Canker sores are the worst – they pop up unexpectedly and can last up to a few weeks. Usually they occur when you’re tired and your immune system is on the fritz or when your body doesn’t have the necessary vitamins and nutrients it needs. Any stress or injury to the tissue in your mouth can also be a culprit. Harsh products or brushing your teeth too vigorously can cause the small ulcers to form. Here are a few ways to try and lessen your healing time!
- Salt Water – mix a tsp. of salt in 1 cup of water. Then rinse your whole mouth. It may sting at first, but it should feel better when you’re done. Repeat a few times a day!
- Advil or Aleve – If it’s so bad you can’t concentrate on anything else, take a pain reliever. Any aspirin or ibuprofen should do the trick. Don’t take more than recommended and if the canker sore doesn’t go away, see your doctor.
- Aloe – If you can find an aloe plant, take a leaf and take a dollop of the aloe and place it on the canker sore. Repeat throughout the day. If you don’t have an aloe plant, you can find aloe juice and rinse your mouth with it a few times a day.
- Baking Soda – Make a small amount of paste by mixing a pinch of baking soda with some water. Place on the canker sore. If that’s too painful, just mix a small spoonful of baking soda with a cup of water and rinse. Don’t forget to wash your hands before putting in your mouth.
- Onion – Onions have sulfur, which can help get rid of your canker sore. Cut a small slice and rub the onion “juice” on the canker sore. If that’s too painful you can just leave the onion slice on top for a few minutes.
Canker sores should eventually go away on their own. These methods above are just to help the process go by more painlessly. If you notice that your canker sore is getting worse or not going away, see your doctor.
Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our offices are located in New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200.
FAQs
5 Ways to Quickly Get Rid of a Canker Sore | My Candlewood Dental? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will aid in canker sore healing by eliminating bacteria while the mouth heals. Mix equal parts peroxide and water, and apply to sores with a cotton pad. Look for hydrogen peroxide with a 3% concentration, and do not swallow.
How do you get rid of a canker sore fast overnight? ›There is no overnight remedy for a canker sore. But using OTC treatments, including OTC products and home remedies like baking soda, may support healing and reduce pain.
What do dentists use to get rid of canker sores? ›How a soft tissue dental laser can zap your canker sore. By using a soft tissue diode laser, the infrared laser modifies the nerve conduction inside of the canker sore or other painful oral lesion. It also vaporizes the soft tissue and sterilizes the area.
Is it OK to put salt directly on a canker sore? ›Putting salt directly on a canker sore can make it worse. Instead, make a saltwater solution and gently rinse your mouth with it. Mix a little baking soda with a small amount of water until it thickens. Put the paste on your canker sore(s).
How do you shrink a canker sore fast? ›Use salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water). Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day. Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain.
What makes canker sores worse? ›Watch what you eat.
Try to avoid foods that seem to irritate your mouth. These may include nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits, such as pineapple, grapefruit and oranges. Avoid any foods to which you're sensitive or allergic.
Management and Treatment
Your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these canker sore remedies: Topical anesthetics, such as benzocaine. Mouth rinses containing hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or dexamethasone. Corticosteroid ointments, such as fluocinonide, beclomethasone or hydrocortisone hemosuccinate.
Many toothpastes contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS is a strong detergent and has demonstrated in several studies to increase canker sore outbreaks and pain.
How long does a canker sore last? ›Mild canker sores last between 7–14 days and should heal without scarring. Major canker sores can last for several weeks and be painful for longer. They often leave a scar in the mucous membrane. Herpetiform canker sores can last for 10–14 days and typically heal without scarring.
What heals a canker sore the fastest? ›- Rinse your mouth with salt water or mild, over-the-counter mouthwashes. ...
- Apply a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water directly to the sore using a cotton swab. ...
- Rinse your mouth with a mixture of half Milk of Magnesia and half Benadryl liquid allergy medicine.
What kills mouth ulcers fast? ›
- antimicrobial mouthwash.
- a painkilling tablet, mouthwash, gel or spray.
- corticosteroid lozenges.
- a salt (saline) mouthwash.
Most canker sores will heal on their own in a few days to a couple of weeks. While you're waiting for them to disappear, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain. You'll also want to watch what you eat.
Does Orajel heal canker sores? ›Does Orajel™ Work on Canker Sores? Orajel™ has an antiseptic rinses for treating mouth sores that are formulated to kill bacteria and promote healing of canker sores while easing gum irritation.
Does hydrogen peroxide help canker sores? ›Hydrogen peroxide and Water rinse: To reduce mouth bacteria and thoroughly clean your canker sore, combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3 percent solution) and water. Use a cotton swab to apply rinse to the canker sore up to two times a day. You can also rinse your mouth out daily with diluted hydrogen peroxide.
Does honey heal canker sores? ›Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Just applying a drop of honey on your canker sores can instantly give you relief from pain. Honey is also effective for preventing secondary infections that may worsen your canker sores. You can apply honey to your canker sores after each meal.
What does toothpaste do to canker sores? ›Many toothpastes contain an ingredient called Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS is a strong detergent and has demonstrated in several studies to increase canker sore outbreaks and pain. SLS is a surfactant and a foaming agent found in most household soaps and detergents.
Is Listerine good for canker sores? ›A: While not specifically marketed to treat canker sores, the regular use of Listerine® (OTC) and Peridex® or Periogard® (Rx chlorhexidine gluconate) may lessen the pain of canker sores. However these rinses often do not prevent recurrence.
Does sleep help canker sores? ›Some people say they are not under stress when canker sores form, but the sores appear several days after a stressful event or situation instead. Managing stress, reducing anxiety, and getting plenty of sleep may help prevent canker sores from forming and ensure that existing ones heal more quickly.
What are the stages of canker sores? ›- Prodromal stage. The prodromal stage, before the canker sore appears, lasts 1–3 days .
- Ulcer stage. The ulcer has usually fully formed by about the third day. ...
- Healing stage.