6 Home Remedies To Treat Canker Sores

Mouth ulcers or canker sores are small white lesions surrounded by a reddened area , which usually appear on the inside of the cheeks, the tongue or the palate . Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious.

In the vast majority of cases, as they appear, canker sores usually disappear on their own. However, to speed up the process, it is convenient to implement a series of measures that range from avoiding spicy foods to maintaining good hygiene in the area.

Causes of canker sores

The causes of these small sores can be very varied. So far, an exact cause of its appearance has not been determined, so it could be derived from different factors, depending on the case.

According to several experts, its development can be the result of problems in the immune system, bacteria or viruses; In addition, there could be a higher incidence due to:

• Stress.
• Smoking.

• Lesions in the mouth.
• Poor oral hygiene.

If canker sores appear frequently it is necessary to consult a doctor. In a small number of cases it can be a symptom of oral cancer.

Home remedies for canker sores

Luckily, there are several home remedies that can help you overcome canker sores. Here we mention some of the simplest, but useful.

1. Salt water

Salt has antiseptic properties that can be used in the management of canker sores. When applied, you may feel a certain burning sensation; This is completely normal, as the salt is acting against bacteria. In a reasonable time, the burning will disappear.

Salt can be substituted for baking soda, which, although it may sting at first, will also help close wounds and heal canker sores. Be careful not to swallow the bicarbonate, as it can cause adverse reactions.

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon of salt (2.5 g)
• 1 glass of water (250 ml)

Process

• Dilute half a teaspoon of salt in water to create a saline solution.
• Take a small amount of the liquid and gargle for 30 seconds.
• Repeat at least 3 times a day.

2. Calendula infusion

Calendula is a plant that has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that act positively in the management of mouth ulcers.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of calendula flowers (5 g)
• 1 glass of water (200 ml)

Process

• Bring a glass of water to a boil and add the teaspoon of calendula flowers. After a couple of minutes, remove the infusion and let it rest.
• When the liquid is warm, strain it and use it as a gargle three times a day.

3. Coconut milk

This liquid that is obtained from the white pulp of the coconut has some properties to help in the management of sores in the mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of grated coconut (100 g)
• ½ glass of water (125 ml)

Process

• Heat the water and add it to the blender with the grated coconut. Process everything for a couple of minutes and strain.
• Rinse your mouth with the milk 2-3 times a day.

4. Infusion of chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to reduce canker sores and reduce the risk of possible infections.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers (10 g)
• 1 glass of water (250 ml)

Process

• Bring the glass of water to a boil and, when it reaches a boil, add the chamomile flowers, lower the heat and allow it to infuse for 5 more minutes.
• Let the liquid settle.
• Pass it through a strainer and use it to gargle about 3 times a day.

5. Aloe vera gel

The soothing and restorative properties of aloe vera gel have been known for hundreds of years. This natural product has an antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action that when applied in the mouth can help reduce this problem.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (10 ml)
• ½ glass of water (125 ml)

Process

• Put the two ingredients in the blender and process until you get a liquid mixture.
• Use the liquid from the smoothie as a mouthwash.

6. Ice

This is perhaps the cheapest and easiest remedy that can be used as a therapy against canker sores. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that can lessen the discomfort caused by this condition. In addition, it helps to numb the area to reduce pain.

Ingredients

• 1 small ice cube
• 1 clean cloth

Process

• Wrap the ice in the clean cloth and apply it directly to the sore.

Aspects to consider

For these natural remedies to have the desired effect, it is essential to apply them consistently; however, if the sores remain for more than three weeks or seem to be getting worse, it is best to see your doctor immediately.

Despite the fact that these remedies are harmless, it is best not to apply them all at the same time but to intersperse them. For example, you can rinse your mouth with aloe vera gel and then apply ice for a few minutes. The area is then allowed to “rest” and, in case of discomfort, the same or another remedy is applied.