Table of Contents

• Introduction

Introduction

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are painful sores that appear on the inside of the mouth, on the lips, or on the tongue. They can be small or large, and they can last for up to two weeks. While canker sores are not contagious, they can be very painful and make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to get rid of canker sores and alleviate the pain.

Practice good oral hygiene

One of the best ways to prevent canker sores is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash to kill any bacteria that may be present in your mouth. By keeping your mouth clean, you can reduce the chances of developing canker sores.

Avoid spicy and acidic foods

Spicy and acidic foods can irritate the lining of your mouth and make canker sores worse. Try to avoid eating foods that are spicy, acidic, or salty until your canker sores have healed.

Rinse your mouth with salt water Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores. Simply mix one teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water, and then swish the mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Use over-the-counter pain relief

Over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores. Be sure to follow the directions on the label, and do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Apply a topical treatment

There are several topical treatments that can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores. These include topical numbing agents, such as benzocaine, and topical steroids, such as hydrocortisone. These medications can be applied directly to the canker sore, and can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with it.

Try natural remedies

There are several natural remedies that can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores. These include applying aloe vera gel directly to the canker sore, or using a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste that can be applied to the sore. Some people also find that taking a vitamin B12 supplement can help to prevent canker sores from forming.

Visit your dentist

If you have recurrent canker sores or they are not healing, it may be time to visit your dentist. Your dentist can examine your mouth and determine if there are any underlying issues that may be causing your canker sores, such as a nutritional deficiency or an autoimmune disorder.

In conclusion, canker sores can be very painful and uncomfortable, but there are several things that you can do to get rid of them and alleviate the pain. By practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding spicy and acidic foods, rinsing your mouth with salt water, using over-the-counter pain relief, applying a topical treatment, trying natural remedies, and visiting your dentist, you can reduce the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores and prevent them from returning in the future.

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