One of the most common searches for remedies is natural remedies for canker sores. So, in this article, we will talk about canker sores to know what these sores are, their causes, symptoms, and natural remedies for canker sores.
What are canker sores?
They are small shallow ulcers that occur in the lining of the mouth. It is medically named aphthous ulcers which start as white to yellow ulcers surrounded by redness. They are usually very small from 1mm or less to half or 1 inch in diameter.
Types of canker sores:
They have two types:
Simple:
Appears 3 or 4 times a year and lasts for a week in the mouth.
Complex:
Which is less common and repeated in people who have previously had them or patients with diseases of the immune system or inflammatory bowel disease or nutritional problems like a deficiency in B_12, zinc, iron, and folic acid.
What are the causes of canker sores?
Canker sores haven't the exact cause. It may be from stress or a small injury inside the mouth. Using nonsteroidal anti_ inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen is considered a common cause also.
Foods that include citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables such as( lemons, orange, pineapples, apples, tomatoes) make the problem of canker sores worse.
After we recognize canker sores and their causes and types we should know how to treat them.
Natural remedies for canker sores:
While most canker sores go away without treatment, there are some natural remedies for canker sores that can provide quick relief and help lesions to disappear faster.
1.Saltwater
It is a natural disinfectant and one of the great natural remedies for canker sores. It is prepared by dissolving 1 one teaspoon of sea salt or any other natural salt in half a cup of warm water.
Swish around the mouth for 30 seconds. Spit then rinse your mouth with fresh water.
2.Rinse with baking soda.
It is an alkaline base that can neutralize the acids in the mouth that irritate the canker sores. It helps to heal more quickly. It is used by applying 1 teaspoon to half a cup of warm water. Swish and rinse the mouth with this mixture then rinse with fresh water.
3.Eat Basil
It has anti_microbial properties. It may prevent infections and help to calm canker sores. Basil leaves are used as natural remedies for canker sores by soaking the leaves in hot water and using this as a mouthwash.
4.Dash of cayenne.
Cayenne pepper helps soothe canker sores. It is full of a chemical called capsaicin which makes cayenne spicy. It can inhibit substance p ( a chemical in the body that causes inflammation).
It also can inhibit bacterial growth.
Capsaicin is one of the great natural remedies for canker sores used by adding some cayenne to water to make a paste.
Use a cotton swab to apply this paste to your canker sore 2 to 3 times a day. This paste helps with pain relief and healing.
5.Eating cultured probiotic yogurt.
Probiotic yogurt contains many beneficial bacteria that replenish oral and help treat canker sores.
This bacteria improves the health of the stomach and intestine which in turn improves the health of the mouth. The nature of yogurt helps to calm and soothe the pain.
6.Fenugreek leaves
They have many healing benefits and have applications in natural dentistry. Fenugreek can boost the immune system as it has several vitamins and minerals including vitamin c, calcium, carotene, phosphorus, and more.
Fenugreek seeds are used as natural remedies for canker sores by placing 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds into one cup of cold water. Swish this mixture around your mouth.
7.Apple cider vinegar
It contains acetic acid which curbs bad bacteria while maintaining healthy oral flora. Keeping a balance of the oral microbiome helps to heal canker sores.
To use it as a natural remedy for canker sores we make a homemade mouthwash by mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water then swish in your mouth.
8.Taking zinc supplements:
Taking high_ quality zinc lozenges twice per day can heal canker sores and help prevent them in the first place. It can reduce canker sores by between 50 to 100 percent.
9.Drinking chamomile tea:
It contains chemical compounds that have antiseptic properties. Chamomile has a soothing effect and can speed healing time for canker sores. It is used by drinking warm tea or placing chamomile tea back on the sore.
10.Using sage
It is a part of a mint family which is used widely as one of the natural remedies for canker sores because of its anti_oxidant and anti_microbial effect that helps oral flora. It helps balance the immune system and heals canker sores. It is used by mixing a handful of fresh sage or 2 teaspoons of dried sage with a cup of water. Swish and rinse your mouth for a minute.
11.CLove oil
It is a great natural remedy for canker sores. Its active ingredient is eugenol which is considered a painkiller.
Clove oil can be applied directly to canker sores or by making a mouth rinse from it but firstly, you swish your mouth with salt water then apply a half teaspoon of olive oil to a cotton ball then top this off with 4 or 5 drops of clove oil.
Apply the cotton ball directly on the canker sores for 10 minutes. This will relieve pain and numb the area.
12.Alum powder
(crystallized potassium aluminum sulfate). It is an ingredient of baking powder that can decrease canker sores size and reduce pain. It is used by mixing a pea_sized drop of alum with a drop of water then apply this mixture to each canker sore for a minute then rinse with fresh water.
13.Milk of magnesia
It is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide which reduces the pain of canker sores and speeds the healing process. It is applied to canker sores by using cotton swabs 3 or 4 times a day. Some patients use it after rinsing with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
14.Coconut oil
It contains lauric acid which reduces bacteria in the mouth and aids in the healing process. It is used by daily swishing the mouth with about a tablespoon of this oil.
15. Honey
Honey has healing properties for canker sores by direct applications of it on the area several times daily. It will reduce the pain, ulcer size, and redness.
It can also be used as a natural remedy for canker sores by mixing it in tea like chamomile tea and drinking it.
16.Echinacea
It is a wound healer due to its immune_boosting effect. It is used in a liquid form to treat and heal canker sores.
It is prepared by applying 1 teaspoon of liquid echinacea to equal amounts of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for 2 minutes and then spit or swallow the mixture.
17.DGL
It is a herbal extract of licorice and used as one of the natural remedies for canker sores due to its anti_inflammatory properties. It is prepared by mixing the powder of DGL with a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for 3 minutes then spit it out.
18.ALOE VERA
Aloe vera gel may be used orally. It could soothe canker sores and reduce pain and inflammation. But be careful if you have diabetes and take glucose_lowering medication because it lowers blood glucose levels.
19.WATERMELON FROST
It is a common cure for canker sores, especially in Chinese medicine. It can boost healing time and relieve pain.
These are the most commonly used natural remedies for canker sores and give a good effect in healing and relieving pain.
The best way to avoid future canker sores.
You should avoid triggers, brush, and floss daily. Change the medications that cause mouth ulcers.
Summery
Canker sores are usually simple. Using natural remedies for canker sores is sufficient for treating them but if they are chronic and severe, ask the doctor about prescription medications.
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