Natural Canker Sore Remedies - Relief and Treatment

Looking for natural canker sore remedies?

The cause of canker sores is unknown, but they often afflict those who are fatigued, who have poor diets, or who are stressed. Evidence suggests people taking certain drugs are more prone, as are those in the same family as sufferers. Factors such as mouth injury (slip of the toothbrush) also play a part.

While 20% of the population is subject to canker sores, women are more prone than men to suffer them.

Treatment is usually not necessary as sores go away by themselves within a week or so. Over-the-counter mouth washes such as Listerine or salt water helps when used as a rinse. A mixture of hydrogen peroxide diluted with water can be applied to the sores, as can a small amount of milk of magnesia 3 to 4 times a day.

For severe cases, an anti- inflammatory (corticosteroids) can be used. As part of using canker sore remedies, take care to use good dental practices to prevent bacterial infections.

For reoccurring canker sores, you may need to see a physician as food allergies, hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies may not be easy to realize without professional help. Vitamin B12 might be necessary and supplementation can be added to daily vitamin / mineral intake; for the vegetarian, seaweed can be incorporated into the diet to boost B12.

There are other useful natural canker sore remedies. Oil from a vitamin E capsule can be squeezed onto the sores several times per day for aid in healing. Also, baking soda mixed with enough water to make a paste can be applied to the sores.

A mixture of honey and turmeric can be dabbed on the sores, as can a moistened tea bag for the drying power of the tannic acid. Cranberry juice can help relieve pain and aids in healing when used throughout the day.

Other good canker sore remedies from the kitchen include cayenne pepper for its capsaicin, as it can numb the nerves causing the pain (though it can be overly irritating for some), and sage for its calming effects, once leaves have been steeped in water and used as a rinse several times daily.

Also, the juice of aloe washed over sores is soothing as well as having healing properties. If nothing else is available, ice on the sores works well to numb the pain - a simple canker sore remedy indeed.

Beef up on minerals and vitamin A by taking supplements or incorporating mineral rich foods into the diet (vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fish), as a deficiency in both of these areas is thought to be directly linked to canker sores.

While avoiding stress can be difficult at times, it is important for you to know that it can also lead to canker sores. If it is a problem, you can try techniques such as meditation or yoga, as both are relaxing. Indeed, stress management and relief are an important part of natural canker sore remedies.

Exercise is also a good tool for relaxation, especially if an aerobic routine is developed. Exercise ensures deep breathing and a boost in circulation, which means better oxygen distribution throughout the body. All of these factors play an important role in stress reduction.

Smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol should all be avoided for the mouth's sake. Also, avoid anesthetic mouthwashes, as their comfort is brief and they are an irritant in the long run. Eat soft, cool foods, as they can bring comfort. These are important tips in your search for natural canker sore remedies.

Vitamin B, vitamin C, iron, zinc, L-cysteine, MSN as well as folic acid will add to the body's ability to protect against further outbreaks through immune system enhancement.

To learn more about canker sore remedies to help alleviate this ailment naturally, read the other related canker sore articles and pages.

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