6 home remedies to treat canker sores
Canker sores are small white lesions surrounded by a reddened area , which usually appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue or palate . Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious.
In the vast majority of cases, as they appear, canker sores usually disappear on their own. However, to speed up the process, it is advisable to implement a series of measures that range from avoiding spicy foods to maintaining good hygiene in the area.
Causes of canker sores
The causes of these small sores can be very varied. So far, an exact cause of its appearance has not been determined, so it could be derived from different factors, depending on the case.
According to several experts, its development may be the result of problems in the immune system, bacteria or viruses; In addition, there could be a higher incidence due to:
- Stress.
- Smoking.
- Injuries to the mouth.
- Poor oral hygiene.
If canker sores appear frequently it is necessary to consult a doctor. In a small number of cases it can be a symptom of oral cancer .
Home remedies for canker sores
Luckily, there are several home remedies that can help you overcome canker sores. Here we mention some of the simplest, but useful.
1. Salt water
Salt has antiseptic properties that can be used to manage canker sores. When applied, you may feel some burning sensation; It is completely normal, since the salt is acting against bacteria. In a reasonable time, the burning will disappear.
You can substitute salt for baking soda, which, although it may sting at first, will also help to close wounds and heal canker sores. Be careful not to swallow the bicarbonate, as it can cause adverse reactions.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon of salt (2.5 g)
- 1 glass of water (250 ml)
Process
- Dilute the half teaspoon of salt in water to create a saline solution.
- Take a small amount of the liquid and gargle for 30 seconds.
- Repeat at least 3 times a day.
2. Calendula infusion
The calendula is a plant that has anti – inflammatory and antibacterial properties that act positively on the management of canker sores.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of marigold flowers (5 g)
- 1 glass of water (200 ml)
Process
- Bring a glass of water to a boil and add the teaspoon of marigold flowers. After a couple of minutes, remove the infusion and let it rest.
- When the liquid is warm, strain it and use it to gargle three times a day.
3. coconut milk
This liquid that is obtained from the white flesh of the coconut has some properties to help manage mouth sores.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of grated coconut (100 g)
- ½ glass of water (125 ml)
Process
- Heat the water and add it to the blender with the grated coconut. Process a whole couple of minutes and strain.
- Rinse your mouth with the milk 2 or 3 times a day.
4. Chamomile infusion
The Chamomile is an herb that has antiseptic and anti – inflammatory properties that can be exploited to reduce canker sores and reduce the risk of infection.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chamomile flowers (10 g)
- 1 glass of water (250 ml)
Process
- Bring the glass of water to a boil and, when it comes to a boil, add the chamomile flowers, lower the heat and allow it to infuse 5 more minutes.
- Let the liquid sit.
- Pass it through a strainer and use it to gargle about 3 times a day.
5. Aloe vera gel
The soothing and restorative properties of aloe vera gel have been known for hundreds of years. This natural product has an antiseptic, bactericidal, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing action that when applied to the mouth can help reduce this problem.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel (10 ml)
- ½ glass of water (125 ml)
Process
- Put the two ingredients in the blender and process until you get a liquid mixture.
- Use the liquid resulting from the smoothie as a mouthwash.
6. Ice
This is perhaps the cheapest and easiest remedy that can be used as therapy for canker sores. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that can decrease the discomfort caused by this condition. In addition, it helps to numb the area to decrease pain.
Ingredients
- 1 small ice cube
- 1 clean cloth
Process
- Wrap the ice in the clean cloth and apply it directly on the sore.
Aspects to consider
For these natural remedies to have the desired effect, it is essential to apply them constantly; however, if the sores remain for more than three weeks or seem to be getting worse, it is best to see your doctor immediately.
Despite the fact that these remedies are innocuous, it is best not to apply them all at once but to intersperse them. For example, you can rinse your mouth with aloe vera gel and then apply ice for a few minutes. Then the area is left to “rest” and, in case of discomfort, the same or another remedy is applied.
