A canker sore occurs in the soft tissues of the mouth and the base of the gums. MayoClinic.com explains that canker sores do not occur on the outside of the mouth the way cold sores do. Typically, a canker sore will resolve in a week or so, but home remedies can help soothe pain and help protect the sore from getting reopened as it heals.
Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing the canker sores in the mouth with water or other rinses can keep foods out of the open sore. A mixture of 1 tsp. salt in a 1/2 cup of warm water can help dry the canker sore. You can swish this mixture around the mouth and spit it out. The Kids Health website suggests adding 1 tsp. baking soda to the solution before swishing.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Diluted hydrogen peroxide can be swished around the mouth to relieve pain and speed the healing of the canker sore. MayoClinic.com recommends equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water. This mixture should not be swallowed. Children who can't be trusted to swish the solution in the mouth can have a caregiver apply a small amount of peroxide diluted with equal parts of water to the sore with a clean cotton swab.
Diphenhydramine and Bismuth Subsalicylate
A mixture of one part diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and one part bismuth subsalicylate, a sour stomach medicine, can be used as a canker sore rinse. The subsalicylate can be replaced with simethicone to experience the same soothing and healing results.
Baking Soda Paste
You can cover the canker sores with a protective and healing paste made of baking soda. This can be done by adding a small amount of water to some baking soda and mixing until it forms a paste-like texture. The paste can then be slathered over the canker sore. For maximum results, an individual can pull the lip away from the sore if possible and hold it in place for several seconds after applying the paste. This will give the cover a chance to dry slightly before the lip is put back in place.
Milk of Magnesia
MayoClinic.com suggests dabbing a small amount of milk of magnesia on the canker sore several times a day. This remedy can reduce pain and speed healing. The Kids Health website recommends a dab of milk of magnesia after applying the diluted hydrogen peroxide directly to the canker sore.
Black Tea Bags
Canker sores can be treated with wet black tea bags. The Kids Health website suggests placing the bag over the canker sore for several minutes. The tannins in the tea act like a natural astringent and encourage the canker sore to heal.
