Introduction
Canker sores, also known as canker sores, are small, painful sores that develop inside the mouth. Although they are usually harmless, they can cause discomfort and make it difficult to eat or talk. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help relieve pain and speed healing. In this blog post, we will explore what canker sores are, their causes, and their symptoms, and give you 15 effective home remedies to cure canker sores fast.
What is a mouth ulcer?
A canker sore is a superficial sore or lesion that forms inside the mouth, including the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, or lips. They are usually round or oval, with a white or yellowish center and a red edge. These painful sores can vary in size, making eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth uncomfortable.
Causes of mouth ulcers:
The exact cause of canker sores is often unknown, but several factors can contribute to their development. These include:
Injury or trauma to the mouth, such as an accidental bite or overly aggressive brushing.
Certain foods or substances, including acidic or spicy foods, citrus fruits, and tobacco.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin B12, iron or folic acid.
Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation.
Stress or emotional factors.
Certain medical conditions, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
Symptoms of mouth ulcers:
Mouth ulcers usually present the following symptoms:
Pain or discomfort in the affected area.
Sensitivity to hot, spicy, or acidic foods.
Swelling or inflammation.
White or yellowish center with a red border.
Difficulty speaking, eating or drinking.
Tingling or burning sensation before the sore appears.
15 home remedies to cure canker sores:
Salt Water Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gently swish the saltwater mixture around in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this rinse several times a day. Salt water helps reduce inflammation, cleanses the ulcer, and promotes healing.
Honey – Apply a small amount of raw honey directly to the ulcer with a cotton swab or clean finger. Honey has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection and soothe sores.
Coconut Oil: Take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for a few minutes, making sure to rub it over the ulcer. Spit out the oil afterwards. Coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can aid in healing.
Aloe vera gel – Extract fresh aloe vera gel from an aloe leaf and apply it directly to the ulcer. Aloe vera has healing properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, which can speed recovery.
Chamomile tea: Brew a chamomile tea bag in hot water and allow it to cool. Use the cooled tea as a mouthwash, swishing it around your mouth for about 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can apply a soaked chamomile tea bag directly to the ulcer. Chamomile has calming properties and can help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
Baking Soda: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water to form a paste. Apply the paste on the ulcer and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with water. Baking soda can help neutralize acids in the mouth, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Sage Mouthwash: Boil fresh sage leaves in water, strain the liquid, and allow to cool. Use the sage-infused water as a mouthwash, swishing it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Sage has antimicrobial properties that can help heal canker sores.
Tea tree oil: Dilute tea tree oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and apply a small amount to the ulcer with a cotton swab. Tea tree oil possesses antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection and aid healing.
Vitamin E oil: Break open a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the ulcer. Vitamin E has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain and aid healing.
Ice therapy: Suck on ice chips or apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area. The cool temperature helps numb pain, reduce inflammation, and temporarily relieve discomfort.
Papaya – Cut a fresh slice of papaya and place it on the ulcer for a few minutes. Papaya contains enzymes, such as papain, which can help heal and reduce inflammation.
Clove Oil – Apply a small amount of clove oil to the ulcer with a cotton swab. Clove oil has natural antiseptic and analgesic properties that can help relieve pain and fight bacteria.
Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer. Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
Vitamin B12: Take a vitamin B12 supplement or eat foods rich in vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in oral health and can aid in the healing of canker sores. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully avoiding the ulcer. Use toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate ulcers. Good oral hygiene can help prevent further irritation and promote healing.
Who to consult?
For canker sores, consider seeing a dentist or oral medicine specialist. If needed, your primary care physician can provide guidance and referrals. Dermatologists can be helpful if the ulcers are associated with skin conditions.
Conclusion:
Canker sores can be uncomfortable, but with these natural home remedies, you can effectively relieve pain and promote faster healing. Remember, if the ulcers persist for more than two weeks, recur frequently, or are accompanied by severe symptoms, it is advisable to consult a health professional. By taking care of your oral hygiene and incorporating these home remedies into your routine, you can alleviate canker sores and once again enjoy a pain-free mouth.
people also ask
1. What quickly kills canker sores?
There is no definitive cure for canker sores, but certain remedies can help relieve symptoms and promote faster healing. For example, saltwater rinses, honey, aloe vera gel, and over-the-counter oral gels or ointments that contain benzocaine can soothe and speed healing.
2. What food stops canker sores?
There is no specific food that can guarantee the prevention of canker sores. However, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help overall oral health and reduce the likelihood of developing canker sores. Additionally, it may be beneficial to avoid spicy, acidic, and abrasive foods that irritate the mouth.
3. What fruit is good for canker sores?
Certain fruits can be soothing and beneficial for canker sores due to their high vitamin C content and healing properties. Some examples include bananas, papayas, kiwis, and melons. These fruits are soft, not acidic, and can help alleviate discomfort.
4. Can we apply coconut oil for canker sores?
Yes, it can be helpful to apply coconut oil on canker sores. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in healing. Swish your mouth with a tablespoon of coconut oil for a few minutes or apply a small amount directly to the ulcer for relief and potentially faster recovery.
