Top 7 Effective Home Remedies For Canker Sores

Most of us have suffered from ulcers or sores on the tongue, inside the mouth, inside the lower lip and even the roof of the mouth. They are often quite painful and can get irritated further when you have spicy food. Sores are very common and affect more than 20% of the people in the world. More women than men suffer from these kinds of sores; however, they are not the same as cold blisters or fever eruptions.

What are Canker Sores?

Medically known as ‘Aphthous Stomatitis’, these ulcers are often found inside the mouth on the mucous tissue like the inside of a cheek, on the tongue etc. These ulcers are red lesions with a yellow or white center. A slight swelling, pain, a burning sensation in the mouth and at times fever are some symptoms of canker sores. Though the exact cause of these sores is unknown, a few causes of canker sores are hormonal changes in the body, smoking too much, overstress, getting hurt in the mouth, and a weak defence system. Hereditary factors could also cause sores along with anemia, infections, a few medications, and food allergies. Usually, these sores disappear within a week or 10 days without any treatment.

7 Best Home Remedies For Canker Sores

To get rid of the burning sensation and swelling, here are a few effective home remedies for canker sores you can try.

Aloe Vera:

Aloe Vera is a natural and strong anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and analgesic. These properties help to speed up the healing of canker sores and get rid of the pain and swelling caused by it.

To use:

Cut an aloe leaf diagonally and apply the gel directly on the sore. You can do this as many times a day as you want. Another option you have it to take 2 tbsp. of Aloe Vera gel twice a day for faster results. You can buy aloe gel or juice from the market

Coriander or Dhaniya:

This is one ingredient that is easily available in your kitchen. It is another effective remedy for canker sores as it is known for its antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Coriander helps to reduce the pain and burning sensation related to the sores.

To use:

In a glass of water add a handful of coriander leaves and boil them together. Once it boils, strain the mixture and set aside to cool. Use this water to gargle twice or thrice a day. If you don’t have leaves then use coriander seeds to boil with water. Use the water as a rinse three or four times a day.

Honey:

It is a well-known calming agent and often used as an antibacterial and antiseptic for various health issues, even canker sores.

To use:

Apply honey on the sore. It may sting for a few minutes but will then reduce the swelling and pain. You can apply honey several times a day. Another alternative is to mix 1 tbsp honey with ¼ tbsp turmeric powder and mix to a fine paste. Apply this paste to the affected area and leave it on for a few minutes. Rinse using lukewarm water. Apply this paste twice a day.

Coconut Oil:

A very easy to find the product in our house. If you are not too sure about other methods, then use a little bit of coconut oil to treat the sores.

To use:

Clean your hands before you apply coconut oil on the sores or use a cotton ball dipped in oil to swab the affected area. Try and make a thick layer of the oil, if it melts and slides of, then mix a little beeswax with it to make a thick paste.

Table Salt:

Salt is often used as a disinfectant and it is one of the canker sores best treatment options.

To use:

In a glass of lukewarm water add a spoonful of salt. Stir thoroughly and then rinse your mouth using the solution. Swirl the solution in your mouth for a few seconds so that the sores can be disinfected and then spit the water out. Once your rinse is done, place a little salt directly onto the sore. It may sting a little, but will heal the sore quickly. You can use the solution to rinse your mouth a couple of times a day.

Onion:

One of the best remedies for canker sores is onion. The sulphur in the onions helps to heal canker sores and reduce swelling and the pain.

To use:

Use a small onion and cut it into pieces. Gently place a piece of onion on the sore for a few minutes or till the onion juice is absorbed by the affected area in the mouth. You can do this three to four times a day. Another option you have is to either make a paste of the onion or extract its juice and then apply during the day.

Baking Soda:

Baking soda is alkaline in nature and will help to nullify the effect of acids on the canker sores. It helps to kill bacteria and help the lesions heal faster.

To use:

Add a spoonful of baking soda to a glass of lukewarm water. Use this solution to rinse your mouth twice or thrice a day.

If you find that your sores do not heal or keep coming back even after a week of trying the remedies mentioned above, then you should consult Ayurveda Specialists in Mumbai or Ayurveda Hospitals in Mumbai immediately to get the canker sores treated. You can even walk into a pharmacy and look for soothing gels or medications especially for mouth ulcers or sores. The smyle gel is one such option you can try to get rid of sores.

In the meanwhile to prevent canker sores, you should avoid acidic foods like oranges, lemons, strawberries, and tomatoes as they have high acid content that tends to aggravate the sores. Avoid chewing gum which can create the acid in the mouth and avoid eating a lot of spicy food. Maintain good oral hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth, floss regularly and try using toothpaste that is free from sodium lauryl sulphate. You can also eat a raw onion to prevent canker sores from re-appearing.