If you’ve ever found yourself frantically searching for remedies to alleviate the discomfort of a canker sores, you’re not alone. These small yet mighty lesions can wreak havoc inside the mouth, making everyday activities like eating, drinking, and even talking a painful ordeal.
But what exactly causes these pesky sores, and more importantly, how can you get rid of them quickly or at least find some relief in the meantime?
To provide insight into this common ailment, we’ve consulted medical experts to uncover the root causes of canker sores and explore effective strategies for managing their symptoms.
Whether you’re dealing with an existing sore or trying to prevent one from fully developing, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the discomfort associated with canker sores.
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores, precisely speaking, are small and shallow ulcers that manifest within the soft tissues of the mouth. These ulcers can emerge on the inside of the cheeks, along the base of the gums, and even on the surface of the tongue.
While they can afflict anyone, they typically present as small white or yellow-tinged spots and can inflict significant discomfort, often described as a stinging pain.
This discomfort tends to exacerbate when exposed to acidic or spicy foods, when touched by the tongue, or even when drinking water.
It’s important to note that canker sores are distinct from cold sores or “fever blisters,” which stem from the herpes virus. Unlike canker sores, cold sores can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as kissing.
If an individual has a lesion in their mouth that exhibits blistering, contains tiny bubbles of clear fluid, or is crusted over, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a primary care physician, as it could signify a herpes sore.
Causes of Canker Sores
The exact causes of canker sores remain somewhat elusive to researchers, but several factors are known to potentially trigger their onset.
Some individuals find that consuming spicy or acidic foods, such as pineapple, grapefruit, or oranges, may provoke the appearance of these ulcers.
Additionally, certain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, commonly found in toothpaste, have been linked to mouth inflammation, potentially contributing to the development of canker sores.
Local trauma is another prevalent trigger, often occurring from actions like aggressive tooth brushing, accidental biting of the inside of the mouth while chewing, or ingesting sharp-edged foods like Doritos.
Stress and weakened immune systems can also play a role, as canker sores may arise during periods of heightened stress or when the body is combating illness. Furthermore, genetic predisposition may contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to canker sores.
Moreover, certain autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and Behçet’s disease, have been associated with the development of canker sores.
In such cases, these ulcers may manifest as a side effect of the underlying autoimmune disorder, further complicating their etiology.
5 Home Remedies for Canker Sores
Attempting to pop a canker sore is not recommended, as they are shallow wounds rather than blisters or pimples. Trying to pop them could lead to increased pain and potential infection.
Fortunately, canker sores often resolve on their own within a week or two. However, the discomfort they cause can make this timeframe feel like an eternity. In the meantime, there are several at-home treatments you can try to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Use Raw Honey
A low-risk option for soothing a canker sore is to apply a drop or two of raw honey directly onto the affected area. While raw honey isn’t scientifically proven as a definitive remedy for canker sores, research suggests its potential healing properties.
A study conducted in 2009 found that honey, known for its non-irritating and antibacterial qualities, aids in wound healing, including those in the mouth.
Furthermore, a more recent study indicated that honey could reduce the size of canker sores and alleviate inflammation faster than topical steroids, and without causing side effects.
If opting to try this method, it’s essential to ensure the honey used is pure and unadulterated, without any added sweeteners or flavorings that may contain potentially irritating additives. By applying raw honey to the sore, individuals may benefit from its antibacterial properties and potential ability to accelerate the healing process.
While it may not offer a guaranteed solution, using raw honey as a natural remedy for canker sores poses minimal risk and could provide relief for those experiencing discomfort. The benefits of raw honey are numerous and we’ve done a deep dive on this miracle food and its many uses.
- Gargle with Salt Water
One widely embraced home remedy for managing the discomfort of canker sores is gargling with warm salt water. While scientific research supporting its efficacy is limited, many individuals, including myself, swear by its effectiveness.
The premise behind this do-it-yourself solution is that salt, known for its antibacterial properties, can help alleviate inflammation, thus providing relief from pain.
To try this remedy, the National Health Service (NHS) recommends mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Gargle this solution, ensuring it reaches the affected area, and then rinse your mouth thoroughly. This process can be repeated twice a day to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
However, it’s essential to avoid using an excessive amount of salt or gargling too frequently, as this may potentially cause further irritation to the sore.
By following these guidelines, individuals can harness the potential benefits of warm salt water gargling as a simple yet effective method for managing the discomfort of canker sores.
- Try a Mix of Alum and Water
Another home remedy for immediate relief from canker sore discomfort involves using alum, a common pickling agent found in most grocery stores. To prepare this remedy, it’s typically recommended to mix a small amount of alum powder with a drop or two of water until a paste forms.
Apply this paste directly onto the sore for a few minutes, then thoroughly rinse with water. It’s important to note that alum is an astringent, so leaving it on for too long can potentially cause irritation and dryness.
While scientific research on the efficacy of alum specifically for treating mouth ulcers is limited, some studies suggest that it may work by causing tissue contraction in the mouth, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling.
Although alum may not be among the top doctor-recommended remedies due to the lack of extensive research, some evidence, such as a 2016 study, indicates its potential effectiveness in reducing the size and severity of canker sores.
While trying this remedy, individuals should be aware that it may cause a burning sensation and have an unpleasant taste. However, if seeking immediate relief or curious about alternative remedies, there’s likely no harm in giving alum a try.
As with any home remedy, it’s essential to monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Use an OTC Numbing Cream
For temporary relief from the discomfort associated with a canker sore, consider utilizing over-the-counter numbing gels or creams specifically formulated for oral use.
These topical treatments typically contain benzocaine, an anesthetic agent known for its ability to quickly desensitize the affected area, according to the Mayo Clinic. Applying a small amount of these gels directly onto the ulcer can provide rapid relief from pain and irritation.
However, it’s important to note that these pain-relieving gels offer only short-term alleviation of symptoms, as the saliva in the mouth can dissolve them relatively quickly.
Additionally, individuals should exercise caution when using benzocaine-based products, as they may occasionally cause allergic reactions. Before extensive use, it’s advisable to perform a patch test and carefully monitor for any adverse reactions.
While these numbing gels can offer immediate relief, they should be used judiciously and in conjunction with other treatment methods to manage the discomfort of canker sores effectively.
- Eat Gentle Foods
During discomfort caused by a canker sore, it’s essential to prioritize foods that are gentle on the mouth to prevent exacerbating the irritation. Spicy, acidic, and sharp foods have the potential to further inflame or injure the ulcer, prolonging the healing process and intensifying discomfort.
Therefore, it’s recommended to steer clear of items such as buffalo wings, citrus fruits, tortilla chips, and pretzels, which may aggravate the sore.
Instead, opting for soft and bland alternatives can provide relief and promote healing. Foods like oatmeal, mild soups, mashed potatoes, and bananas offer soothing options that are unlikely to irritate the ulcer.
Their smooth texture and mild flavor make them easy to consume without causing additional pain. By choosing these gentle food options, individuals can help alleviate discomfort and support the body’s natural healing mechanisms as they navigate the discomfort of a canker sore.
- Spot Treat with Milk of Magnesia
Milk of magnesia, typically recognized as a liquid antacid for alleviating heartburn and indigestion, can also serve as a remedy for canker sores.
While there’s limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for mouth ulcers (given its primary use for gastrointestinal issues), applying a small amount to the sore can help alleviate pain.
When using this method, applying milk of magnesia with a cotton swab creates a protective barrier around the sore, akin to providing it with a shield against further irritation. Although the effectiveness of this remedy may vary from person to person, it can offer some relief by soothing the affected area.
However, it’s important to exercise caution, as accidentally swallowing excessive amounts of milk of magnesia can lead to unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea.
Therefore, it’s advisable to use it sparingly and only for short-term relief. If the sore persists for more than three weeks, seeking guidance from a primary care doctor for further evaluation and treatment is recommended.
Key Takeaways
While the aforementioned methods can provide some relief from the discomfort of canker sores, if your sore persists for more than three weeks, or if it begins to bleed or increase in size over time, it’s advisable to seek professional medical attention from a dentist or doctor.
These healthcare professionals can conduct a thorough examination to rule out any underlying conditions, such as oral cancer, hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM), or autoimmune disorders listed earlier.
If necessary, they can prescribe stronger treatments, such as topical steroids or prescription mouth rinses, to expedite the healing process. In some cases, they may recommend chemical cauterization to promote closure of the sore.
However, it’s important to remember that in most instances, canker sores are merely irritating yet common occurrences that many individuals experience from time to time.
If you avoid spicy foods and are gentle with oral hygiene practices, such as brushing, you can manage your canker sores effectively and navigate through this discomfort.