Canker sore refers to open wounds in your mouth. They are usually not contiguous, but they can be very painful. It takes canker sores about 1-2 weeks to heal. However, there are some things you can do at home that will help them heal quicker than if they were left untreated. You can heal most of the sores in your home.
At Home
These sores can be caused by stress, vitamin deficiencies, spicy foods, or food that will nick or irritate the gums or mouth. Braces can cause sores in the mouth from time to time. The braces rub up against your gums.
- Salt – Mix a teaspoonful of salt with a glass of warm, filtered water and then gargle with it. It should be left in your mouth for 1-2 minutes. Do not swallow. Do not swallow cold water. It will make your mouth ache and cause you pain. Warm water is better for your health.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – The instructions on the bottle of hydrogen peroxide will show you how to make a mixture. It is usually just one part hydrogen peroxide to equal parts warm water. You will need to swirl it around your mouth and then spit it out. Do not swallow it. Repeat this several times per day to control the canker sore. This is the method that dentists recommend you use most often.
- Baking soda – Mix a thick paste made of baking soda and water to apply to the sore. Let it sit for a while before rinsing it with water. After this step, rinse your mouth with salt water. This will give you two treatments in one.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the options that you have for treating this problem at home. However, if it persists after a few days, you may need to contact your dentist. They can give you prescriptions for medication that will speed up the healing process. You should see your dentist if you have them often to determine if you can prevent them from returning.
