How To Find a Natural Remedy for Canker Sores
Painful sores on the inside of the cheeks, on the gums, under the tongue, or on the roof of one’s mouth are among the most annoying sources of discomfort in the world and if you are a frequent sufferer of canker sores, then you are probably looking for a way to say goodbye to the sting.
Most typically yellow in color and toting a red ring around the outside, canker sores can travel alone or in groups of two or twenty. Contrary to what many believe, according the experts, the tiny little sores are not contagious, though at times it might seem that way. Family members may pick up canker sores at the same time, but it is not thought to be a result on them catching it from each other. Instead, some people are more genetically prone to developing the sources of nuisance. Since they are more likely to appear with the onset of illness, the illness spreads and all those with the unfortunate genetics will likely sprout the sores as well.
Not everyone who develops a canker sore does so for the same reason. As stated above, they do like to form when the body is ill. However, they can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies, and at other times, the reason is not as clear. Regardless of the cause behind them, the tiny wounds should clear up within ten days. If they do not heal within two weeks or continue to form, then it might be time for trip to the doctor. If there is an infection, disease, or vitamin deficiency causing their outbreak, then it can be easily cleared with medication, vitamin supplements, or proper treatment. There is also a chance that the medications you are currently taking could be causing the problem. That being said, there is no reason to see the physician for the occasional, average onset. Canker sores have no known cure and are better to be left alone or treated with natural remedies rather than seeking prescription medication.
Playing Home Doctor: While one should never create his or her own medical concoctions without the advice of a doctor, there are a few over the counter remedies, which may seem a bit odd, but are dentist recommended. They also seem to do the trick when trying to lessen the stinging of these little oral pests. A one-to-one mixture of milk of magnesia and liquid Benadryl can often help a great deal when applied directly to the wound. The latter is able to reduce the inflammation and burn, while the first produces a barrier that helps protect the sore while it heals. Along the same lines, one could just opt for the marketed canker sore relievers such as Anbesol or Orajel for quick, numbing relief. Though these don’t typically last long, and are not recommended for constant reapplying.
Cool It!:What do you do when someone gets injured in another area of the body? Frequently the answer is to ice the area that hurts. Ice numbs and reduces swelling. Both of these characteristics can be very beneficial when dealing with annoying sores in the mouth. Rather than sucking on an ice cube, consider a popsicle or a glass of really cold water. Just as this helps to relieve the pain, spicy or very hot foods can make it worse. So, it might be time to take a break from the hot chili competitions.
Soda Saves: It’s not the kind in the bottle that will help in this situation. In fact, that could make it worse, but some good old fashion baking soda might just do the trick. It doesn’t taste overly delicious, but it does help heal and relieve the associated pain of canker sores. Similarly, combining salt, baking soda, and peroxide to create a rinse can be very effective at healing the sores in record time. What is the bad news? This concoction likely tastes worse than the straight baking soda. There is more than one reason why we don’t drink peroxide. For those who are strong and tolerate a little pain well, straight salt is also a good option for curing the dilemma.
Juice it: It sounds gross, but it really isn’t. Drinking a glass of cranberry juice a couple of times per day during an outbreak can be a great help. Not only will this kill the pain for a bit, it will also speed up recovery, and have you back on track the next time you want to hit up the chili fair.
Canker sores can be painful, and they certainly are annoying, but there is little danger associated with them. Common sense goes a long way when treating the little wounds. If it feels good, then it is probably going to help. If it feels bad and you aren’t sure, it’s probably best to avoid doing it (the exception being a couple of the ‘if it stings its working’ remedies above.)