No one knows why canker sores develop, but there are a lot of home remedies that can help cure and remedy them. Canker sores will usually disappear on their own within a week or two, however, during this time, anything that touches the sore, such as food, can cause excruciating pain. There are several over the counter pain relievers that can help with this issue. In the meantime, there are numerous things you can do to help heal canker sores.
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Many people take Acidophilus capsules as a treatment for canker sores. Try taking two to three capsules three to four times a day for relief. Make sure the capsules have live cultures. Yogurt is another effective option for treating canker sores, as it also has Acidophilus. Again, make sure it contains live cultures to be most effective.
Baking soda rinses have been used for years to get rid of canker sores. Use a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight oz. glass of warm water and try gargling with it for relief. Do this as often as you like throughout the day, the sore should disappear within 24 hours. Try making a paste with baking soda and a little water; apply to the affected area for relief.
Another good option for a rinse is plum juice. Try using one to two tbsp. of plum juice as a mouth wash to rid yourself of canker sores. Alternatively, press a cotton ball saturated with plum juice on the affected area for pain relief and healing.
Sometimes herbal treatments are effective for treating canker sores. Look for alum in your grocery spice section. Try applying some to the affected area to relieve the pain. It may burn a little upon initial contact, but that will dissipate. Rinse well with water and repeat if you like two to three times a day.
A popular home remedy to treat a canker sore is to use a wet tea bag. Try pressing the wet tea bag against the sore for a few minutes. Tea contains tannins that help to alleviate pain along with providing a cure.
Because it contains strong antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is effective in healing canker sores. Mix one part tea tree oil with nine parts water and use as a mouth rinse. It works as a disinfectant. Try rinsing twice a day for best results.
One of the most well known home remedies for dealing with canker sores is to rinse with salt water. Mix about one tbsp. of salt with some warm water and rinse out your mouth. You can do this a few times a day. The salt will help to dry up the canker sore.
Canker sores can also be treated by taking a small piece of onion and placing it directly on the affected area for a few minutes.
Liquid antacids can be used as a mouth rinse to provide a protective coating on the canker sore. Swish a small amount around in your mouth for a few minutes to ease the pain.
Goldenseal used as a tea or mouthwash can also be very effective in treating mouth sores. Goldenseal has antiseptic properties along with being an astringent. Look for goldenseal at health food stores.
There are also over the counter remedies that can help with pervasive canker sore issues. Some of these include camphor, benzocaine, menthol or alcohol. These are usually in gel or liquid form and offer varying results.
If you continue to be bothered with canker sores, consult your physician for other treatment options. Home remedies offer no guarantee of effective results.
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