33 Home Remedies for Canker Sores + Infographic

Canker sores (also called as “aphthous ulcers” or “aphthous stomatitis”) are minute lesions or ulcers generally found at the bottom of the gums in the mouth. They make talking and eating painful. They can also be seen on the tongue, internal lining of the cheeks, and inside the lips. Canker sores can be categorized into 2 types- simple canker sores and complex cancer sores.

Simple sores come into view 3-4 times a year in people between the age of 10 and 20 years, and may last up to a week. Complex sores appear less frequent in those people who have previously had them.

Causes of Canker Sores

Generally, any of the following causes can be a reason for canker sore:

For simple canker sores:

• Tissue injury.
• Certain foods such as acidic or citrus vegetables and fruits which includes lemons, pineapples, oranges, figs, apples, strawberries, and tomatoes.
• Sometimes a dental appliance or a pointed tooth surface, for example, ill-fitting dentures or braces might also set off canker sores.
• A slight injury caused by eating coarse foods such as nuts and chips or by biting the internal portion of the mouth.
• Menstrual period.
• Food allergies.
• Trauma to the mouth.
• Bacterial infections.

For complex canker sores:

• An impaired immune system.
• Nutritional imbalance, such as lack of iron, vitamin B-12, folic acid, zinc.
• Gastrointestinal tract disease which includes Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.

Symptoms of Canker Sores

Canker sores are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• An itchy or burning sensation in the mouth approximately 24 hours prior they appear.
• A gray or yellow crater appears in the mouth with a red border neighboring it.
• The sore or sores are quite painful and one experiences great difficulty while eating or drinking.
• Sore is generally white in color.

Some people may also perceive the following less common symptoms:

• Lethargy and sluggishness
• Distended lymph nodes
• Fever

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Are you exasperated of those monstrous canker sores in your mouth? Here are some of the amazing and easy-to-use home remedies. You can find most of the ingredients available at your home. Use them to get rid of canker sores.

1. Alum Powder

Alum powder, an ingredient commonly found in most of the kitchens can be used to treat canker sores naturally. Place a little quantity (about size of a pea) of alum powder directly on the canker sore. Let it sit for 60 seconds. It is generally bitter in taste. Do not swallow the powder. After 60 seconds, spit your saliva as well as the alum. Do not wash your mouth with water. Within 24 hours the pain will decrease.

2. Essential Oils

Put one drop of any of the 2 essential oils right onto the ulcer- oregano essential oil or melaleuca essential oil.

3. Salt Water Method

It may be a very painful procedure, but it is one of the best methods to cure canker sores. Add one teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water and mix it well. Use it to rinse your mouth multiple times. Thereafter, take a pinch of salt and put it directly on the canker sore. You may also use baking soda in place of salt to mix it with water.

4. Baking Soda and Aloe Vera

This remedy is not as painful as others, but then, comparatively, it takes longer time to heal the sores. Make use of aloe juice to clean your mouth. After rinsing it, apply baking soda directly on the canker sores.

5. Using 3% Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

Pour a small amount of hydrogen peroxide solution in a plastic soda cap and dilute it by adding similar quantity of water. Immerse a Q-tip into the peroxide solution and apply it on the canker sore. Repeat it two times a day to heal the canker sore will in 2-3 days. Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide.

6. Milk of Magnesia

Apply milk of magnesia on the canker sores multiple times in a day. The antacid present in it counteracts the acidic environment and alters the pH which, in turn, reduces the activities of sore-causing bacteria.

7. Antacid or Antihistamine Mix

Mix one part of diphenhydramine (sold as Benadryl) and one part of antacid such as Kaopectate or Maalox. Place and swish it around your mouth and spit it out.

8. Lemon

Squeeze a lemon with the help of a lemon squeezer. Apply it on the sore with a clean finger. Leave it for about 1-5 minutes. If needed, you may rinse it off. Repeat it a number of times. You can also squeeze 1-2 drops of lemon on the ulcer directly.

9. Ice Cubes

Put an ice cube on the canker sores and let it melt over the sores.

10. Coriander

Coriander is one of the finest ingredients for curing canker sore. It comprises antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties which effectually lessens the pain and uneasiness. Boil some coriander leaves in a glass full of water. Strain the solution and let the water cool down. Rinse your mouth with this water 3 to 4 times a day.

• Alternatively, take 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds and boil them in 1 cup of water. Let the mixture sit for a short time and then strain. Gargle with it 3 or 4 times a day.
• You may also drink the juice made from fresh coriander leaves multiple times a day. Instead of gulping the juice completely, keep it in your mouth for a couple of minutes, so that, the juice could heal the inflated area.

11. Honey

Honey is a soothing substance and has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Put 1 teaspoon of honey around the canker sore. It may hurt for a couple of minutes, but gradually it will ease the pain as well as inflammation. Try this 2-3 times a day.

• Or else, combine ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of honey to make a fine paste. Apply this paste on the canker sore and leave it for some time. Gargle well with tepid water and repeat this process twice a day.

12. Cayenne Pepper

Another commonly used ingredient for curing canker sore is cayenne pepper which contains capsaicin that can momentarily numb the nerves, resulting in immediate relief from the pain and inflammation. Get small amount of cayenne pepper and mix it with a little water. Apply this paste directly onto the canker sore. Initially, you might sense some irritation, but in a little while, you will feel much relieved. Repeat it a couple of times daily, for some days until the sore totally disappear.

• As an alternative, you may also eat a few candies that contain cayenne pepper as one of the chief ingredients. This will provide respite from the discomfort caused by the canker sore.

13. Onion Juice

Onions have sulfur which helps treat canker sores. Cut half an onion into small pieces. Crush a few pieces and apply on the affected skin for a few minutes. Ensure that the juice of the onion is absorbed by the canker sore. Perform this 3 or 4 times a day.

• Or else, you may also make a paste of one medium-sized onion or extract the juice of an onion and apply it directly on the sore. Carry this out a couple of times every day.
• Canker sores can also be healed and prevented by eating at least 1 raw onion daily.

14. Topical Creams

Topical pastes such as Lidex, Anbesol (Benzocaine), Aphthasol or Vanos may aid easing the ache caused by canker sores. For quick respite, apply the cream on the affected area as soon as it appears. Use it 2 to 4 times a day until the sore completely disappears.

15. Papaya

Eat papaya or drink its juice to clear the canker sore. Allow the juice or pieces of papaya to linger for some time in the mouth so that it could make direct contact with the sores. You may also use papaya tablets to get rid of sores. These tablets will work in the same way as the papaya juice or fruit does.

16. Moist Tea Bag

Used tea bag contains tannic acid which is a type of an astringent and it reduces uneasiness and speeds up the healing process. You can use either green tea bag or black tea bag. After making a cup of tea, put the wet tea bag inside the refrigerator for a couple of minutes. Press the ice-cold, wet tea bag softly over the canker sore for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat it 2-3 times a day for effective results.

17. Grapefruit

Mix a teaspoon of grapefruit seed in a glass of water. Rinse your mouth with it twice a day.

18. Plum Juice

Use plum juice as a mouthwash to alleviate the sores. Another way is to soak a cotton ball in plum juice and place it on the canker sores.

19. Clove Oil

Pour a few drops of clove oil directly on the sore. Let it sit on the sores for some time and then rinse.

Herbal Remedies to Cure Canker Sores

20. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is one of the natural and easy-to-use home remedies for healing canker sores. It has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and remedial properties that reduce sores in a few days. Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and get the gel. Apply it directly onto the canker sore.

• Or else, you can rinse the interior of your mouth with fresh aloe vera 3 or 4 times a day.
• Alternatively, you can also intake a minimum of 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel 3 times a day for positive outcome.

21. Tea Tree Oil

Owing to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil works wonders on canker sores. Add 9-10 drops of tea tree oil to a glass full of water. Utilize this solution as a mouthwash. Swish your mouth with this 3 or 4 times a day.

• Or else, add 2 drops of tea tree oil in 1½ tablespoons of water. Apply it directly on the sore. Follow this procedure twice or thrice a day.

22. Sage

You may also use sage to effectively heal canker sores at home. The soothing properties of sage provide immediate relief from the symptoms related to canker sores. Boil 2 cups of tap water and add 3 teaspoons of sage leaves to it. Let the solution sit for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Cool it down to room temperature and then use it to clean your mouth 3-4 times a day.

• As an alternative option, you may also apply sage leaves in a powdered form directly on the canker sore and leave it for a couple of minutes. Practice repeating this method multiple times a day to get rid of the sores.

23. Calendula Tea or Goldenseal Tea

Canker sores can be easily cured if you gargle with goldenseal tea or calendula tea. For preparing this tea, take a teaspoon or two of this dried herb and add it to a cup of boiled water. Leave this tea for 10 minutes. Strain and use it as a mouthwash for 3-4 times a day.

24. Myrrh

Myrrh is well-off in tannins and is used as a traditional remedy for gum and mouth irritations. Powdered myrrh is helpful in easing mild inflammations of the oral cavity. Add 4ml of myrrh tincture in lukewarm water and swish it in the mouth 2-3 times a day. Or you can open up a capsule and apply it directly on the sore.

25. Tea

Prepare a tea by mixing various herbs that are rich in tannin, for example, eucalyptus, St. John’s wort, licorice, sage, blueberry, raspberry and peppermint.

• Alternatively, you can also prepare a tea by mixing burdock root, oak, red clover, rest-harrow, calendula and red raspberry. And employ it as a mouth wash.

26. Cankerroot (Coptis Groenlandica) or Goldthread

This plant received its name because of its traditional use for healing canker sores. Cankerroot was used as a tea to treat both sore throat and canker sores by many American Indians. All you need to do is, simply, chew the raw root and your pain will diminish in a couple of minutes.

27. Licorice

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) has the power to heal wounds. Mix 200mg of powdered DGL and 200ml of warm water. Swish it in the mouth for 2-3 minutes and then spit out. Repeat this process every morning and evening for at least 1 week.

28. Wild Geranium (Geranium Maculatum)

Wild geranium was widely used as an astringent by the Cherokee Indians to stop the bleeding of open wounds and cure mouth sores.

29. Echinacea

Echinacea has immune-strengthening, antiviral, and wound-healing properties which are helpful in curing mouth ulcers. Swish about 4 ml of liquid Echinacea in the mouth for 2-3 minutes. Repeat this process three times a day. You can also use tablets and capsules containing Echinacea.

30. Chamomile

Tea prepared from chamomile can be used to cure canker sores. Chamomile has healing properties which gives a calming effect on inner lining of the mouth. Swish tea prepared from chamomile tincture in your mouth 3-4 times a day.

31. Fenugreek

Add 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water. Boil and strain it. Use this liquid to gargle and swallow very little bit of it.

32. Nettle

Mix sage, nettle, and chicory in the ratio of 1:3:3. Add 1 quart cold water to this herbal mixture and leave it overnight. Next day, boil this mixture, steep for approximately 5 minutes and then strain. Drink one cup of this herbal solution 3 times a day.

33. Slippery Elm

Add a few drops of water in a tablespoon of slippery elm to prepare a paste. Apply it on the sore. Rinse it off after a few minutes. Or, get slippery elm lozenges from the nearby drug store and suck it.

Do’s

• Eat a lot of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
• Brush your teeth daily after taking meals. Use soft brushes in order to prevent irritation.

3. Eat food that can be easily swallowed such as soup or yogurt. Or you can choose to mash your food before eating.
4. Drink cold fluids like iced tea, water, or eat Popsicles. Use a straw, so that, the fluid does not touch the canker sore.

Don’ts

• Shun eating foods such as nuts, pretzels, chips, salty foods, certain spices, coffee, chocolate, seeds, tomatoes, and acidic fruits like grapefruit, pineapple and oranges that may cause irritation in your mouth.
• Avoid talking to anyone while chewing your food.
• Do not use mouth rinses and toothpastes that have sodium lauryl sulfate.
• Keep stress at bay by using varied number of stress-reduction techniques, for example, guided imagery and meditation.