01Maintain good oral hygiene

  • Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Use a mouth rinse or an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and promote healing.
  • Avoid acidic and spicy foods that can irritate the canker sore.

02Use over-the-counter remedies

  • Apply an over-the-counter oral gel or ointment directly on the canker sore for pain relief.
  • Try using a numbing agent like benzocaine to temporarily numb the area and reduce discomfort.
  • Use a medicated mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide to clean the sore and promote healing.

03Try home remedies

  • Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Apply a small amount of honey directly on the canker sore for its antibacterial properties.
  • Place a damp black tea bag on the sore for a few minutes to alleviate pain and aid in healing.

04Avoid triggering factors

  • Manage stress as it can weaken the immune system and make you more prone to canker sores.
  • Avoid foods that may trigger canker sores, such as citrus fruits, nuts, and spicy foods.
  • Quit smoking or using tobacco products as they can irritate the mouth and delay healing.

05When to seek medical attention

  • If the canker sore doesn't heal within two weeks or keeps recurring, consult a healthcare professional.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if the sore is unusually large, extremely painful, or accompanied by other symptoms.
  • A healthcare professional may prescribe a stronger medication or perform additional tests if necessary.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively treat a canker sore and find relief from the associated discomfort. Remember to practice good oral hygiene, utilize over-the-counter remedies, try home remedies, avoid triggering factors, and seek medical attention if needed.

MethodsDetails
Maintain good oral hygieneBrush teeth gently, use mouth rinse, avoid irritating foods
Use over-the-counter remediesApply oral gel, use numbing agent, try medicated mouthwash
Try home remediesRinse with saltwater, apply honey, use black tea bag
Avoid triggering factorsManage stress, avoid certain foods, quit smoking
When to seek medical attentionConsult a healthcare professional if it doesn't heal, is large or extremely painful
canker sores
treatment
mouth ulcers