3 Effective Home Remedies For Canker Sores

Canker sores are small ulcers which occur inside of the mouth that often cause severe discomfort while the affected person chews, speaks, or drinks fluids. Although their root cause is currently unknown, they are known to be non-contagious and pose no risk of transmission between people. Most people who develop these sores learn to suffer through their presence until they heal over time, but there are several home remedies that are very effective in treating them. Keep reading to learn about 3 of the most effective home treatments for canker sores that should be combined for the best result.

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Bags of black tea – Holding a bag of black tea against the canker sore for 5 minutes several times a day can help kill the oral bacteria which prevent the sores from healing.
Over-the-counter ointments – Generic canker sore ointments can be found at any pharmacy. Don’t let their low cost fool you, they contain antiseptic chemicals which will reduce your canker sore’s healing time. Try applying the ointment to the sore immediately after you remove a black tea bag to create a protective barrier between bacteria and the sore.
Mouth rinses – The key to healing canker sores quickly is to stabilize your mouth’s acidity, making your mouth a less welcoming place for bacteria. There are several helpful mouth rinses and solutions you can apply to canker sores which can be easily made with common household items:

Mix a few teaspoons of table salt or baking soda with a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for one minute. Spit out the salt or baking soda water when you finish and rinse your mouth with water.
Mix an equal amount of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide (a debridement agent) and water. Apply a very small amount of the mixture directly onto the sore several times a day to benefit from its antibacterial quality. You should always avoid swallowing this mixture, and rinse your mouth with water shortly after it is applied to a sore.

Do you suffer from canker sores frequently? Schedule an appointment at Smile Today to discuss professional treatment options.

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Kyle Huish

Dr. Kyle Huish is a fifth generation native Arizonan. He was born and raised in Mesa and graduated from Arizona State University in 2006. He then went to Ohio State University for his dental education where he graduated top of his class. Afterwards Dr. Huish went on to further his dental education by studying in both New York City and Pittsburgh where he mastered advanced techniques in dental implants and dental sedation.