Relieve Canker Sores Naturally and Fast (18 Easy Tips)

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Mouth ulcers better known as canker sores can be really painful.

Although very uncomfortable, disturbing eating or even speaking, they are nonetheless benign and do not portend any particular health problem.

Let’s see how to treat canker sores, how to avoid them with simple precautionary measures, and the best natural remedies to relieve them.


What is a canker sore?


Canker sores are mouth ulcers that can be very painful.

It is usually pink, gray, or yellow, crater-shaped surrounded by red, and always lodged in the most sensitive places of the mucosa.

They are commonly found on or under the tongue, in the cheeks, on the gums, and inside the lips.

You can have multiple canker sores at once and over time they can change in size.

Unlike the cold sore, the canker sore is not contagious and heals spontaneously within one to two weeks without treatment.


The different types of canker sores


There are three different kinds of canker sores:

  • minor canker sore: it is the most common and measures 3 to 10mm.
    It disappears in 10 to 14 days without leaving a scar.
  • major canker sore: wider and deeper than the minor canker sore, it has an irregular border.
    It can measure over 10mm and takes weeks to disappear leaving a scar.
  • herpetic canker sore: these are canker sores of small diameter, 2 to 3mm, which are grouped.
    One affected area can contain a hundred ulcers.
    They disappear without leaving a scar.

Causes of canker sores


The most common causes of canker sores are:

  • oral trauma
  • hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle
  • stress
  • certain foods like oilseeds, chocolate, coffee
  • iron deficiency
  • vitamin B12 deficiency
  • zinc deficiency
  • quitting smoking
  • a weakened immune system
  • drugs like beta-blockers, anti-inflammatories
  • chronic disease
  • genetic predisposition

The evolution of a canker sore


Most aphthous ulcers heal spontaneously within 10 to 14 days.

However, you need to take care not to make the inflammation worse by consuming too spicy foods, overusing vinegar in your salad, or drinking too acidic drinks.


Treatment of canker sores


The pain is so severe that it is impossible to expect a spontaneous recovery in two weeks.

Here are the medical treatments you can apply as soon as an ulcer appears:

 

– Corticosteroid lozenges

These lozenges often indicated for sore throats are quite effective in relieving the pain of a canker sore and can also speed up its healing.

It is recommended to use them at the first symptoms.

 

– Mouthwash with chlorhexidine 

Although the effect on the pain is not very intense, the mouthwash helps in faster healing and limits infection.

Again, it is recommended to practice mouthwash as soon as the ulcer appears.

Note that the regular use of chlorhexidine over 4 weeks may temporarily darken teeth.

Treating a canker sore at the first sign reduces inflammation while compromising its development.

 

– Antiseptic gel

Primarily for the treatment of pain, the antiseptic gel has a slight comforting numbing effect.

 

– Paracetamol or ibuprofen

To alleviate too much pain, you can take an analgesic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.


Prevention of canker sores


We do not know it and yet we cause canker sores by certain actions.

For example, biting your cheek.

See your dentist if you wear ill-fitting braces or have a chipped, sharp tooth.

Brushing your teeth should be gentle and not overdoing it.

The toothbrush should preferably be soft or medium.

Toothpaste should not be irritating and should not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.

toothbrush mouth ulcers

 

All of these measures must be taken to avoid injuring the oral mucosa.

On the other hand, stress is also your enemy.

Try to get enough sleep and put your worries into perspective so that you are not on edge.

Finally, some medicines can cause canker sores.
Read the package leaflets and do not hesitate to talk to your physician.


Supplements to fight canker sores


  • Folic acid or vitamin b9

Too frequent canker sores can be caused by a folic acid deficiency (#ad).

 

  • Zinc

Zinc (#ad) boosts the immune system and significantly reduces the recurrence of canker sores.

 

  • Vitamin B12

A vitamin B12 deficiency (#ad) can be the cause of the frequent appearance of canker sores.

 

  • Vitamin C 

Vitamin C deficiency can lead to both canker sores and bleeding gums.

Consider a cure to restore the efficiency of your immune system.

Favor liposomal vitamin C (#ad) for better absorption.


Natural remedies for canker sores


There are natural ways to relieve these nasty ulcers.

 

  • Saltwater mouthwash

Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water to make a salty mouthwash.
Use it 4 times a day for 4 or 5 days.

Saltwater has antiseptic properties that will help in faster healing.

 

  • Raw onion

The sulfur in the onion can help heal canker sores.

You can apply a coverslip directly to the lesion or simply incorporate it into a salad to enjoy the benefits of the onion.

 

  • Orange juice

The orange juice here is only a source of vitamin C.

Drink plenty of it to boost your immune system.

 

  • Basil

Chewing a fresh basil leaf twice a day helps relieve the pain of a canker sore and accelerate its healing.

 

  • Coconut milk

Coconut milk relieves the severe pain of canker sores.

Gargle 3 or 4 times a day.

This natural remedy is very effective especially when you are having difficulty eating.

 

  • Peppermint essential oil

Directly apply a drop of peppermint essential oil to the lesion for pain relief.

 

  • Ice cube

The use of the ice cube is only for a quick numbing effect.

Applying it directly to the lesion will not help to heal but will provide immediate relief.

 

  • Licorice root

Licorice root (#ad) has interesting anti-inflammatory properties to relieve severe canker sores.

You can chew a licorice stick or better yet use a mother tincture to apply it directly and reap its benefits.

 

  • Aloe vera

Aloe vera helps relieve the pain of canker sores and speeds up healing.

Directly apply a little pure aloe gel (#ad) or drink aloe vera juice.

 

  • Clove essential oil

Certainly, the essential oil most indicated for aphthous ulcers, clove brings its antiseptic and inflammatory properties to the lesion up to anesthesia.
The ultimate remedy for canker sores.


When to consult for a canker sore?


There are a few cases that should alert you and prompt you to consult a specialist:

– if your canker sore is still there after 3 weeks

– if it comes back too frequently

– if it becomes more and more painful and red, signs of an infection

– if you have a fever

– if you are losing weight

These signs may indicate a more serious problem requiring medical attention.


How to heal canker sores fast?


Canker sores are very painful and uncomfortable lesions.

However, there are effective ways to control inflammation through mouthwashes and antiseptic gels.

There are also natural ways to treat these ulcers quickly and effectively.

How about you? How do you treat canker sores?

  Read more:

How to stop a toothache fast?


This article contains affiliate links echoing my recommendations.
I use Amazon’s Partner Program, an affiliate program designed to pay commissions through amazon.com links
This process does not affect my opinions in any way but each purchase helps this blog to live – Marie


This blog is copyright ©2023 by gomedica.org. All rights reserved

Marie

Natural health is paramount to me, natural remedies have always been part of my life. Whatever the problem, I make sure to find natural solutions that can often be associated with traditional medicine. Everything I write here allows me to share them with you.

Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to replace medical advice or any treatment.
Keep in mind that you should contact your doctor or any qualified healthcare professional to determine if you can add a supplement to your treatment or change your diet.

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