Canker sores may not be as visible or embarrassing as cold sores, but they can still be quite painful. Fortunately most will go away on their own and don’t require a visit to the preventive dentist or doctor. But that is little consolation when you’re struggling to enjoy your meals or morning cup of coffee, because of discomfort caused by a canker sore. If you want to hasten the healing, and get back to enjoying life faster, there are some simple home remedies that could help.
Wondering How to Avoid Canker Sores?
Unfortunately there is no clear cause of canker sores, unlike cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). But doctors have identified some contributing factors that may cause canker sores.
Those factors include:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Extreme food allergies or sensitivities
- Viral infections
- Trauma to the mouth
- Nutritional deficiencies or immune system problems
Home Remedies May Be Able to Help
Without any treatment, most canker sores will go away within two weeks’ time. It is important to contact your general dentist or doctor, however, if you see no improvement within that time frame, or if you’re experiencing severe pain or many canker sores all at once.
There are also several home remedies that could be helpful in speeding along the healing process.
- Dentists and doctors recommend using a mild mouthwash to help clean the mouth. This could be one purchased directly from the store, or a simple mix of equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Gargling with salt water can also be helpful.
- Applying a small amount of milk of magnesia directly to the canker sore could also help.
- Taking Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and/or Lysine might also be able to improve your body’s ability to heal itself. Chamomile, Sage and Echinacea can also help.
- Zinc lozenges can also be helpful in reducing discomfort as the canker sore heals.
- If you do need professional help, antibiotics or anesthetics might be prescribed.
