Mouth Sore Remedies: 4 Natural Ways to Cure a Canker Sore

Looking for a mouth sore remedy? Though their causes aren't entirely clear, canker sores can sneak up on us in times of stress or when our immune system is low. We'll show you how to alleviate the discomfort these sores can cause.

Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are common mouth sores that occur on the soft tissue of the mouth including inside lips and cheeks. These small and shallow lesions, unlike cold sores, do not occur on the surface of your lips and aren’t contagious. Nevertheless, they can still be quite uncomfortable, sometimes making talking and eating difficult.

While the majority of mouth sores will get better all by themselves within a week or two, there are some natural remedies you can try at home that can help alleviate this discomfort. We’ll share a few all-natural mouth sore remedies to help you get relief fast. 

Causes of Canker Sores

While the direct causes of canker sores are not entirely clear, certain variables are believed to increase risk:

• Viral Infection
• Stress
• Hormonal fluctuation
• Food Allergy 
• Vitamin or mineral deficiency
  • Deficiencies in vitamins such as B3, B9, or B12 can increase susceptibility to canker sores. 
  • Zinc, iron, and calcium deficiencies can aggravate already existing mouth sores.
• Immune system problems
• Mouth Injury
• Smoking

Mouth Sore Remedy #1: Saltwater Rinse

Making a saltwater rinse can be a convenient solution for mouth sores. 

Never put salt directly on an ulcer. Instead, make a saltwater rinse by combining one teaspoon of fine salt in one cup of warm water. Gargle and rinse your mouth with this solution for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. This can be repeated several times throughout the day. 

#2: Apply Honey

Honey has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. 

To use honey as a mouth sore remedy, apply a small drop of honey to the affected area up to three times a day. This should help with pain relief and promote healing of the sore. 

Canker Sore Remedy #3: Baking Soda Rinse

Because baking soda is naturally alkaline, rinsing your mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water can help balance acidity levels. This can reduce inflammation and rid your mouth of unwanted bacteria. 

To try this, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water. For this rinse, take a sip, swish the mixture around in your mouth for 10 seconds, then spit it out and repeat until you have finished the solution. If necessary, you can clean your mouth with a baking soda and water rinse three times a day.

#4: Milk of Magnesia

Milk of magnesia is an over-the-counter medication that is frequently used as an antacid for upset stomachs, especially in cases of constipation. It has also been shown to be an effective remedy for canker sores because it neutralizes acid and coats the mouth. 

To try this method, apply liquid milk of magnesia to canker sores with a cotton swab three to four times a day. It may be useful to first rinse your mouth with either the baking soda rinse or saltwater rinse. 

More Selfcare Tips and When to See a Doctor

When it comes to mouth sores, there are a few things you can avoid to help prevent them from developing, as well as things you can do to alleviate your discomfort: 

• Avoid acidic, salty, spicy, or abrasive foods. These can cause additional irritation and pain.
• Apply ice to sores to ease pain. 
• Be gentle when brushing your teeth. 
• Drink cool liquids like juice to help soothe your mouth.

If your symptoms are different from your previous experiences with canker sores, you may need to seek medical advice. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Unusually large canker sores
• Recurring sores, new ones developing before the old ones can heal, or frequent outbreaks
• Persistent sores that last more than two weeks
• Sores that extend outside the mouth and to the lips
• Pain that you can’t alleviate with self-care
• Extreme difficulty eating and drinking
• A high fever
• Diarrhea
• A rash
• A headache 

Read on:

• Natural Home Remedies for Colds: 7 Easy Recipes
• Boost Your Immune System: 10 Ways to Improve Your Natural Defense System
• How to Get Rid of Dry Cough: Natural Home Remedies

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