Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can develop on the inside of the mouth. They are a common problem, affecting up to 20% of the population. Canker sores are not contagious, but they can be very uncomfortable.
There is no cure for canker sores, but there are a number of things you can do to speed up the healing process and reduce your pain. Here are a few tips:
In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective ways to get rid of canker sores and provide tips for preventing them in the future.
How to Get Rid of Canker Sores
Canker sores are painful ulcers inside the mouth. Here are 8 tips to get rid of them fast:
- Use a numbing agent.
- Rinse with salt water.
- Apply baking soda paste.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Avoid acidic and spicy foods.
- Get enough rest.
- Reduce stress.
- See a dentist if sores are severe.
Canker sores usually go away on their own within a few weeks. However, by following these tips, you can speed up the healing process and reduce your pain.
Use a numbing agent.
Numbing agents can help to relieve the pain of canker sores. They work by blocking the pain signals from reaching the brain.
- Over-the-counter numbing agents. There are a number of over-the-counter numbing agents available, such as benzocaine and lidocaine. These agents can be applied directly to the canker sore with a cotton swab or your finger.
- Prescription numbing agents. If over-the-counter numbing agents do not provide enough relief, your doctor may prescribe a stronger numbing agent.
- Natural numbing agents. There are also a number of natural numbing agents that can be used to relieve the pain of canker sores, such as aloe vera gel and chamomile tea.
- Numbing lozenges. Numbing lozenges can also be used to relieve the pain of canker sores. These lozenges contain a numbing agent that dissolves slowly in the mouth.
Numbing agents can be very effective in relieving the pain of canker sores. However, it is important to use them according to the directions on the package. Some numbing agents can cause side effects, such as numbness of the tongue or throat.
Rinse with salt water.
Rinsing with salt water is a simple and effective way to relieve the pain of canker sores and promote healing. Salt water helps to clean the area around the canker sore and reduce inflammation.
- Mix salt water. To make salt water, mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt is dissolved.
- Rinse your mouth. Rinse your mouth with the salt water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, swishing the water around your mouth so that it comes into contact with all of the canker sores.
- Repeat. Rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day, or as needed to relieve pain.
- Do not swallow the salt water. After rinsing, spit out the salt water. Do not swallow it.
Salt water rinses can be very effective in relieving the pain of canker sores and promoting healing. However, it is important to note that salt water can also be drying. If you experience dry mouth after rinsing with salt water, you can drink a glass of water or use a mouthwash to moisten your mouth.
Apply baking soda paste.
Baking soda is a natural antacid that can help to neutralize the acids in the mouth that can irritate canker sores. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to prevent infection.
To make a baking soda paste, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of water. Stir until a thick paste forms.
Apply the baking soda paste directly to the canker sore using a cotton swab or your finger. Leave the paste on for several minutes, then rinse your mouth with water.
You can apply baking soda paste to canker sores several times a day, or as needed to relieve pain.
Baking soda paste is a safe and effective way to relieve the pain of canker sores and promote healing. However, it is important to note that baking soda can also be drying. If you experience dry mouth after using baking soda paste, you can drink a glass of water or use a mouthwash to moisten your mouth.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to reduce the pain of canker sores. Some common over-the-counter pain relievers that can be used for canker sores include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen sodium (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Read the label carefully. Before taking any over-the-counter pain reliever, read the label carefully to make sure that it is safe for you to take. Some pain relievers may not be appropriate for people with certain medical conditions.
- Take the pain reliever as directed. Take the pain reliever according to the directions on the label. Do not take more than the recommended dosage.
- Be aware of side effects. All over-the-counter pain relievers have potential side effects. Some common side effects of over-the-counter pain relievers include stomach upset, heartburn, and drowsiness.
- Do not take pain relievers for more than 10 days. If you need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for more than 10 days, talk to your doctor.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be effective in reducing the pain of canker sores. However, it is important to use them according to the directions on the label and to be aware of potential side effects.
Avoid acidic and spicy foods.
Acidic and spicy foods can irritate canker sores and make them more painful. Some common acidic and spicy foods to avoid include:
- Citrus fruits and juices (e.g., oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes)
- Tomatoes and tomato products (e.g., salsa, ketchup)
- Spicy peppers (e.g., chili peppers, jalapeños)
- Vinegar-based dressings and sauces
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
It is also important to avoid eating foods that are hot or cold, as these can also irritate canker sores.
If you have a canker sore, it is best to eat a bland diet of soft, non-acidic foods. Some good choices include:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Soft-cooked vegetables
Avoiding acidic and spicy foods can help to reduce the pain of canker sores and promote healing.
If you have a canker sore that is particularly painful, you may also want to avoid eating foods that are hard or crunchy. These foods can irritate the canker sore and make it more painful.
Get enough rest.
When you are sick or injured, your body needs time to heal. This is especially true for canker sores. When you get enough rest, your body can produce more white blood cells, which help to fight infection and promote healing.
Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night. However, some people may need more or less sleep. If you are not sure how much sleep you need, talk to your doctor.
There are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep habits, including:
- Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed.
- Making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool.
- Getting regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime.
If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your sleep problems.
Getting enough rest is essential for overall health and well-being. It can also help to speed up the healing process of canker sores.
Reduce stress.
Stress can trigger canker sores or make them worse. When you are stressed, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which can suppress the immune system and make it more difficult for your body to heal.
- Identify your stressors. The first step to reducing stress is to identify what is causing it. Once you know what your stressors are, you can start to develop strategies for dealing with them.
- Learn relaxation techniques. There are many different relaxation techniques that can help to reduce stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
- Get regular exercise. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall health and well-being.
- Spend time with loved ones. Spending time with loved ones can help to reduce stress and provide you with a sense of support.
Reducing stress can help to prevent canker sores and speed up the healing process if you do get a canker sore. If you are feeling stressed, try to find healthy ways to manage your stress.
See a dentist if sores are severe.
In most cases, canker sores will go away on their own within a few weeks. However, there are some cases where it is important to see a dentist. You should see a dentist if your canker sores:
- Are severe and painful. Some canker sores can be very painful and make it difficult to eat, drink, or talk.
- Are large or spreading. Canker sores that are larger than 1 centimeter in diameter or that are spreading should be evaluated by a dentist.
- Do not heal within two weeks. Most canker sores will heal within two weeks. If your canker sore has not healed within two weeks, you should see a dentist.
- Are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash. These symptoms could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see a dentist right away. A dentist can diagnose the cause of your canker sores and recommend the best course of treatment.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about canker sores:
Question 1: What causes canker sores?
Answer 1: The exact cause of canker sores is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, and certain foods.
Question 2: Are canker sores contagious?
Answer 2: No, canker sores are not contagious. You cannot catch them from someone else and you cannot spread them to someone else.
Question 3: How long do canker sores last?
Answer 3: Most canker sores last for 1-2 weeks. However, some canker sores can last for longer.
Question 4: How can I prevent canker sores?
Answer 4: There is no sure way to prevent canker sores. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting them, such as avoiding acidic and spicy foods, getting enough rest, and reducing stress.
Question 5: What is the best way to treat canker sores?
Answer 5: There is no cure for canker sores, but there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain and speed up the healing process, such as using a numbing agent, rinsing with salt water, applying baking soda paste, and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Question 6: When should I see a doctor about canker sores?
Answer 6: You should see a doctor if your canker sores are severe, painful, or do not heal within two weeks.
Question 7: Can I eat acidic and spicy foods if I have canker sores?
Answer 7: Avoid acidic and spicy foods if you have canker sores as they can irritate the sores and make them more painful.
Question 8: Is it okay to use mouthwash if I have canker sores?
Answer 8: Alcohol-based mouthwashes can irritate canker sores and make them more painful. If you have canker sores, use a gentle, alcohol-free mouthwash.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about canker sores. If you have any other questions, please talk to your doctor or dentist.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some additional tips for getting rid of canker sores:
Tips
Here are some additional tips for getting rid of canker sores:
Tip 1: Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste. When you have canker sores, it is important to be gentle when brushing your teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and a toothpaste that is not abrasive.
Tip 2: Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods. Hard or crunchy foods can irritate canker sores and make them more painful. Stick to soft foods that are easy to chew.
Tip 3: Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for overall health and can also help to speed up the healing process of canker sores. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Tip 4: Get enough sleep. When you are sleep-deprived, your body is less able to fight off infection and heal from injuries. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
Following these tips can help to relieve the pain of canker sores and speed up the healing process. However, if your canker sores are severe or do not heal within two weeks, you should see a doctor or dentist.
Canker sores are a common problem, but they can be very painful. By following the tips in this article, you can speed up the healing process and reduce your pain.
Conclusion
Canker sores are a common problem, but they can be very painful. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to speed up the healing process and reduce your pain.
Some of the most effective ways to get rid of canker sores include:
- Using a numbing agent
- Rinsing with salt water
- Applying baking soda paste
- Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever
- Avoiding acidic and spicy foods
- Getting enough rest
- Reducing stress
- Seeing a dentist if sores are severe
By following these tips, you can get rid of canker sores quickly and effectively.
Closing Message:
If you have any questions or concerns about canker sores, please talk to your doctor or dentist.