How To Treat Canker Sores

Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that can develop at the base of the gums or on the cheeks. Also called aphthous ulcers, they are not to be confused with cold sores, as they never develop on the lips and are not contagious. However, this does not mean they can't be painful. Canker sores can also make simple tasks like talking and eating, difficult. A variety of factors can cause canker sores to develop, from eating spicy or acidic food to vitamin deficiencies, stress, hormones, autoimmune disorders, and injury to the mouth. Although most will go away on their own after a week or two, there are several easy treatments you can utilize to facilitate and speed up the healing process.

Mouth Rinses

Mouth rinses are an easy way to alleviate the pain and discomfort canker sores cause. They are also an effective method for killing the bacteria that can grow and multiply inside them, causing further complications in the mouth. You can either buy mouthwash in a pharmacy or make one by yourself at home. Sage tea is commonly used as a mouthwash of sorts to treat canker sores at home. It hits at all of the problematic elements caused by canker sores, as it is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a steroidal mouth rinse containing dexamethasone, which will reduce any inflammation, or lidocaine, which works to alleviate pain.

Keep reading now to reveal another treatment for canker sores.