Canker Sore Home Remedies
Before turning to more complex medical solutions to solve your canker sore woes, you may want to try some of the below canker sore home remedies. Many of these will be present in your home and are inexpensive. You’ll notice a theme among most home remedies – They either sooth pain, cleanse the mouth of bacteria, or act to reduce acidity in the mouth. A healthy oral biome with a well balanced pH will do wonders to heal and prevent future canker sore outbreaks.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mild disinfectant, which acts to cleanse the mouth of canker sore causing bacteria. In addition, baking soda acts to balance the pH of your mouth; overly acidic conditions in the mouth can lead to canker sores. As an added bonus, baking soda has a whitening effect on teeth!
Aloe
Aloe Vera has alkaline properties, which serve lower the pH of the mouth and create a less hospitable environment for canker sore formation. Aloe will speed the healing process and provide immediate pain relief. Dry the canker sore before applying the aloe gel by using a clean Q-tip.
Milk of Magnesia
Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide) is an antacid and powerfully alkaline, acting to balance the pH of the mouth. Either dab a small amount directly to the canker sore, or take a sip and swish around the mouth for 10 seconds. Milk of Magnesia will have a soothing effect on the canker sore; minimize the amount swallowed – it can act as a laxative!
Green Tea Bags
Green tea is alkaline; it is important to note that only green tea bags should be used. Black and other teas may be acidic, thus irritating the canker sore and creating the opportunity for more canker sores to form. Soak the teabag in hot water for 10 seconds to activate the tea, remove the bag from the hot water and allow it to cool, then apply the teabag directly to the canker sore area.
Sage and Rhubarb
Sage and Rhubarb can be combined to create a potent healing salve. Mix equal parts of the leafy portions of the two herbs. Dry the canker sore area, and apply the salve directly to the canker sore. Allow several minutes for the solution to act on the area, then remove.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Care should be taken when using hydrogen peroxide as it will cleanse your mouth of both good and bad bacteria. Mix a 3% peroxide solution with water in a 1:1 ratio, then swish a small amount for up to 30 seconds. Do not swallow the solution.
Antacids
Antacids will help reduce acidity in the mouth, thus soothing existing canker sores and preventing the formation of more. Slowly chewing an antacid just after a meal will help combat acidity in the mouth when it is highest.
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Salt Water
Mix a tablespoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish the contents for up to 30 seconds. You will feel slight stinging in the canker sore area as the salt water debrides the wound; by removing dead tissue, the canker sore will more quickly heal.
