How to get rid of canker sores is important information to know.  Canker sores are a painful and annoying ordeal that often interferes with talking and eating. Also known as an aphthous ulcer, or aphthous stomatitis, the canker sore is a common oral condition, experienced by 10% of the world’s population. A canker sore is characterized by a break in the mucous membrane in the soft tissues of the mouth. These affected tissues are located exclusively inside the mouth, and constitute the base of the gums, the tongue, the roof of the mouth, and the inner surfaces of the lips.
A canker sore is a swollen sore that is often solitary, although cases of small clusters of canker sores do occur. It is often preceded by a tingling or burning sensation in the affected area. This area swells, and after some time, bursts, creating a shallow, open, yellow or white wound, surrounded by a red border or “halo.”In some cases, especially if the gums are affected, the canker sore may be preceded by swelling in the lymph nodes below the jaw. This can be easily mistaken for a toothache, and an uncomfortable sensation in the teeth is a common experience in this instance. In extreme cases, some canker sores are accompanied by a fever. These cases require the consultation of a doctor.

Knowing how to get rid of canker sores can relieve pain and accelerate the healing process. Canker sores usually last between 10-14 days before completely healing. There are many remedies available that will make dealing with a canker sore a lot easier. These remedies range from home ingredients that can be found in any kitchen cupboard, to over-the-counter medications. Here are a range of options on how to get rid of canker sores.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores

Home Remedies

Baking Soda - Baking soda has many uses around the home. It is also a significant home

treatment to know how to get rid of canker sores. It helps the sore heal quickly by reducing the levels of alkalinity and bacteria in the mouth. To prepare, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water, to make a paste. Apply the paste directly to the sore.

Salt water/ Saline Solution -  Salt water is an effective antiseptic for any oral infection. Mix one teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water, and swish around the mouth for 30 seconds. To speed up the healing of a canker sore try using a salt water/saline solution up to three times a day.

Hydrogen peroxide – This is a powerful antiseptic treatment. Mix one part hydrogen peroxide to one part water. Apply this solution directly to the canker sore, taking care not to swallow.

Milk of Magnesia – Milk of magnesia is an effective home treatment for constipation, and is also used as an antacid. It can also help get rid of a canker sore, and is most efficacious when used after the application of a hydrogen peroxide solution to the affected area. Apply a dab of milk of magnesia directly to the sore after the hydrogen peroxide solution, three to four times a day. It will also relieve the pain.

Acidophilus – Acidophilus  is a probiotic that is commonly found in ingredients like yoghurt. It can also be ingested in capsule form. It stimulates the immune system, and is therefore effective in the treatment and prevention of canker sores. Take two to four capsules a day, with milk. It will speed the healing process and reduce pain.

 Aloe Juice – Aloe is a wonder-ingredient for the treatment of stings, burns and bites, and is just as effective in getting rid of canker sores. Rinse out the mouth with some aloe juice several times per day. It will reduce pain and encourage rapid recovery. Be aware, however, that some mild burning may be experienced.

Canker Sore Treatments

There are a variety of gels, pastes and mouthwashes on the market that are geared to numb the pain and to help get rid of canker sores. Anesthetic toothpaste or mouth rinse, for example, are good products to use for pain-reduction.

Canker Cover

The canker cover is a fantastic way to relieve pain and to treat an ulcer. There are many pro’s to using this treatment option. Not only does it give immediate pain relief but it also protects the sore. Eating and drinking will no longer be such a painful ordeal because the canker cover will remain in place and stop further irritation.

Once the clear gel patch is placed on the sore it will last for about 8-12 hours. Pain is relieved by the release of numbing menthol. Many people who have purchased this product have given positive reviews. The only negative to this product is that depending on the location of the canker, placing the cover may be a bit of a challenge. Overall the canker cover provides both relief and protection and many canker sore sufferers swear by it. Try Canker Cover  here.

Canker-Rid

This effective and natural product has been getting a lot of great reviews. Many customers have found that if this treatment is applied when the sore first appears, the ulcer will normally disappear in a matter of 2-3 days. Not only does it speed along the healing time but it is also a fast acting pain reliever.

Canker-Rid uses bee by-products, which is a common ingredient in homeopathic medicine. Those who are allergic to bees should not use Canker-Rid as they could get an allergic reaction.This product uses propollis, which is a bee resin that stops bacterial and fungal growth. That is why it is such an effective treatment for cankers, as it will kill the bacteria that inflames the ulcer. Try Canker-Rid and get fast relief.

The efficacy of all of these treatments is optimized when coupled with some adjustments in diet. For example, when suffering from a canker sore, it is best to avoid all acid-rich foods, or any hard/crunchy foods that may aggravate the exposed wound. Spicy foods, in particular, should be temporarily omitted from the diet. Ice-creams and cool yoghurts have been proven to soothe the pain and irritation of the canker sore.

What Causes Canker Sores?

Trauma – Common causes of canker sores are basic injuries to the oral tissue. These injuries can emerge from accidental bites to the flesh, or irritation caused from braces and other orthodontic equipment. The ruptured flesh from these occurrences becomes an ideal site for the development of a canker sore.

Toothpaste – Some toothpastes may dry the mouth out too much, leaving the flesh of the mouth prone to the acquisition of a canker sore, or other infections. Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) are often the cause of this. People who are prone to this type of drying effect are recommended SLS-free toothpastes, which contribute greatly to the avoidance of canker sores.

Nutritional deficiency – A deficiency of vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and C can be linked to canker sores. Zinc, folic acid, iron, selenium and calcium also help prevent the development of canker sores.

Allergies – Oral infections and diet are inextricably linked. Often, foods that are rich in acids can cause cankers sores – for example, tomatoes, pineapples and other fruits. Preservative-rich foods have been attributed to canker sores, as well as products containing benzoic acid and cinnemaldehyde. Chocolate and nuts may also be a problem. If you feel that an allergy may be to blame for your canker sores, monitor your diet and, one-by-one, eliminate the foods that you feel may be the cause.

Hormones – Experiences of canker sores may be linked to heredity, or the effect of environmental changes on the body. For women, hormonal fluctuations related to the menstrual cycle determine the prevalence of canker sores.

Stress – Stress, as it is commonly known, wreaks havoc on the health of the body in many ways. Canker sores and emotions strain share a very strong link.

Quitting Smoking -Smoking itself is not a direct cause of canker sores. People who have quit smoking often attempt to replace cigarettes with other things, such as foods, candies and gums. These could trigger canker sores.

Drugs – Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, and beta-blockers, like atenolol, are associated with a variety of side-effects. Canker sores are one such side-effect.

Other - Canker sores are associated with the bacterial strain of Heliobacter pylori, which causes peptic ulcers or stomach ulcers. Canker sores are also linked to inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

How to prevent canker sores?

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure, and the discomfort caused by canker sores is surprisingly easy to avoid when taking the appropriate preventative measures. Here is how to get rid of canker sores through prevention.

Boost the immune system – A healthy immune system is key to avoiding a range of infectious oral conditions. By regularly taking in vitamins, coupled with a healthy diet of raw foods, fresh fruit, vegetables and water, you can equip your body to combat the bacteria that cause canker sores. Regular sleep will also ensure that your immune system functions optimally.

Hygiene – Canker sores can be avoided through simple adjustments to your oral hygiene regime. Wash your mouth frequently, using a reliable anti-bacterial mouthwashes and rinses. Change your toothbrush every three to six months to reduce your exposure to potentially harmful germs that could cause canker sores.

Diet – If you find yourself predisposed to the development of canker sores because of a certain type of food, it is important to eliminate that food from your diet. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes and pineapples, nuts and chocolate may be responsible for canker sores.

Reduce stress – Find effective ways to manage stress in your life. Regular exercise is a trusted means of reducing stress the healthy way. Meditation, yoga and other breathing-based exercises may also prove to be valuable stress-management techniques.

Canker sore myths

It is easy for many people to confuse a canker sore with a cold sore. What are the main differences between the two? A canker sore is a bacterial infection. It is not contagious, and is the result of many factors that range from nutrition to hygiene (these will be explored in more detail below). A cold sore, on the other hand, is a viral condition, caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is highly contagious. Cold sores can be found on the outer surfaces of the mouth, while canker sores are purely prevalent on the inside.

It is important to note that canker sores, for the most part, are temporary, mild disorders of the mouth. However, in some instances, canker sores may be linked to more serious infections that require the attention of a doctor. If you find that your canker sore is accompanied by a fever, consult your doctor to acquire immediate professional advice on how to get rid of canker sores.