Canker sores are white lesions that form inside the mouth, on the tongue and gums. The sores are not contagious, but they are painful. The cause for the sores in not entirely known, but injury to the mouth, autoimmune diseases and bacteria are all possible causes. According to the Mayo Clinic, canker sores affect more women than men. Although most canker sores will go away without treatment within a week or two, there are things that help them heal quicker and relieve pain.
Step 1
Avoid exposing the canker sore to irritants such as hot and spicy foods, foods that are acidic and foods that may rub the sore and cause further irritation.
Step 2
Mix 1 cup of warm saltwater and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Swish the mixture in your mouth and spit it out. Add liquid Benadryl or hydrogen peroxide to the mixture, if desired.
Step 3
Eat plain yogurt with live cultures to help fight the bacteria in the mouth.
Step 4
Swish and drink sage tea to promote healing.
Step 5
Mix equal parts of liquid Benadryl with Milk of Magnesia. Swish and spit. Repeat several times a day.
Step 6
Apply Milk of Magnesia directly to the canker sore with a cotton-tipped swab. Apply after each meal and before bedtime.
Step 7
Make a paste with water and baking soda. Apply the mixture to the canker sore using a cotton-tipped swab.
Step 8
Use an over-the-counter mouth-numbing product on the canker sore.
Things You'll Need
- Saltwater
- Water
- Baking soda
- Liquid Benadryl
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Plain yogurt
- Sage tea
- Milk of Magnesia
- Cotton-tipped swabs
