Canker sores, which are sometimes called mouth ulcers, are blisters that develop in the mouth and whitish oval formations. It may only be the size of a pencil eraser, but a canker sore can be hard to ignore, that often cause severe discomfort while the affected person chews, speaks, or drinks fluids. The condition is very common, affecting about 20% of the general population to some degree. In the majority of cases, the individual ulcers last about 7–10 days, and ulceration episodes occur about 3–6 times per year. Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do to including trying home remedies for canker sore.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the most common and popularly used home remedies for canker sores in mouth, since it has antibacterial properties and helps restore the pH balance in the mouth. Mix in a teaspoon of baking soda with some warm water and rinse in your mouth several times a day. You may also make a paste by mixing baking soda with a little water and apply this on your canker sores. Within a day or two, you will feel relief from the pain and other symptoms associated with canker sores.
Alum
You can apply alum on the canker sores to relieve pain. Place a small amount of alum (about a size of a pea) directly onto the canker sore. It may give you a burning sensation initially which disappears within few seconds. After 60 seconds spit out your saliva and the alum. You can use alum twice daily and the canker sore completely gone in four days instead of a week or longer.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is well known as being a great skin disinfectant, it contains antiseptic as well as antibacterial compounds and can help treat canker sores. In a small glass, mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil with 5 tablespoons of warm (not hot) water. Then use a clean cotton swab to apply the mixture directly to your canker sore. Do this two or three times a day until the canker sore goes away.
Salt Water
This is another well known canker sore cure. Dissolve half teaspoon salt in one cup of water to make a salt water mouthwash. Gargle for about 10-30 seconds. You can do this as many times a day as you wish. Salt helps to dry out the sores and enables proper healing.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera accelerates healing and reduces pain associated with canker sores. In addition to its anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera provides benefits to the skin by adding amino acids and B1, B2, B6 and C vitamins. Extract the juice from the meaty portion of an aloe vera leaf and apply it directly over the canker sore. Do this thrice or four times a day. This remedy is not all that painful but it might take longer.
Onion
Eat raw salad with plenty of onions; this will help you make the ulcers disappear. The sulfur compounds present in onions kill bacteria and help heal canker sores. You can also press a small piece of raw onion gently against the affected area. Hold it there for about five minutes. You might feel a little uncomfortable initially but onions remedy is good for healing sores as well as relieving yourself of pain.
Bags of black tea
Using a bag of black tea on a canker sore is not only a treatment that actually works, but it’s also a fast treatment. The tannin in black tea is an astringent and provides pain relief. Simple dip the tea bag in lukewarm water, then take it out and place it on your canker sores. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Some people report the canker sore has disappeared or is rapidly healing within only a day of applying the black tea bags.
