them is by figuring out what specifically triggers them for you. Maintaining good oral health and enjoying a diet packed with essential vitamins can really help lessen the chances of sores appearing again.