Canker sores are not contagious, hence no fear of contracting the infection from others who have it. These mysterious ulcers in the mouth normally last for a couple of weeks and then fade away on their own.
Canker sores cause a tingling and burning sensation and also cause the lymph glands to swell. They may be accompanied by fever and a sense of listlessness or lethargy. The sores are quite tiny but the pain caused by canker sores can be unbearable at times.
With over 20 percent of the population being affected by canker sores, it is the women who are more susceptible and get affected by this condition more than men. While the exact cause for canker sores is not known, it is believed that a weak immune system can trigger it as can certain hormonal changes in the body as well as excessive stress. Smoking and hereditary factors are also causes for the occurrence of canker sores.
Causes of Canker Sores
- There are no direct causes attributable as it is not contagious
- Inveterate smoking can cause canker sores
- Excessive stress can be a contributing factor
- Hormonal changes may also be the culprit
- A weak immune system can cause canker sores
Symptoms of Canker Sores
- A burning and tingling sensation a day before the onset of the infection
- Round ulcers that are whitish or yellowish in color, with a red border
- Sores are quite painful
- The lymph nodes are swollen
See a doctor immediately if:
- The canker sores are unusually large
- The sores keep recurring, even before the old ones get cured
- The sores last for more than two weeks
- There is difficulty chewing and swallowing food
10 Best Home Remedies For Canker Sores
While canker sores are not contagious it is important to take enough precautions to treat the condition in order to get relief from the pain and intense burning sensation. There are several easy home remedies for canker sores, and here are the 10 best:
10. Aloe Vera Gel
Procedure:
- Cut one or two thick leaves of Aloe Vera. Shave off the thorny edges on either side.
- Remove the skin on the rounded side and collect the gel.
- Apply the gel on the canker sores. Let it sit for a while.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.
How does this work?
Aloe Vera is a flowering succulent plant that has immense medicinal values. It is applied topically for skin afflictions and also taken internal to cure stomach disorders. It helps boost the immune system and helps fight the infection caused by canker sores.
The excellent anti-inflammatory properties of Aloe Vera help keep the burning and swelling down and also hasten the healing process. Aloe Vera gel has a soothing effect and helps get relief from the intense itching caused by canker sores, making it one of the best home remedies for canker sores. It is alright to swallow a bit of the gel as it is good for health.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no way this remedy cannot be good. It has no side effects and is a strong and effective cure for Canker sores.
9. Coconut Oil
Procedure:
- Take 3 to 4 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil and a few balls of surgical cotton.
- Dip a cotton ball in the coconut oil. Apply evenly on the canker sores.
- Let it sit for a couple of hours. Wash with warm water and pat dry.
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week to 10 days.
How does this work?
Coconut oil is one of the most used medicinal oils, and it is applied for a variety of skin afflictions. Coconut oil is a natural product that has some amazing anti-inflammatory properties that help contain the swelling caused by canker sores.
Moreover, it is an excellent antimicrobial agent as well and helps control the infection and prevents it from spreading. Coconut oil has a soothing effect and helps hasten the healing process. Coconut oil is one of the best natural home remedies for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no way this remedy cannot be good. It has no side effects and is a strong and effective cure for Canker sores.
8. Clove Oil
Procedure:
- Mix half a teaspoon of virgin olive oil with 4 to 5 drops of undiluted clove oil.
- Take a few balls of surgical cotton and a glass of warm salt water.
- Gargle your mouth with salt water first. Soak a cotton ball in the olive-clove oil mixture.
- Apply on the sores gently. Let it sit for a while, then rinse with warm water.
How does this work?
Clove oil is very rich in a substance known as eugenol, which is an effective pain killer that has no side effects. Clove oil has been used extensively to cure the worst toothaches. Clove oil has a soothing effect, and as it can be a bit harsh when used undiluted, olive oil is mixed to reduce the potency, but the medicinal value is not lost. Applying clove oil is one of the best home cures for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no way this remedy cannot be good. It has no side effects, however if the sores are raw, undiluted clove oil might cause some irritation.
7. Organic Honey
Procedure:
- Get a bottle of raw, organic honey. Swish your mouth with some warm water.
- Spit out the water. Apply a coating of organic honey.
- Apply the honey on the lips if the sores have spread there.
- Let it sit for a few minutes. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times daily for a week or so.
How does this work?
The use of honey for treating various skin afflictions has been in practice for many centuries. The Africans used honey for treating burn injuries, and even the severest of burns have been cured using honey.
Honey has the power to remove the ugly scars from the skin. Hence, applying honey on Canker sores has a soothing effect, and the antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties of honey help speed up the healing process. Honey is one of the best natural home remedies for canker sore.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no way this remedy cannot be good. Honey has no side effects and is a strong and effective cure for Canker sores.
6. Cayenne Pepper Cream
Procedure:
- Take a handful of Cayenne pepper. Sprinkle some water and grind it into a fine paste.
- Use a surgical cotton ball to apply the paste on the affected areas.
- Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week or 10 days.
How does this work?
Cayenne pepper is rich in a substance called capsaicin, which is hot by nature. Capsaicin is great at inhibiting the P Substance which transmits the pain responses from the body to the brain. With the pain signals being controlled the feeling of pain is also subdued and the patient gets relief from the itching and burning sensation caused by canker sores. Cayenne pepper cream is one of the best home remedies for Canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
- There is no way this remedy cannot be good. Take care while applying the cream and ensure that it is not applied on raw sores as this can trigger a burning sensation
5. Tea Tree Oil
Procedure:
- Take 2 to 3 drops of undiluted Tea Tree Oil.
- Mix the Tea Tree oil in a glass of warm water.
- Use the solution to rinse your mouth. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week or so.
How does this work?
Tea Tree oil has been advocated for treating various skin ailments and has been recommended to be taken orally as well for curing various illnesses. Tea Tree oil is rich in antibacterial qualities and helps control the spread of canker sores.
It is also an excellent antibiotic that helps speed up the healing process. Tea Tree oil has a soothing effect and gives instant relief from the intense itching caused by canker sores. Tea tree oil is one of the best natural home cures for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no way this remedy cannot be good. However, if the infection is severe and there is difficulty chewing or swallowing, consult your physician immediately.
4. Coriander Seeds/Leaves
Procedure:
- Take a handful of coriander seeds or a bunch of fresh, green coriander leaves.
- Boil 2 glasses of water in a bowl. Add either the coriander seeds or the leaves.
- Allow it to steep for 10 minutes. Strain, allow it to cool, and rinse your mouth.
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week.
How does this work?
Coriander is an important herb that is used extensively in the cooking of various cultures across the world. It has immense medicinal benefits and has been praised for its qualities as a digestive agent.
Apart from that, coriander has some amazing anti-inflammatory properties in addition to antiseptic and antifungal properties. It helps cure the canker sores and gives instant relief from the itching caused by the infection. Coriander is one of the best natural home remedies for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no way this remedy cannot be good. However, if the infection is severe and the sores are raw, consult your physician for further course of treatment.
3. Licorice Root Powder
Procedure:
- Boil two teaspoons of Licorice root extract in 2 glasses of water.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and allow it to cool.
- Rinse your mouth with the decoction.
- Repeat the process twice daily for a week.
How does this work?
Licorice root extract has been used for treating several maladies successfully. While it is used locally to treat several skin afflictions, it has been found to be very effective in curing canker sores as well. Glycyrrhizin, which is an active ingredient in licorice root, is instrumental in curing canker sores.
It creates a soothing effect and helps get relief from the burning and itching sensation caused by canker sores. Moreover, licorice root has some great anti-inflammatory properties as well which help hasten the healing process by reducing the inflammation. Licorice root extract is one of the best natural home remedies for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no way this remedy cannot be good. For severe cases of infection it is advisable to consult your doctor.
2. Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate)
Procedure:
- Take two teaspoons of baking soda. Sprinkle some water to make a paste.
- Apply the paste on the affected areas. Alternatively, mix it in a glass of warm water.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution. Repeat the process twice daily for a week.
How does this work?
Baking soda has some excellent antiseptic properties that help heal the canker sores faster. It also has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the inflammation and have a soothing effect. Treating the canker sores with baking soda gives instant relief from the intense itching caused by the infection. Baking soda is one of the most effective home remedies for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no way this remedy cannot be good. For severe cases of infection it is advisable to consult your doctor.
1. Sage Leaves
Procedure:
- Boil a bunch of fresh Sage leaves in a glass of water.
- Let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and allow the solution to cool down.
- Rinse your mouth with this solution.
- Repeat the process twice or thrice daily for a week.
How does this work?
Sage leaves are known to have a calming effect and offer instant relief from the itching and burning sensation caused by canker sores. The astringent effect of Sage leaves decoction has a drying effect on the canker sores, which dry up and wither away and drop off. Regular use of Sage leaf for treating canker leaves makes one of the best natural home remedies for canker sores.
The Remedy is not Good if:
There is no way this remedy cannot be good. For severe cases of infection it is advisable to consult your doctor.
Additional Tips
- Avoid consuming acidic foods as they can only aggravate the situation.
- While one home remedy may suit you, another may not hence try any of the remedies first and if they show improvement, continue with the treatment until you get cured.
- Learn to bust the stress and relax a bit, as this will do a whole lot of good and prevent the outbreak of canker sores.
I would like to know What if a canker sore doesn’t go away after trying these remedies? Is there any reasons for it?
Hi Steve, I tried three of the given remedies and I could see some drastic change. My canker sores got disappeared after trying these remedies.
We are confident that following this remedies will help you overcome canker sores. It will surely help you. If it still persists after that you can contact us Mr.Steve Taylor.
I get sores a lot! And usually I just suffer through. Well after reading this, I tried the honey. Hurt at first but very shortly after it has numbed my sores. Hopefully this numbing will last and I can keep using the honey until they heal.
will cold compress be a good remedy for canker sores?
Yes Mr. Steve
I got sores a lot with in a month,after trying the aloe vera and honey i could see a lot of changes.sores got decreasing drastically.
The coconut oil treatment is the best among these
Is canker sores resembles that any problem in our body or here any other problem that causes canker sores?
Thanks a lot !! These are the best home remedies for canker sores. I tried it.
Coconut Oil is the best
I have tried many times