How to Relieve Pain From Canker Sores

by Dr Susan Jewell MD

Canker sores, which usually present as painful, craterlike red sores in the mouth or tongue, can affect anyone at any age and can be triggered by many factors including: genetics, stress, weak immune system, certain foods, biting the mouth or tongue and emotional stress.

This article will help you find ways to relieve the pain from canker sores.

1 Use oral antiseptic mouth rinse containing peroxide and glycerin and gargle for a few minutes several times a day. Peroxide will kill the bacteria and the glycerin will provide a protective coating over the sore.

2 Use a medicated canker sore oral gel or cream that contains benzocaine, menthol, camphor or alcohol. This will help give some relief from the pain.

3 A quick and cheap way to help faster healing of the sore is to mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with a glass of water and use as a gargle mouth rinse.

4 It is important to keep your mouth clean and to brush your teeth daily while the sore is healing. Be very careful not to irritate the sore. Find toothpaste that contains triclosan, an antimicrobial ingredient that can help to heal the sore.

5 Applying Vitamin E oil to the sore can help the healing process and lubricate the tissue. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids can also help in healing.

6 Eating yogurt containing active lactobacillus acidophilus helps to reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouth