Canker sores, also called aphthous stomatitis, represent unexplained mouth ulcers that are witnessed by almost every individual during the course of their lives. Despite the advance of medicine, doctors and scientists have not yet determined what exactly causes canker sores even though biting the inner side of the lip and cheek, rubbing caused by braces, genetics, stress and an inadequate immune response are definitely contributing to their occurrence.
This special type of sores begins as a recognizable red patch of rounded skin which gradually becomes more and more inflamed and forms a yellow or white spot in the center. There are many people wondering how they can eliminate canker sores.
The good news is that there are many different natural methods that can help people ease the pain caused by their presence. Once you try some of these remedies, you should be able to eat food in a normal way and talk without problems.
1. Do-It-Yourself Natural Numbing Spray
Both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils provide some powerful anti-inflammatory effects. At the same time, they serve as natural antimicrobial agents astringents that can make the tissues surrounding the problematic area tighter which ultimately results in the reduction of swelling and prevention of fluid accumulation. These oils also have cooling effects which make the nerve endings numb.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ten drops of peppermint essential oil
- Two tablespoons of grape seed and olive oil
- A glass bottle
- Eight drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
Instructions:
Take the grape seed and olive oil and pour them in the glass mister bottle. Mix them a little bit and after that, add the peppermint and eucalyptus oils. Next, cap the bottle, shake it for a while and spray a small amount of the mixture on the canker sore in order to ease the pain. Remember to shake the content before you apply.
2. Chamomile Tea Bag Remedy
In case you didn’t know, chamomile includes a few different plants similar to daisies. These plants are usually used to support sleep, enhance relaxation and ease digestion. In addition, chamomile can ease cramping because it has the ability to ease spasms that cause pain.
Bisabolol, also known as levomenol, is a chemical compound that is part of German chamomile. This compound can lower inflammation and produces strong antiseptic effects. In this way, you will be able to ease the pain caused by canker sores and accelerate the healing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Some freshwater
- One bag of chamomile tea or one tablespoon of flowers (dried)covered with cheesecloth
Instructions:
Take the chamomile and soak it in the freshwater for 60 seconds in case you are using a standard teabag. If you use dried flowers soak it for four minutes. Next, put the bag on the sore for ten minutes, two times a day to eliminate discomfort and speed up healing.
3. Swirl Sage
Sage belongs to the mint family. This herb has been used as a spice and as part of many natural remedies for hundreds of years. For instance, Native Americans used this plant as a mouthwash for many centuries and some sources say that certain tribes have used this herb to heal canker sores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Between four and eight ounces of freshwater
- Two teaspoons of dried sage or a handful of fresh sage.
Instructions:
In case you opt for dried sage, boil the water and let the sage infuse for about ten minutes. Swirl both the herb and the water in the oral cavity for 60 seconds before removing spitting the content and using cold water to clean the mouth. In addition, feel free to create a tea rinse based on fresh sage leaves. However, most people use this method:
Put the sage leaves in a well-sealed glass jar and keep them in a dark and cool place. Wait for the leaves to infuse for one day. Swirl the solution in the mouth for 60 seconds. Gently pound the moist and soft leaves to the pulp and after that, put the pulp right on the sore. Leave it for about five minutes. After that, use cold water to rinse the area.
4. Coconut Oil
If you have any doubts, stick to coconut oil. This special oil provides powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and on top of that, it tastes great. Coconut oil has proven to be an efficient remedy when it comes to canker sores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Instructions:
Use a cotton swab or your own thoroughly cleaned hands to dab a certain amount of this oil directly on the sore. It is the best idea to put a thick coconut oil layer because this oil melts quickly. In case you can’t make it stay there for more than a few seconds, you can melt one tablespoon of coconut oil with half a teaspoon of beeswax.
5. Cotton Ball Soaked in Clove Oil
A few studies have confirmed that clove oil is packed with eugenol, a powerful natural painkiller. Many dentists from different parts of the world have used clove oil as a pain reliever. The fact is that eugenol is used even today, even though this time people use it in a pure extract form. Clove oil is still helpful in cases of oral pain including canker sores and toothaches.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Five drops of clove essential oil
- Half a teaspoon of olive oil
- Warm water
- Cotton balls.
Instructions:
Use warm water to swish the mouth in order to clean the affected area. After that use the clove oil and let it work. You can also use salt water. Just mix the olive oil and clove oil and soak a cotton ball in the mixture. Use the cotton ball on the sore for up to eight minutes to numb the area.
6. Honey-based rub
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, organic, raw honey is able to ease the pain caused by canker sores.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Warm water
- A little dab of raw, organic honey.
Instructions:
Swirl a small amount of warm water in the mouth and after that put a relatively thick dab of raw, organic honey on the sore. Use this method three times a day. Make sure that one of these times is before bedtime for the best results.
7. Wax Cap
In case you have a canker sore that is rubbing against teeth or in case you are wearing braces/dentures that are making the sire itchy, using a small amount of wax right above the surface can ease the irritation and accelerate the healing. In case you are using this on top of braces, it is very important to use a layer that won’t get under the brace and cause problems.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Two teaspoons of coconut oil
- One tablespoon of beeswax.
Instructions:
Just melt the coconut oil and beeswax and wait until the mixture gets cold. Once it is the cooled gown, slowly press a dollop above the edge of the dentures/braces/tooth to keep the canker sore stable.
8. Cayenne-based cream
Cayenne is a spice that comes with one active ingredient known as capsaicin. This is the main reason why cayenne pepper is so hot. What is interesting is that capsaicin has the ability to block Substance P, a substance that is capable of relieving responses to pain in our body.
So, cayenne is an excellent natural remedy for this type of sores, although many people might think that the situation can get worse if they use cayenne.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Cayenne pepper
- Cotton swabs.
Instructions:
Put a small amount of cayenne pepper in warm water in order to make a thick paste. Take some of the paste with a cotton swab and use the mixture on the canker sore. Perform this procedure three times a day to ease the pain.
9. Aloe Vera Rinse
Aloe Vera is known as one of the best calming and soothing plants in the world. The Aloe Vera gel provides many benefits like easing sunburn and canker sores. Keep in mind that you need a completely natural gel, not the one that comes in green color.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- One tablespoon of plain water
- One teaspoon of Aloe Vera gel.
Instructions:
Put the gel in the water and stir it well. After that, swish the gel around the sore three times a day to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process.
10. Use Yogurt
Yogurt is a product of fermented milk. This popular food is obtained through the process of bacterial fermentation which means that manufacturers use yeast or bacteria to turn carbs into organic acids.
So, in the end, they get a substance packed with helpful bacteria that has a great taste too. People are usually advised on getting their gut flora healed, but the fact is that yogurt consumption can be great for treating canker sores too. This natural remedy is easy to prepare and it manages the number of bacteria in the mouth and the misbalance is probably causing the emergence of the canker sore.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Plain yogurt
Instructions:
First of all, keep in mind that you need a yogurt that comes with live cultures. This information should be found on the label of this product. In addition, don’t use a vanilla variety – use plain yogurt. Take at least one tablespoon of yogurt, three times a day. You can also take one cup of yogurt mixed with raw honey for better results.
11. Lukewarm Salt Water
Once the salt content located around the cells is lower inside compared to the outside, you will witness the process of osmosis. This means that the water is extracted from the cells in order to establish balance. But, this process of drawing water out will ease the painful puffiness.
So, in case you have canker sores that are extremely puffed and rub against teeth, you can start gargling salt water to solve the problem. This practice works in the same way as in the case of a sore throat. The lukewarm or warm water can also generate a feeling of calmness and soothing and the salt cleanses the affected area.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Half a teaspoon of salt
- ¼ cup of lukewarm/warm salt water.
Instructions:
Put the salt in the warm water and stir it well. After that, use the solution to swish it in the mouth. Practice this procedure three times a day.
Additional Tips
- Stay away from acidic foods when you have problems with canker sores because they can slow down the healing process. There are many individuals who experience sores after the consumption of acidic foods for a while. But, it is good to know that there are cases when acidic juices like lemon juice can sometimes ease the problem.
- Try different natural, home remedies for this type of sores. Try all the remedies mentioned above and find the one that suits you the best. You can also match two of them.
- Closely monitor your body. In case you notice canker sores in the mouth every once in a while, especially when you are under pressure, try to find a way to relax.
Via Everyday Roots
