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Canker Sore Cure Cold sores are known as fever blisters, while canker sores are often referred to as mouth ulcers (aphthous ulcers). This article deals with canker sores; specifically with home remedies for canker sores. So, how do you get canker sores? Unbelievable for this day and age, even the experts have not yet been able to ascertain why canker sores develop. Some speculate that stress, acidic foods (strawberries, apples, figs, pineapples, oranges, lemons and tomatoes) and ill-fitting dentures and braces are causes. Other health conditions which may cause complex canker sores include gastrointestinal tract diseases (Celiac and Crohn’s), iron deficiency, nutritional problems or an impaired immune system.
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Canker sore symptoms include annoying painful burning or tingling feelings in your mouth whenever you eat and drink, even before these mouth ulcers are visible. They start out as small red bumps which develop into mouth sores which are either white or grey in color with a red border.
The good news is that they do heal on their own within a week or two; you can however get some relief from painful mouth sores. Commonly used treatment for canker sores include, but are not limited to the following:
Swab a mixture of 1 part water with 1 part hydrogen peroxide (strong disinfectant) unto the canker sore(s). Follow with a dab of milk of magnesia (you may prefer to use MoM only – just dab on mouth sores with q-tip 3-4 times during the day). Apply this canker sore treatment 3-4 times daily.
Use toothpaste and mouthwash which do not contain the foaming agent sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). One such product is Sensodyne Pronamel toothpastes and mouthwashes.
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Baking soda treatment for canker sores is another natural remedy to get rid of canker sores fast. Add enough water to make a paste to 1 teaspoon baking soda. Use a q-tip and apply the paste to the canker sore(s). Let it dry. You can also rinse with 1 teaspoon baking soda added to ½ cup warm water.
A simple home remedy for canker sores is to press a wet black tea bag against the mouth sore for several minutes – theory behind this home
remedy is that the tannic acid it contains changes the pH in your mouth; making it less accommodating to the bacteria which causes canker sores.
Ice brings welcome canker sore pain relief. Hold ice over the sores, allowing it to melt. Ice numbs the pain and lessens the inflammation.
Rinse with aloe juice a few times a day or dab gel from fresh aloe vera leaf to the ulcer (dry the canker sore with a cotton swab first).
Mix 2 tablespoons of salt into 1 cup of warm water and gargle to get canker sore relief.
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Rinsing your mouth with 1-2 tablespoons of plum juice for 2-3 minutes (or soak cotton ball with plum juice and hold against canker sore for a
few minutes) or eating fresh papaya sounds like rather delicious canker sores treatment methods.
A tried and tested remedy for many ailments is tea tree oil. Use a q-tip and dab a single drop on the mouth sore a few times during the day. Alternatively, rinse your mouth with a solution of 10% tea tree oil and 90% water twice daily.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) as canker sore remedy is quite effective. Prepare a mouthwash by mixing powdered DGL with water and rinse. DGL tablets can alternatively be dissolved in the mouth.
Vitamin E capsules: cut open and squeeze little bit of the liquid onto the cold sore several times a day
Calendula (aka pot marigold): Steep 2 teaspoons of dried calendula in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and leave to cool down. Drink or gargle and rinse with the tea several times during the day.
Dried calendula picture courtesy www.puresudsco.com
A chunk of onion pressed against your mouth sore for a few minutes is another canker sore home remedy many swear by.
Sorrel, a bitter herb, is another great canker sore cure. A pinch of sorrel placed on your mouth sore until it is soggy brings welcome relief from the pain and speeds up the healing process. Do this several times a day
Sage has powerful drying agents which will quickly dry out your mouth ulcers. Brew some sage tea. Swish around in your mouth before swallowing. Drink 1-2 cups daily. Alternatively, place powdered sage directly on the ulcer.
Grapefruit seed extract has antimicrobial and disinfectant properties. As a cure for canker sores, just add 5-6 drops to a glass of water and rinse your mouth with the solution once daily.
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Taking 200mg of Echinacea 2-3 times daily the moment you become aware of canker sores developing will boost your immune system.
Take up to 30mg of zinc lozenges daily as soon as mouth sores start to develop until they are gone.
Reduce the frequency of canker sores by 1) avoiding foods that can irritate your mouth, i.e. chips, pretzels, salty and spicy foods 2) eat plenty of healthy foods to prevent nutritional deficiencies 3) refrain from eating and talking at the same time 4) heed good oral hygiene and 5) reduce stress where possible.
When should you consult a doctor? Even when not treating canker sores they should clear up naturally. Contact your dentist when:
unusually large sores
the sores are spreading
sores last longer than 3 weeks
find it difficult to take in enough liquids
appearance of sores bring about high fever
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Hey, my name is Sonia. I research minor illnesses striving to bring you the best treatment solutions which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For the full article on canker sore cures, as well as treatment options for a hangover, acne, sore throat, overactive bladder, etc. visit this very link. If however you believe laughter is the best medicine, get some of the best in humor here…