How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: A Comprehensive Guide
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful and annoying mouth sores that can make eating, drinking, and speaking difficult. They typically appear as small, round, white or yellowish sores in the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. Canker sores are not contagious and generally go away on their own within one to two weeks, but finding ways to alleviate the pain and promote healing can be helpful. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of canker sores through various remedies and treatments.
Causes and Prevention
The exact causes of canker sores are unknown, but certain factors can trigger their occurrence. These include stress, injury to the mouth, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and immune system dysfunction. To prevent or reduce the frequency of canker sores, it’s essential to take care of your oral hygiene by regularly brushing and flossing. Also, avoiding spicy, acidic, and rough-textured foods, chewing gum, and tobacco can help prevent canker sores.
Home Remedies
A variety of home remedies can help alleviate the discomfort of canker sores, including:
Saltwater gargles and rinses
Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe canker sores and reduce inflammation. Simply dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds, and spit it out. Repeat this process several times a day.
Baking soda paste application
Another home remedy is to make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the canker sore. This mixture can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Tea tree oil application
Tea tree oil has natural antiseptic properties that can help heal canker sores. Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with some water and apply it to the sore using a cotton swab.
Other natural home remedies
Other effective home remedies for canker sores include aloe vera, honey, coconut oil, and chamomile tea. These natural remedies help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and relieve pain.
Over-the-counter solutions
Over-the-counter medications and treatments can help relieve pain and promote healing for canker sores. These include:
Pain relievers and numbing agents
Taking pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Numbing agents such as benzocaine can also help alleviate pain.
Topical gels and creams
Topical gels and creams such as Orajel or Anbesol can help numb the sore and provide temporary relief.
Antiseptic mouthwashes
Antiseptic mouthwashes can help kill bacteria and promote healing. Look for products containing hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine, or sodium bicarbonate.
Diet Changes
Proper nutrition plays an important role in preventing and healing canker sores. It’s essential to consume a healthy and balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. It is helpful to avoid trigger foods such as spicy and acidic foods, chocolate, nuts and seeds, and citrus fruits. Also, taking supplements such as vitamin B12, folate, or iron can help reduce the frequency of canker sores.
Herbal remedies
Some herbal remedies can help alleviate the symptoms of canker sores, including:
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help heal canker sores. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Then rinse your mouth with it several times a day.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe canker sores. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the sore, or drink aloe vera juice to help promote healing.
Licorice root
Licorice root has natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Dab a bit of licorice root extract onto the sore using a cotton swab.
Other herbal solutions
Other herbs that can help alleviate canker sore symptoms include calendula, echinacea, and goldenseal.
Medical Treatments
In severe cases, medical treatments may be necessary to treat canker sores. These include:
Corticosteroid ointments
Applying corticosteroid ointments such as triamcinolone acetonide can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Cauterization or Silver nitrate
In some cases, cauterization with chemicals or the application of silver nitrate may be necessary to treat large or persistent canker sores.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a relatively new treatment option for canker sores that uses a low-level laser to promote healing and relieve pain.
Conclusion
Canker sores are a common and often painful condition that can be managed and prevented with various remedies and treatments. The key to preventing canker sores is maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding trigger foods. Home remedies, over-the-counter solutions, diet changes, herbal remedies, and medical treatments provide an array of options for managing canker sores effectively. With proper care and treatment, canker sores can be a thing of the past.