Home Remedies For Canker Sore Prevention And Relief

Canker sores or aphthous ulcers can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. They can prevent you from enjoying your favorite foods or speaking clearly. If you’re looking for ways to ease the pain and get rid of canker sores or wondering how to prevent them altogether, then you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most effective home remedies for canker sores.

1. Mouth Rinses 

One of the easiest ways to relieve pain and heal canker sores is by using a mouth rinse. You can make one at home by mixing one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Swish the solution around to rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, spit it out, and repeat the process until the cup is empty. You can also make a hydrogen peroxide rinse with hydrogen peroxide and water, but be sure to use it only after diluting it. Make the dilution with one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of water, mix together, and use immediately.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies 

If you have recurrent canker sores, you might want to consider taking folic acid supplements. Folic acid is a B-vitamin that helps in the production of new cells, including the cells that make up your mouth lining, which can help reduce the incidence and severity of canker sores.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar  

Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy that can help relieve pain and reduce the inflammation associated with canker sores. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a tablespoon of water, swish it around your mouth for a few seconds, and then spit it out. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of bacteria in your mouth.

4. Zinc Lozenges  

Zinc can help boost the immune system and may prevent canker sores from occurring. You can take zinc lozenges daily to help prevent canker sores, but be sure not to exceed the recommended daily dose.

5. Baking Soda

Another way to relieve the pain is to apply a paste of baking soda and water on the sore. Baking soda is alkaline and can help neutralize the acidity in your mouth, which can help relieve the pain. You can also try applying a small amount of coconut oil directly to the sore. Coconut oil is known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the pain and prevent secondary infection.

6. Avoid Certain Foods  

Some foods like spicy foods or acidic foods can irritate canker sores and prevent them from healing. Avoiding these foods can help relieve pain and speed up the healing process.

Canker sores can be incredibly painful and can interfere with your daily life. Thankfully, there are several home remedies that can help prevent canker sores, relieve pain, and help them heal faster. Some of the most effective home remedies include oral rinses, nutritional supplements, apple cider vinegar, zinc lozenges, and avoiding certain foods. However, if your canker sores are severe or recurrent, it’s crucial to seek medical help. If you’re in need of professional help to treat your canker sores, contact our team of dentists at Plage Dentistry in Wilmington, NC by filling out our online contact form or by giving us a call at 910-762-4155.