Cure for Canker Sores

Canker sores are painful oral mouth ulcers that appear on the mucous membrane inside the mouth, the most commonly affected areas being the inside of the lips and cheek, tongue and the upper throat. In medical science, they are also known as aphthous stomatitis. Canker sores usually appear as red lesions with a white coating and they are not contagious. They are often confused with cold sores or fever blister, which are actually quite different. Cold sores occur on the outer lips and are caused by a virus known as herpes simplex virus. Before discussing the cures for canker sores, here is a brief discussion about the causes of canker sores.

Causes of Canker Sores
Though exact causes of canker sores are not known, a wide range of factors are suspected to trigger its outbreak. Such factors include, stress, trauma to the oral tissues, nutritional deficiency, especially deficiency of vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and hormonal changes. It has been observed that canker sores can be hereditary. Sometimes, food allergies, bacterial infection and exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in many toothpastes can produce oral ulcers. These sores are also presumed to occur as a result of reaction of the immune system, while the recurrent canker sores are often associated with inflammatory bowel diseases.

How to Cure a Canker Sore?
Generally, minor canker sores do not require medical treatment, as they subside within a week or so. But if the sores are quite large in number and causing severe pain, then medical intervention may be required. Canker sores treatment usually involves the use of corticosteroid preparations that contain hydrocortisone hemisuccinate or triamcinolone acetonide to relieve the pain or the symptoms. Anti-viral medications are also prescribed in case of multiple ulcers. Tetracycline suspension liquid is a common prescription medicine for canker sores. But it is not prescribed for children, as it can cause permanent discoloration of the teeth. Nowadays, another drug, known as debacterol, a topical sulfuric acid/phenolics solution has shown promising results in curing canker sores by reducing pain and increasing the healing time required.

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is another medication that can be used as an oral rinse along with milk of magnesia. The activated mast cells found in canker sores release histamine and leukotrienes, which are responsible for causing allergy and inflammation. So, aphthasol is used as a canker sore cure for its ability to prevent the secretion of histamine and leukotrienes. This in turn results in reduction of the severity of ulceration. Severe oral ulcers are sometimes treated with corticosteroids like prednisone, which however, can have serious side effects.

How to Cure Canker Sores with Home Remedies?
Apart from the prescription medicines, home remedies are also effective as canker sores cure, especially if they are not severe. One of the most widely used cure for canker sores is a solution of salt water. Just add a small amount of table salt in lukewarm water and then rinse your mouth several times a day. It will reduce the pain associated with the sores. Applying baking soda on the ulcers can also provide relief from pain, besides reducing the amount of bacteria. You can apply it directly as a paste or as a mouthwash by mixing a spoonful of baking powder in a cup of warm water. Another effective mouthwash can be prepared by mixing both salt and baking powder in a glass of warm water.

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic and applying it on the canker sores can help to relieve the pain. But, remember to dilute it with a small amount of water before applying on the sores. Also do not swallow the solution, just leave it on the sores for sometimes and wash your mouth properly. Applying raw onion, tomato, tea tree oil and papaya leaves on the affected areas can provide significant relief from the discomfort caused by canker sores.

In addition to all these, eating a healthy and balanced diet, that includes lots of whole grain and green leafy vegetables, can play a significant role in healing canker sores. Avoid spicy, acidic, salty and sweet foods until the ulcers heal completely. However, if the ulcers are causing severe pain and irritation, in spite of using all these common cure for canker sores, then it is better to seek medical attention.