What can be more irritating than canker sores because they cause eating and even speaking problems? There are various causes behind these painful lesions or ulcers. Here we will discuss the causes and remedies to get rid of these canker sores.
Causes of canker sores
Vitamin deficiencies
Junk food
Braces
Stress
Acidic fruits and drinks
Hormone changes
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Some mouth rinses and kinds of toothpaste
Stomach ulcers
Remedies
Oral gel
There are many oral gels available in the market, and they act as a soothing agent on canker sores. But do not overuse these gels because they can be harmful.
Mouth rinse
Mouthwash or mouth rinse is the best remedy to get rid of mouth bacteria, and they also kill germs present in those lesions appearing in the mouth.
Saltwater rinse
Saltwater is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. When a person is suffering from tonsils, they are suggested to gargle with salt water since it kills bacteria which causes swelling. Tonsils likewise canker sores inflammation is reduced by saltwater gargles.
Oral hygiene
Mouth diseases are always the result of poor oral hygiene. Never forget to brush your teeth two times, and regular use of mouthwash is also mandatory for our health. Flossing is another way to keep your mouth clean. Incorporate it into your daily routine right after having a meal. It saves us from many diseases related to the mouth and teeth.
Vitamin B12 supplements
It would not be wrong to call vitamin B12 “canker sore vitamin” since it has cured many people suffering from these irritating canker sores.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea always gives a soothing effect to the body. It is suggested due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Drink it twice a day to get a visible difference. You can also dip cotton in chamomile tea and keep it on canker sores for 2 minutes. It reduces swelling and pain caused by these sores.
Honey
Who can ignore the benefits of honey? Whether it’s a cold, chest infection, flu, sore throat, or any other disease, people take it to decrease the pain caused by different conditions. This works as the best antibacterial and is knowns as a powerful antibiotic. You can directly apply it on canker sores or mix it with water and drink it daily.
Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient way of cleaning the mouth. It flushes out toxins from the body and keeps us healthy. It is beneficial for our oral health, but it notices many positive changes. Take one tablespoon cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, swash it in your mouth for 15- 20 minutes, and then spit it out. You can use other virgin oils, but coconut oil works like magic. The best time to practice oil pulling is in the morning, right after waking up.
Aloe vera
No one can deny the benefits of aloe vera. It soothes skin and reduces inflammation. Apply aloe vera gel directly on the canker sores and wash it after 2-3 hours. It will also decrease the pain caused by these sores.
Zinc lozenges
When it comes to natural antibiotics, zinc is worth mentioning. People suffering from canker sores are recommended to take zinc lozenges daily to recover quickly.
Alum
Take some alum powder on the tip of your hand but remember your hands should be clean; otherwise, it will make sores even worse, and apply alum powder on canker sores. Please wait for 5 minutes and then wash it off with the water.
Some remedies are effective in treating canker sores, but regular mouth cleaning keeps such diseases away. Incorporating good cleaning habits in our daily routine is beneficial for healthy living.
Also read: how to remove hair dye from skin.