Canker sores, which are noninfectious lesions in the mouth, differ from cold sores, which are caused by herpes virus infections and more often occur on the lips and under the nose. Canker sores are actually small ulcers that last for one to two weeks. They are not contagious and do not spread on their own. Instead of waiting for canker sores to heal on their own, try some natural remedies to hasten healing and reduce pain.
Vitamin B
Because low vitamin B levels are associated with increased rates of canker sores, supplementation with B-complex vitamin products that contain B6, B12 and folate may reduce the occurrence of these ulcers. B-complex vitamins are crucial to proper nerve function, stress response and tissue development; the latter role may help improve canker sore healing. According to the "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals", vitamin B products, when taken as directed, provide blood levels safely below the doses required for severe toxicity, such as nerve damage in the fingers and toes which occurs at vitamin B6 daily doses of more than 500 mg.
Baking Soda
Non-acidic properties of baking soda reduce the pain of canker sores. One teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 1/2 cup of warm water is an effective mouth rinse. Swallowing the baking soda is not recommended; ingestion will not help heal the canker sore and may cause imbalance of the body's salt and mineral levels. Alternatively, or in addition to baking soda rinses, the ulcers can be covered by a paste of baking soda to protect the skin and prevent irritation.
Hydrogen Peroxide
One easy natural treatment for canker sores is to use hydrogen peroxide diluted with water in equal amounts. The peroxide can soothe painful mouth ulcers and speed healing. Like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly to the canker sore in addition to or instead of using it in a mouth rinse.
Licorice Root
One natural remedy used anecdotally for canker sores is licorice root. With digestive-aiding, skin-soothing and anti-infective properties, licorice root can help heal canker sores, prevent infection, and reduce pain on the ulcer's surface. However, licorice root can cause problems with potassium, blood pressure and fluid levels. The deglycyrrhizinated form may provide canker sore relief and other health benefits without the associated side effects of the glycyrrhizinated form.
References
- "Canadian Family Physician"; Case Report: Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Responds to Vitamin B12 Treatment; I. Volkov; June 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Canker Sore: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- U.S. National Library of Medicine and National Insitutes of Health: MedlinePlus: Canker Sore Treatment
- "Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals": Vitamin B6
- Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy: Licorice
