Natural Home Remedies To Try For Canker Sores

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Canker sores can be a real pain. These small, shallow ulcers appear inside your mouth and can make eating, drinking and even talking challenging. While they usually heal on their own within a week or two, the discomfort they cause can be frustrating.

Fortunately, there are numerous natural treatments to speed up healing and alleviate the pain, all in the comfort of your home.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are non-contagious shallow sores on the soft tissues inside your mouth. Also known as aphthous ulcers, these oral wounds commonly affect the cheeks, tongue and gums.

Unlike cold sores attributed to the herpes virus, canker sores have no known viral instigator. Tissue injury, stress, a weakened immune system, certain foods, some medications and even hormonal fluctuations can contribute to their development.

The good news is that canker sores typically cure on their own within six weeks. However, the discomfort they cause can be significant during that time, greatly diminishing your quality of life. Natural remedies offer a gentle and effective way to manage symptoms and expedite healing.

There are three main types:

• Minor canker sores: These are the most common type. They are usually small and heal within a week without scarring. People between the ages of 10 and 20 are more susceptible to developing them.
• Major canker sores: These are larger than minor sores and can be pretty painful. They also take longer to heal, and most leave a scar.
• Herpetiform canker sores: Although the name suggests so, these types of canker sores have no relation to the herpes virus. This is the least common type and mainly affects adults. They appear in clusters of up to 100 tiny sores in one place and may merge into one large ulcer that is usually very painful.

You might be more prone to developing canker sores due to irritation if you wear braces. Using dental wax can help soothe sensitive areas, particularly on your cheeks and lips.

Natural Remedies To Soothe Canker Sores

Try these at-home treatments if you’re looking for natural ways to speed the healing process, and remember to get regular cleanings from your holistic dental professional for best oral health results. This will also help with the prevention of canker sores.

1.   Saltwater Rinse

This age-old remedy remains popular for good reason. Saltwater has natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that create a slightly hostile environment for bacteria, promoting fast healing. To make a rinse, stir a bit of table salt in warm water. Gargle the solution, then spit it out. Do this several times daily for relief.

2.   Yogurt Power

The live and active cultures in yogurt, known as probiotics, help balance the bacteria in your mouth and digestive system, which may aid in healing canker sores. They help prevent the recurrence of sores and speed up the healing of existing ones.

Consume probiotic-rich yogurt daily. Opt for plain, unsweetened varieties, and consider adding a spoonful of honey for extra soothing power. For added relief, apply the yogurt directly to the wound so the probiotics work right on the affected area.

3.   Honey

Honey is more than just a sweet condiment. This gooey substance has been used for centuries for its wound-healing properties, thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

To use honey for canker sores:

• Spread a small amount of raw, organic honey directly on the canker sore.
• Let it stay for a few minutes before rinsing.
• Repeat several times daily.

4.   Baking Soda Pastes And Rinses

Baking soda is known to neutralize acids, making it effective against canker sores. Mix baking soda with water and apply the paste directly to the sore. Leave it on for five to 10 minutes before rinsing with water. This simple remedy can be repeated to alleviate discomfort.

For the rinse, dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of water and add salt if desired. Swirl the concoction in your mouth for up to 30 seconds and spit it out. Doing this a couple of times daily will accelerate healing.

5.   Coconut Oil

Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties make it an effective treatment. It helps reduce pain and swelling while preventing infection. Apply a small amount of unrefined coconut oil to the sore and reapply as needed throughout the day. This easy-to-use remedy provides comfort and helps accelerate the healing process.

6.   Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a natural relaxant that relieves inflamed mouth sores, particularly in people undergoing chemotherapy. Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes to make a brew, or combine about 10 drops of extract in a half cup of warm water and swish around your mouth three times daily to reduce pain and promote healing.

7.   Echinacea

Echinacea is a popular herbal remedy that boosts the immune system and may help reduce the severity and duration of canker sores. You can create a mouthwash by mixing a few drops of echinacea tincture in water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth or apply it directly to the sore. Repeating this twice daily can enhance healing and provide relief from pain.

8.   Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has been used for centuries for its soothing and healing qualities, making it an ideal choice for treating sores. Anecdotal evidence from cancer patients supports its efficacy on oral wounds that develop during radiotherapy treatments. When used as a mouthwash, aloe vera helps relieve irritated tissues, providing relief.

9.   Sage Mouthwash

Sage has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that can aid in healing canker sores. You can make a sage mouthwash by doing the following:

• Steep 5 grams of dried sage in 100 milliliters of water for several minutes.
• Use as a mouth rinse.
• Repeat two to three times daily.

10.   Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

The acid in apple cider vinegar (ACV) kills bacteria in the oral cavity and relieves the discomfort caused by mouth ulcers. For effective results, blend 1 teaspoon of ACV with 10 teaspoons of water and use this as a rinse.

Lifestyle Changes For Faster Healing

These natural remedies can offer relief and expedite healing, but you can also make lifestyle modifications to promote overall oral health and potentially prevent future canker sores:

• Diet: Certain foods, particularly those high in acid or spice, can aggravate canker sores. Consider avoiding these food triggers while you’re healing. Instead, eat a balanced diet and drink enough water.
• Lower stress levels: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing and yoga can help you lower stress disorders to decrease the frequency of canker sores.
• Good oral hygiene: Brushing at least twice daily and replacing your toothbrush every three months helps uphold overall oral health, which can help prevent canker sores. However, be gentle around the canker sore when brushing to avoid further irritation.

Canker sores may be small, but they can cause significant discomfort. Incorporating these natural remedies and prevention strategies into your routine provides a holistic approach to managing these wounds and upholding oral health.

Remember, these natural remedies can be effective for many people, but everyone’s body is different. What works for one person may not work for another. Be patient and try various treatments to find what works best for you. Always listen to your body and discontinue the use of any remedy if you experience adverse reactions.

Mia Barnes is a freelance writer and researcher with a passion for holistic healing and healthy living. She is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the online publication Body+Mind magazine.

Find holistic Dental Health Resources in the Spirit of Change online Alternative Health Directory.

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