10+ Natural Remedies To Heal Canker Fast

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They can be painful and uncomfortable, often making eating, drinking, and even talking a chore. While canker sores usually heal on their own within a week or two, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort and potentially speed up the healing process.

Understanding Canker Sores

Before diving into the remedies, it’s essential to understand what causes canker sores. The exact cause is often unknown, but they can be triggered by a variety of factors including stress, minor mouth injury from dental work, hard brushing, sports mishaps, or accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip, food sensitivities, especially to chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, and spicy or acidic foods, lack of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, zinc, folate, or iron, hormonal shifts during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause, and certain chronic diseases like celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease.

Natural Remedies for Canker Sores

1. Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help reduce the size of the canker sore and alleviate pain. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the sore using a cotton swab.

2. Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce swelling and ease pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water.

3. Baking Soda: Baking soda can help neutralize acids in the mouth and reduce pain. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of water to create a paste, and apply it directly to the canker sore.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can help kill bacteria and reduce the size of the canker sore. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and swish the solution around your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.

5. Yogurt with Live Cultures: Eating yogurt with live cultures can help maintain good oral health and may aid in healing canker sores. The probiotics in yogurt can help regulate the digestive system, which may prevent the recurrence of canker sores.

6. Dietary Changes: Avoiding spicy, spicy, acidic, or sharp foods can help prevent irritation to the canker sore. Increasing your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide essential vitamins and minerals that may help in the healing process.

7. Honey: Honey has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection and promote healing. Apply a small amount of pure honey directly to the canker sore using a cotton swab.

8. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infection. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and apply it to the canker sore using a cotton swab.

9. Vitamin B12: Deficiency in vitamin B12 is often linked to canker sores. Taking vitamin B12 supplements or eating foods rich in vitamin B12, such as fish, meat, and dairy products, can help prevent and heal canker sores.

10. Licorice Root: Licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the size of the canker sore and alleviate pain. Apply a small amount of licorice root extract directly to the canker sore using a cotton swab.

11. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that can help alleviate pain and promote healing. Soak a tea bag in warm water, let it cool, and then apply it to the canker sore.

Preventing Canker Sores

While these natural remedies can help heal canker sores, preventing them from occurring in the first place is the most effective approach. Maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding foods that may trigger canker sores, managing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, and ensuring you get enough vitamins and minerals can all help in preventing canker sores.

Conclusion

Canker sores can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, you can help alleviate the discomfort and potentially speed up the healing process. By understanding the causes of canker sores and utilizing the natural remedies outlined above, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier mouth and a reduction in the frequency and severity of canker sores.