They often appear out of nowhere: the tongue, gums, palate, inside the lips or cheeks… Canker sores, also known as aphthous stomatitis, are small superficial ulcers that form on the mouth’s mucous membranes. Benign and non-contagious, they can nonetheless become very painful in daily life, especially when eating, drinking, or speaking.
In most cases, a canker sore heals spontaneously within one to two weeks. But several natural remedies can help ease the pain, limit inflammation, and promote faster healing.
Why do canker sores appear?
The exact causes of canker sores remain poorly identified, but several factors promote their appearance. Stress, fatigue, certain acidic or spicy foods, a minor injury from a tooth or a toothbrush that is too hard, or hormonal changes can trigger an aphthous flare-up.
In some people, canker sores recur regularly. An unbalanced diet, iron or B vitamin deficiencies, or a weakened immune system may also play a role.
How to treat canker sores naturally?
Painful with that characteristic burning sensation, but harmless, canker sores can become particularly troublesome when not treated. Fortunately, several natural remedies allow rapid pain relief and faster healing.
As always: baking soda
Baking soda helps to rebalance the mouth’s pH when it becomes too acidic.
Not only does it quickly ease the lesion, but used at the first sign of the canker sore, it can sometimes strongly limit its progression. Dissolve a teaspoon in a glass of warm water and then perform a mouth rinse for a few seconds.
Secret weapon against canker sores: colloidal silver
Suspension of silver microparticles in purified water, colloidal silver was widely used before the advent of modern antibiotics.
Colorless and odorless, it would quickly ease canker sores thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It would also promote healing of oral lesions.
Do a mouth rinse two to three times a day with a teaspoon of colloidal silver solution for a few minutes.
Other natural tips to quickly ease a canker sore
A few simple measures can also effectively relieve daily pain. Warm saltwater mouth rinses remain among the best-known solutions for lightly disinfecting the irritated area.
Cold can also help: gently pressing an ice cube on the canker sore often helps soothe the burning sensation.
Propolis, a substance produced by bees, is also reputed for its antiseptic and healing properties. Chewing a small piece of propolis can help calm oral irritations.
As for lemon juice, sometimes cited as a natural remedy, it can indeed have antiseptic action, but caution: its acidity can dramatically increase pain for some sensitive individuals.
Herbal medicine is a great aid against canker sores
Herbal medicines offer several interesting solutions to relieve aphthous crises. Some help to ease pain, others speed up healing or limit inflammation.
Black tea calms the pain
Rich in tannins, black tea has soothing properties and helps neutralize certain acids that worsen the pain.
Simply apply a damp and warm black tea bag directly to the canker sore for about ten minutes.
Aloe vera to promote healing
Anti-inflammatory and soothing, aloe vera is known for soothing burns, irritations and minor wounds.
As a mouthwash, aloe vera gel diluted in a little water helps to quickly calm the pain associated with canker sores. It can also be applied directly to the lesion.
Note: this is a local use and not a cure-all for drinking aloe vera.
Regain your smile with basil
Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, basil can help relieve oral lesions.
Chew a few fresh leaves gently to enjoy their aromatic compounds. Cloves can also be used for their mildly anesthetic properties.
Treat canker sores with licorice
Licorice has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that are beneficial for irritated mucous membranes.
It is available notably in the form of patches to apply directly to the canker sore, but also as sticks or lozenges to suck.
Echinacea to support natural defenses
Renowned for stimulating the immune system, echinacea is often used to help the body fight against various infections.
As a gargle or mouthwash diluted in warm water, it can help promote healing of oral lesions.
Myrrh for mouth lesions
Less well known, myrrh nevertheless has antiseptic and astringent actions that can be useful for oral problems.
- As a mouthwash: a few drops of mother tincture in a glass of water.
- Topical application: a drop on a cotton swab applied gently to the canker sore.
Treat canker sores with witch hazel
Rich in flavonoids and tannins, witch hazel helps to ease inflammations of the mucous membranes.
Make about 10 g of witch hazel in a liter of hot water, then use this infusion as a mouth rinse.
The aromatherapy bonus: bay laurel essential oil
Bay laurel essential oil is traditionally used against oral infections due to its antibacterial and healing properties.
Diluted in a little vegetable oil, a very small amount can be applied locally to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
However: essential oils are potent and not suitable for everyone, especially pregnant or nursing women and young children.
What foods should you avoid when you have canker sores?
Some foods can intensify pain and slow healing. For a few days, it’s best to limit highly acidic, spicy, or overly salty foods.
Nuts, chips, citrus fruits, or certain strongly fermented cheeses can irritate the already sensitive mucous membranes. Conversely, favoring a soft, warm, gentle diet often helps better tolerate aphthous flare-ups.
When should you see a doctor?
Very frequent canker sores, particularly large ones or those accompanied by fever, should prompt a consultation with a health professional. Some inflammatory or digestive diseases or deficiencies can sometimes explain recurrent outbreaks.
Similarly, if the lesions persist for more than two weeks despite treatment, medical advice is advisable.
