If you have ever had a canker sore, you know how painful one can be. If you have been lucky and not experienced one, you are fortunate. If you do get one, the following information will let you know how to get rid of canker sores effectively.
What is a Canker Sore or Tongue Ulcer?
A canker sore is a small lesion that appears along with your gums or other soft tissue in your mouth. Although they are not passed from person to person, they can be uncomfortable and interfere with talking, eating, and drinking.
Canker Sore Symptoms
The majority of canker sores are minor and often consist of the following:
- Roundish mouth sores that are gray or white and are surrounded by a red border
- Sores that are located inside the cheeks, on the gums, or on the tongue
- Tingling sensation a couple of days before the appearance of the sores
Major canker sores do not occur often, but their symptoms may include:
- Unusually deep and large sores
- Very painful
- High fever
- Sores that won’t heal after one or two weeks
Canker Sore Treatment
While canker sores typically clear up on their own, there are things you can do to speed the process along or, at a minimum, decrease the severity. Some of the things you can try are:
Mouth Rinse
It is best to use rinses that contain salt water, baking soda, or an over-the-counter mouth rinse.
Honey
Apply unfiltered honey, which has antimicrobial abilities, to the sore multiple times a day
Topical gel – available over the counter, this helps numb the pain and prevents irritation.
Vitamin B
A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to canker sores, so 1,000 micrograms a day can prevent them and lessen the pain for those who have them.
Clove oil
Soak a cotton ball in clove oil and apply it to the sore to numb the area.
Neutralize it
The sore’s pain is due to acid, so apply things such as a moist tea bag, milk of magnesia, or antacid (Tums, Rolaids, Pepto-Bismol, etc.) to neutralize the soreness.
Lysine
Small doses of this amino acid have been shown to heal a sore faster.
Schedule an Appointment
Another way to prevent and heal canker sores is to practice good dental hygiene. This includes keeping your mouth clean and using a soft brush to reduce irritation to a present canker sore. Whether it has been a while since you have seen a dentist or you regularly visit one, Ingenious Dentistry would love to help keep your teeth and mouth in the best health possible. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Featured Image: Getty Images / P_saranya
