10 Home Remedies For Canker Sores You Need To Try Now
Canker sores are small, round-shaped ulcers that appear on the inside of our cheeks and gums. They typically cause a burning sensation when we eat or drink, with symptoms starting just hours after contact. Luckily, there are many home remedies that can help ease the pain and make the healing process faster than ever.
What are Canker Sores?
Canker sores are a type of blister that forms on the tongue, in the mouth, or on other parts of the face.
Canker sores happen when the cells that produce mucous (a fluid that helps to protect the body) become inflamed. This can happen when you have a cold, when you take antibiotics, or when you’re exposed to a virus.
The easiest way to treat canker sores is to keep them clean and dry. You can also use over-the-counter creams and gels to help relieve the pain and reduce the swelling. If the sore is big enough, you may need to go to the doctor for treatment.
What are the symptoms of a canker sore?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is likely that you have a canker sore: pain when chewing or swallowing, fever, redness and swelling around the mouth.
One of the best home remedies for canker sores is gargling with salt water. Salt water helps to cleanse and dry out the area, which in turn relieves the pain and inflammation. Gargling with salt water also helps to kill off bacteria that might be causing the canker sore.
Another effective home remedy for canker sores is applying ice to the area. Ice numbs and cools the area, which in turn reduces the pain and inflammation.
If you experience severe pain or bleeding from a canker sore, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
10 Home Remedies For Canker Sores
If you’re finding yourself with a sore throat and a cluster of canker sores on your tongue, don’t despair. There are plenty of home remedies for canker sores that you can try to get relief as soon as possible.
Here are 10 home remedies for canker sores that you need to try:
1. gargle with salt water: Add 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle it into your sore throat. Rinse your mouth and throat with fresh water afterward. This will help to soothe the irritation and reduce the number of canker sores.
2. drink ginger tea: Make a cup of ginger tea by boiling 2 cups of water and adding 1 teaspoon of ground ginger. Steep the ginger in the hot water for 5 minutes, then sip on it while you wait for it to cool down. The ginger will help to reduce inflammation and pain in the throat, and it will also promote healing.
3. apply icepacks: Apply icepacks to your sore throat twice a day for 15 minutes at a time. This will reduce inflammation and pain, and it will also help to reduce swelling in the area.
4. eat garlic : A healthy dose of garlic will reduce inflammation and pain, so you can eat a clove or two every night. Garlic is also good for promoting health overall, since it’s known to improve the immune system.
5. drink apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory compound that can help with canker sores and other oral problems. You should add some of it to your water each day, then sip on it throughout the day.
6. use baking soda: Baking soda has several benefits for your throat as well as for your whole body, including being able to kill bacteria in the mouth area. You shouldn’t swallow the baking soda though; instead, you should use a teaspoon to gargle with every time you feel a cold coming on.
7. rinse your mouth with water: Before bed, have a container of pure water near your bedside. Then just swish the water around in your mouth for a minute or two, to clear out any bacteria and germs that are lingering from your day.
8. use an ice cube: When you feel hoarse in the morning, ice cubes can be really refreshing! You can add them to hot tea or coffee to help prevent a sore throat from developing throughout the day.
9. get fresh air: You shouldn’t always want to stay inside during flu season! Get out and about for some fresh air daily, and make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin D as well ( D is an essential vitamin that helps the body fight off infections).
10. eat a good breakfast: You may want to skip eating for a while when you’re in the midst of a cold or flu, but try eating a healthy, nourishing meal before bed daily, to help your body stay healthy overnight and improve your immune system.
11. massage: Massaging helps stimulate circulation and can help reduce respiratory symptoms such as congestion and sore throats. Just give yourself 10 minutes each day to unwind with one of these proven cold remedies!
5 Ways to Prevent Canker Sores
Canker sores are a type of infection that can occur on the inside of your mouth. They are usually caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
There are many different ways to prevent canker sores from occurring. Here are five tips that you need to try now:
1. Use a lip balm with SPF: A lip balm with sunscreen protection will help to prevent canker sores from developing in the first place. Apply lip balm every morning and evening before bedtime.
2. Eat yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which help to protect your gut health. Eating yogurt regularly can also help to reduce the risk of developing canker sores.
3. Avoid spicy food: Spicy foods can increase the amount of acid in your mouth, which can lead to canker sores. Try to avoid spicy foods altogether if you want to keep your cravings for spicy food under control.
4. Drink plenty of fluids: It is important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep your mouth moist and protected from infection. Try to drink water, milk, or juice every day.
Disclaimer
If you are experiencing a sore on your tongue or inside of your mouth, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. While there is no guarantees that any of the remedies below will work for you, they are all worth a try.
1. Apply a cold compress: A cold compress can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Simply put a cold cloth on the sore area and hold it for 10 minutes.
2. Mix equal parts salt and baking soda: This remedy is effective in reducing swelling and inflammation. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and apply it to the sore area. Leave the mixture on for 10 minutes, then rinse off.
3. Gargle with warm water and vinegar: Combine 1 cup of warm water with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and gargle the solution repeatedly over the sore area. Rinse off with fresh water.
4. Eat yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, which can help to fight bacteria responsible for causing canker sores. Try eating two tablespoons of yogurt every day as an alternative to over-the-counter medications.
5. Drink warm liquids: Drinking warm liquids will increase blood flow to the area and help to soothe the sore.
6. Apply a warm, wet cloth: Keep a moist, hot cloth in the freezer and apply it to the sore area for 5 minutes daily.
7. Try decongestants: If you’re suffering with canker sores, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible and talk to him or her about taking over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil that can help to relieve pain and swelling.
8. Eat spicy foods: Spicy foods are known to help soothe irritated tissue by relaxing the muscles of your mouth, which is why it may help to eat some spicy foods (such as chilies) several times a day while fighting the infection.