Did you wake up one morning and notice some tingling or burning in your mouth? You check in the mirror and spot a tiny, round ulcer. Then, of course, you feel it hurts.
That is probably a canker sore, and you would want it to disappear fast.
At Savage Smiles in Chandler, Arizona, Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, has seen countless patients dealing with canker sores and other uncomfortable dental health problems. We know how you can heal sooner.
What Are Canker Sores?
They are aphthous ulcers, or mouth ulcers, and are small sores that form on the soft tissues inside your mouth, such as the base of the gums, underneath or along the sides of the tongue, or inside the lips and cheeks. They are often white or yellowish and surrounded by a red border.
A canker sore might be only a centimeter or so in size, but it can cause a surprising amount of pain that can last up to two weeks.
8 Ways To Heal a Canker Sore
Fortunately, aphthous ulcers are not contagious, and they go away on their own. Still, there are a few things you can try to soothe the affected area and support healing.
1. Rinse With Saltwater
A warm saltwater rinse might sting, but it can help clean the affected area and dry out the canker sore. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water, swish it gently around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit it out. You can repeat every few hours.
2. Use an Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
Medicated mouthwashes have ingredients that help control germs and reduce the risk of additional inflammation. If you are going to use one for your sore, choose an alcohol-free one. Alcohol-containing mouthwashes can only cause more irritation.
3. Apply Topical Anesthetics
Over-the-counter products such as benzocaine gels, medicated patches, and hydrogen peroxide rinses can protect and temporarily numb the affected area. Depending on how severe canker sores are, dentists may also prescribe corticosteroid ointment.
4. Apply Honey
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a dab to your canker sore four times a day may help reduce its size, pain, and redness. It may also help lower the risk of a secondary infection. Just make sure you get less-processed varieties.
Reminder: Never give honey to a baby younger than 12 months old as it can cause infant botulism.
5. Eat a Cup of Yogurt
Some canker sores may involve Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). So, research has looked at whether probiotics, including Lactobacillus, can help. But generally, yogurt containing live probiotic cultures can be a nutritious addition to your diet.
6. Sip Some Sage
Sage has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. You can find sage mouthwash at many pharmacies and use it according to the product’s directions. If you prefer to make your own rinse, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Add boiling water to one to two teaspoons of fresh sage leaves.
- Step 2: Let the leaves steep for five minutes.
- Step 3: Strain the liquid and let it cool.
- Step 4: Swish the cooled rinse around your mouth for a couple of minutes.
- Step 5: Spit it out or swallow it.
As with any home remedy, stop if it causes irritation or worsens your symptoms.
7. Get Low-Level Laser Therapy
What if your canker sore is especially painful or keeps coming back? Your dentist may suggest a procedure called low-level laser therapy.
The treatment uses concentrated light energy directed at the affected area to help reduce inflammation and discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing process. It stimulates cellular activity and improves circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the tissues.
8. Work on Your Vitamin Deficiencies
Recurring canker sores may be your body’s way of telling you that something is missing. You might have low levels of certain nutrients, including vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, and zinc.
Try to build meals around a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including leafy green vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and other whole foods. Consider taking a daily multivitamin recommended by your healthcare provider, too.
Visit Your Dentist in Chandler, Arizona
You do not really have to panic about canker sores. However, if they are much larger than usual, are spreading, last longer than two weeks, come with a high fever, or make eating and talking extremely difficult, have them checked for appropriate treatment procedures.
At Savage Smiles, Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, welcomes patients across Chandler, Arizona. As an expert in family dentistry, he can give you and your loved ones the care you deserve. Dial (480) 334-5402 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Let us get rid of those aching mouth ulcers!
Frequently Asked Questions
What else should you know about canker sores? Here are our answers to the most common questions.
Are Canker Sores Common?
Yes, canker sores are very common. In fact, many people will experience one at some point in their lives.
What Are the Causes of Canker Sores?
A canker sore can develop for several different reasons, such as the following:
- Minor injuries or irritation inside your mouth
- Eating lots of acidic or spicy foods
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Certain health conditions
- Not getting enough iron, folate, vitamin B12, zinc, or other important nutrients
- A weakened immune system
Sometimes, you may know exactly what triggered a canker sore. Other times, you might have absolutely no idea.
Are Canker Sores Different From Cold Sores?
Yes, and it is an important distinction.
On the one hand, canker sores form inside your mouth and are not contagious. Anyone can develop one because of irritation, stress, hormonal changes, certain foods, or nutritional deficiencies.
On the other hand, cold sores appear as fluid-filled blisters on or around the lips, and they are contagious. The herpes simplex virus, usually HSV-1, causes them.
Can I Put Ice on a Canker Sore?
Yes, but doing so will not speed up healing. It mainly helps with the discomfort. A little cold can provide some relief!
Hold an ice cube against the canker sore for a few minutes, or use a cold pack to numb the affected area and temporarily reduce swelling.
