In most cases, canker sores do not require any treatment, and there is nothing specific you need to do to get rid of a canker sore because it usually will heal on its own. Home remedies can be used to help relieve pain and inflammation of canker sores.
If a you already have a canker sore, there are home remedies that can be used to help relieve the pain or irritation caused by the sore and to speed healing:
- Topical medications applied directly on the sore, mouthwashes, and oral medications can relieve pain or inflammation.
- Allow ice chips to dissolve slowly in your moth for relief of pain.
- Avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits or spicy foods that may aggravate the sore.
- If there is any vitamin deficiency (a doctor can test for this), take supplementation as prescribed.
- Brush teeth gently and use a brush with soft bristles.
- Use toothpaste and mouthwash that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Another home remedy is to mix milk of magnesia with Benadryl liquid and use as a mouth rinse. You can also dab milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sore with a cotton swab.
- Rinse your mouth with a salt water or baking soda rinse. Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda per ½ cup water, and rinse.
- Other natural remedies include goldenseal mouth rinse, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) gargled in warm water, and saltwater rinses.
- Zinc lozenges may help provide relief and speed healing time. Do not give lozenges to young children, as they may be a choking risk.
- Vitamin C, vitamin B complex, and lysine can be taken orally when lesions first appear and may help speed healing.
- Infuse sage and chamomile herbs in water and use as a mouthwash four to six times daily.
- The herb Echinacea may help speed healing
- Carrot, celery, and cantaloupe juices may also be helpful.
Consult a health care professional before using any home remedy as many have not been scientifically tested or proven effective.