Have you ever been annoyed with braces and having painful sores in your mouth? Or have you bit your lip or cheek and had a sore after a few days? Well, there is a name for that, and it’s called “Canker sores”.

Canker sores are small open wound or ulcers that develop in the mouth or gums. It is also known as aphthous ulcers. The term “aphthous” originated from a Greek word “aphthae” which means ulceration.

It usually has a white or yellow color and inflamed. This condition makes eating or talking a very painful job. It indeed is very irritating and sometimes painful to get canker sores.

People with low supply of vitamins B-3, B-9, or B-12, are likely to be more prone to getting this condition. Usual symptoms of canker sores are: white or yellow shaped lesion, tingling sensation on affected area, painful and swollen area, and sometimes fever,

It is sometimes confused as a cold sore . However, unlike a canker sore, cold sores appear as blisters and form on the outside of your mouth. But good news is, canker sores usually heal on their own after a few weeks.

Aphthous mouth ulcers most commonly begin to appear between the ages of 10 - 19.

Possible triggers of aphthous ulcers include:

* Mouth injury for example from cuts, burns or bites while eating, braces, hard brushing or dentures

* Sodium lauryl sulfate – an active ingredient in some toothpastes and mouthwashes; this compound is known to prolong the time needed for ulcers to heal

* Acidic and spicy foods

* A deficiency of vitamins and/or minerals including zinc, B-12, folate and iron that may present with anemia

* An allergic reaction to oral bacteria

* Using, as well as quitting, the use of tobacco products

* Hormonal change

* Having a weakened immune system, due to certain chronic conditions

* Bacteria

Not all canker sores are the same, they vary as minor, major, and herpetiform.

Minor Aphthous Stomatitis — it is the most popular type of canker. The sores are usually small in size and can heal in about a week.

Major Aphthous Stomatitis — this type can be really painful. These sores often last for two weeks or more. If you have this type, it will be very difficult to eat, drink, or talk.

Herpetiform Aphthous Stomatitis — this is the most uncommon out of all types. It can last for just over a week. This can occur when multiple lesions fuse together and form a large singular ulcer. It is called Herpetiform, because it's ulcers physically look similar to herpes ulcers.

Here are natural remedies for a canker sore:

1. SALT WATER GARGLE

Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a go-to home remedy and unfortunately a very painful one. Sal and water gargle is a very simple yet effective way to treat sores because it washes away unwanted bacteria that can worsen the sore.

To make this gargle, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water and just gargle the solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this every few hours as needed.

2. HONEY

Honey is already known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities. But how about for canker sores? According to a study, honey is effective in reducing canker sore pain and inflammation. To have the best effectivity, use Manuka honey instead of regular honey you find in grocery stores. Manuka honey is better than other types of honey because of its healing properties.

To use this topical treatment, simply just apply the manuka honey directly on the affected sore. This is better than gargling salt water because this is very edible and easy to do.

3. SAGE

This ingredient has been traditionally used to treat mouth inflammation because it kills bacteria and viruses. It has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.

To make sage tea, boil water with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves and steep for at least 5 minutes. Let the tea cool down and gargle it for a couple minutes.

4. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider has always been a good remedy for some conditions and that includes canker sores. It can clean wounds and kill bacteria. This can be a great mouthwash to eliminate your sores. Since apple cider is acidic, use it with precaution.

To make the mouthwash, combine 1 teaspoon of Apple cider with a cup of water and gargle for 1 minute. Repeat the remedy as needed.

5. BRUSHING TEETH REGULARLY

This has to be the most used remedy because it will really cause you many mouth and teeth problems. It is a very important daily routine to brush your teeth at least 3 times a day. Through brushing your teeth regularly, you can greatly avoid having mouth infections, sores, and having your teeth fall out. If you do have proper hygiene and brush teeth regularly, then you are safe from any bacterial caused conditions in the mouth.

6. ALOE VERA

Aloe vera is said to soothe burns, inflammation, and many more. By applying aloe vera on the sore, it may help soothe irritation as well as reduce symptoms from canker sores.

According to a clinical trial study, which included 40 patients, two percent aloe vera gel may decrease the frequency and occurrence of canker sores, and quickly reduce the size of these lesions.

7. ECHINACEA

This is known to be a popular ingredient used for natural remedies. It can help treat wounds and strengthen the immune system. This advantage can greatly help from avoiding canker sores.

To make this tea, add 1 teaspoon of water and 1 teaspoon of echinacea. You may either gargle the mixture for 2 minutes or gargle and swallow since it’s edible. Repeat this procedure after brushing the teeth.

8. MILK MAGNESIA

This is usually used to relieve constipation. It also contains magnesium hydroxide which can help change the pH balance in the mouth to prevent from getting symptoms of canker sores.

Simply apply a small amount of milk of magnesia to the affected sore and let it stay for a minute. You can repeat this three times daily or as needed.

9. CHAMOMILE

This herb is already known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties that’s why it’s been popular in natural remedies. It is usually used to treat certain conditions such as, common colds, eczema, arthritis symptoms, ulcers, and infections. Chamomile tea bags can be used as a compress to soothe canker sores.

Apply a wet chamomile tea bag to your canker sore, and leave it on for a few minutes. You can also rinse your mouth with freshly brewed chamomile tea. Repeat the treatment three to four times daily.

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