Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, are eruptions inside the mucous membranes of the mouth and can be exceedingly painful. They are most commonly found on the inside of the cheeks, under the tongue, or inside the lips. Canker sores are extremely common, especially among teens and young adults in their twenties. Though there are effective canker sore home remedies, as well as conventional treatments, canker sores often reoccur.
What Symptoms Are Associated with Canker Sores?
As stated previously, canker sores usually occur inside the mouth and appear as red sores with a whitish coating. Acidic foods or beverages, such as orange juice or tomato sauce can irritate and cause an intense burning pain. Canker sores usually heal without treatment, usually within a week to ten days. Though there are many a canker sore home remedy, there is no canker sore home remedies or conventional treatments that completely frees a person of the pain from canker sores. Canker sores are not contagious in the way cold sores (also called fever blisters) are.
Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores? Are There Canker Sore Home Remedies That Can Prevent Canker Sores?
It is not exactly understood how canker sores are caused. But here are a few of the leading theories:
Gluten Intolerance – sensitivity to gluten, i.e. the protein in wheat and various other grains. You can be tested for gluten intolerance, which is also known as celiac disease.
Immune system deficiencies- a compromised immune system, perhaps due to the effects of stress, is often suspected as leading to outbreaks of canker sores. Experts believe that certain bacteria or viruses may play a part in outbreaks.
Fatigue, allergies or stress – The three issues can increase the likelihood of getting a canker sore. For example, many people may be unknowingly sensitive or allergic to Sodium Laurel Sulfate, a very common ingredient in commercial toothpaste. I myself had sensitivity to this ingredient and often had mouth ulcers as a result. When I switched to a natural tooth powder, my mouth ulcer problem went away!
Physical trauma to the mouth – accidentally biting the inside of your cheek can sometimes be enough to cause a canker sore, as can eating "rough" foods or overly vigorous tooth brushing.
Menstruation – in women, canker sores are often associated with the menstrual cycle, as hormonal changes may be a factor associated with more frequent canker sores.
Vitamin and Mineral deficiencies – not getting enough zinc, folic acid, iron or vitamin B-12 have been linked to more frequent occurrences of canker sores and mouth ulcers. This is why I believe taking the superfood supplement on a regular basis can help reduce canker sores and is one of the best canker sore home remedy.
What Are Some Conventional Ways to Treat Canker Sores?
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the following methods can be helpful in relieving canker sore pain using conventional ways:
Prescription anti-inflammatory ointments applied to the sore
Taking ibuprofen, acetaminophen or paracetamol for pain relief
Making a mouth rinse of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl Allergy Liquid mixed together and a teaspoon of this mixture swished around the mouth for one minute. Repeat every six hours to relieve the pain of canker sores.
Sucking on zinc lozenges, or taking vitamin B complex or vitamin C.
As far as a canker sore home remedies, Dr. Weil recommends the following natural treatment alternatives:
Use a sage and chamomile mouthwash. This canker sores home remedy can be found in your local health store.
Use deglycyrrhizinated licorice – you can find licorice extracts in health food stores in a powder form or chewable tablet. Make a paste of the licorice with your saliva and cover the area of the sore with it.
Switch from toothpastes containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an agent in most toothpastes that is thought to cause canker sores due to an allergic reaction. Eliminating this compound from your daily routine can be possibly the most effective of canker sore home remedies.
Avoid acidic or spicy foods, as well as abrasive foods, such as corn chips or nuts, which can irritate and cause more pain in canker sores.
Make a paste of slippery elm powder with water and smear on the affected area. Or you can simply suck on slipper elm lozenges as a good cold sores home remedy.
Take a Vitamin B complex supplement daily. Or you can make and use your own superfood.
Apply a tincture of propolis, the substance made by honeybees to construct their hives and protect them from bacterial invasion. Propolis has wonderful antiseptic properties and thus a great cold sores home remedy.
Apply alum powder, available in the spice section of your local supermarket, directly to the mouth ulcer. The alum will at first burn but will aid in rapid healing.
Take a quality probiotic to help replenish the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract.
Canker Sores and Salt: A glass of warm salt water swirled around in the mouth may relieve pain. Canker sores and salt as a treatment can be an effective home cold sores remedy.