Canker Sore Remedies

Canker sores, otherwise known as mouth ulcers, mouth sores or aphthous stomatitis, are painful sores in the mouth. These sores are not contagious but people of all ages are prone to this condition. But it has been observed that canker sores are more prevalent among those in the adolescence, and the frequency of occurrence lessens with age. These sores can cause utmost discomfort and pain while eating and talking, and take around one to two weeks for healing. Once healed, canker sores can reappear any time. Even though there is no exact cause for the development of canker sores, it can be due to various reasons, like stress, food allergies, deficiency of vitamins and minerals, minor cuts or wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, menstruation, hormonal changes, malfunction of the immune system, etc.

There is no permanent cure for canker sores, but the intensity of the symptoms and the duration of the sores can be reduced with the help of some canker sore remedies. Canker sores treatment include over-the-counter medicines, prescription medicines or home remedies. In most cases, canker sores subside without any treatment, but if it persists for more than two weeks or recur frequently, then medical attention is needed, as the condition can be a symptom of some other disease. The following are some of the canker sore remedies which can be used to reduce the pain and discomfort.

Canker Sore Remedies

Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications for canker sores include pastes that forms a protective film over the surface of the canker sores and protect it from irritants like food and drink, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort. It can be some products with numbing agents which numb the affected area, thus making it easy for the person to eat and drink without any significant pain. Even painkillers are available to provide relief to the person affected with canker sores. According to some health experts, using toothpaste and mouthwash with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may aggravate the discomfort and pain caused by canker sores. Therefore, specially formulated toothpastes and other oral hygiene products are available which are devoid of SLS.

Home Remedies
There are many popular canker sore home remedies which can help you to soothe the pain and fasten the healing process. Most of the home remedies involve household items which are easily available. The following are some of the common home remedies for canker sores.

• Applying crushed ice over the sore will numb the affected area and provide some relief from the pain.
• You can use a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part pure water. Apply this over the sore with a cotton ball to get relief.
• You may replace the hydrogen peroxide solution with aloe vera sap or honey, which are natural canker sore remedies and can offer you the same results.
• Herbs like German chamomile or lady's mantle are also known to be useful as canker sore remedies.
• Some people use onion as a remedy for canker sore. Crushed raw onion is applied over the sore for faster healing.

There are many more home remedies which are used by people all over the world to get relief and are considered as a home remedy for canker sores. Above all, a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamin B12 is also good for boosting the healing process.

Even though most cases of canker sores do not require any treatment, large and painful sores may need medical intervention. If there are many sores which are large and painful, then the doctor may prescribe mouthwash with steroids in order to reduce the swelling and pain. Prescription medicines may include those for topical application, but oral steroids are administered rarely as they can cause serious side effects. Canker sores are not harmful or life-threatening, and you can get rid of the pain and discomfort with any of the above said best canker sore remedies. However, you must consult a doctor if the canker sores do not heal even after two weeks of its appearance.