Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are lesions that develop on the soft tissue in the mouth and along the gums. Unlike a cold sore, canker sores only occur on the inside of the mouth. They are generally not painful but can cause discomfort when drinking or eating. Canker sores clear up on their own within one to two weeks; however, there are home remedies that can be employed to minimize symptoms.
Mouth Rinses
MayoClinic.com recommends using a mouth rinse as a home remedy to reduce inflammation of canker sores. An effective mouth rinse can be made by dissolving 2 to 3 tbsp. of salt or 1 tsp. of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water. A 1:1 ratio of hydrogen peroxide, diphenhydramine, subsalicylate or simethicone and water may also be used. Moderate sips of the rinse should be swished around in the mouth and spit out. Care should be taken not to swallow the rinse to prevent spreading any bacteria that may be causing the sores.
Mouth Paste
Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties. To soothe canker sores, cover the lesions in the mouth with a paste made by thoroughly mixing a few drops of water with 2 to 3 tbsp. of baking soda. MayoClinic.com says that Milk of Magnesia can also be applied to the lesions a few times per day to speed up the healing process.
Numbing Agents
Numbing agents can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription to treat canker sores. These medications are applied to the lesions to generate numbness and reduce pain or soreness. It can be helpful to apply these creams before and after meals.
Ice
Some patients find that chewing on ice chips or sucking on an ice cube can help relieve pain caused by canker sores. If canker sores become severely inflamed and cause soreness in the cheek or jaw, a cold compress can be applied to treat symptoms. A simple cold compress can be made by placing ice in a plastic bag, tying a knot in the bag and wrapping it in a towel.
