Canker sores, also called as aphthous stomatitis or recurrent aphthous ulcers are very common and painful recurrent lesions of the oral mucous membrane. They are usually seen on the inner lining of the cheeks, tongue, lips and the base of the gums. Don’t get confused with cold sores. Here are some home remedies for your canker sore that you may wish to try.
Home remedies for canker sores
- Rinse your mouth with normal salt water or baking soda.
- Use mouth wash containing Chlorhexidine gluconate, they are effective and safe.
- Mix equal parts of Milk of Magnesia and Benadryl and hold the mixture in your mouth for 5 minutes and split it out, it will soothe your pain.
- Mix equal part of hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the mixture directly to the canker sore using cotton swap.
- Apply small amount of Milk of Magnesia on the canker sore for 3 to 4 times a day. This will help soothe the pain and quicker healing.
- Applying ice to your canker sores may also help soothing the pain.
- If pain is severe one teaspoonful of Lidocaine 2% solution can be kept in the mouth for several minutes. Other topical anesthetics like dyclonine hydrochloride 0.5% can also be applied to the lesion.
- Several numbing ointments and liquids are available over the counter containing benzocaine (Tanac, oragen, orabase, anbesol) which will help relieve the pain of canker sores. Remember not to overuse the products, follow the leaflet to avoid toxicity.
- Taking multivitamins with iron may help if your canker sores are due to vitamins or iron deficiency.
- Avoid hot and spicy foods that may irritate your lesion further.
- Avoid hard and sharp foods that may further irritate the existing ulcers.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
If your condition is severe, you may consult your doctor. He may prescribe you some anti-inflammatory medicines like mild to moderate topical corticosteroid accordingly.