Natural Remedies for Canker Sores

Article by Cherrineb (2,880 pts ) , published Jun 30, 2009

Canker sores are the most common causes of mouth sores. What causes canker sores can be can confusing. However, home remedies for canker sores can help minimize discomfort. Some home remedies for canker sores include aloe juice, baking soda, papaya, and salt.

Canker Sores Defined

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are tiny sores are usually red in color and develop on the soft tissues of the mouth such as the base of the gums and under the tongue. These mouth sores may cause discomfort while talking, eating, and drinking.

Canker sores can develop in different people. However, these sores are more commonly found in teenagers and women in their twenties. Although the sores may be uncomfortable, they are not contagious and may clear up in 2 to 3 weeks without treatment.

What Causes Canker Sores

A typical question asked by people who experience these small mouth ulcers is "What causes canker sores?". There is no specific cause of canker sores. However, there are some possible triggers which may cause a sore to form in the mouth.

One common causes of a canker sore is stress. A person who experiences stress may have a lower resistance and mouth sores may form as a body defense.

Some other commonly known canker sore triggers are hormonal changes such as menopause, food allergies, and vitamin deficiencies. Once the question "What causes canker sores?" has been addressed an individual can use home remedies for canker sores.

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

There are home remedies for canker sores to help reduce discomfort until the sore disappears. One common treatment is mixing warm water with a tiny amount of hydrogen peroxide and applying the mixture directly to canker sore. A soft cotton swab may be used and a tiny amount of Milk of Magnesia can be applied 2 to 3 times per day.

Two well-known home remedies for canker sores are aloe juice and baking soda. Aloe juice can be a natural cure for canker sores and baking soda may be used in multiple ways. One way is as a powder directly to the mouth sore. Another method is combining 1 tablespoon of water with baking soda and creating a paste before applying. The final way is mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with one cup of water and using as a mouthwash.

Papaya tablets, fresh papaya, or papaya juices are common natural treatments for canker sores. Also, a teaspoon of salt can be mixed with 1 cup of warm water and gargled for 1 to 2 minutes daily.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354

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