Canker sores commonly occur in the mouth or inner lips. Generally small and shallow, and formed at the base of the gums. Just thinking about it, you can imagine the pain, Mother.
Yes, canker sores do cause discomfort. Anyone who experiences it may find it difficult to eat or even speak. For this reason, mothers need to find a way to cure canker sores quickly so that they are free from this discomfort.
Unfortunately, sometimes the medicine for canker sores can’t be separated from the pain, Mother. But don’t worry, that’s not the only way to deal with canker sores.
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Quoting Healthline and Everyday Health, there are several ways to cure canker sores naturally or using medication. Let’s discuss it here, Mother.
How to cure canker sores with natural ingredients
1. Rinse with salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a home remedy to cure canker sores. Although it stings a little for any type of canker sore, it can help dry up the canker sore.
How to make:
Dissolve 1 teaspoon (tsp) of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Gargle this solution for 15 to 30 seconds, then throw it away. Repeat every few hours as needed.
2. Baking soda
Some people believe baking soda can restore pH balance and reduce inflammation. This can help cure canker sores.
How to make:
Dissolve 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup water. Gargle this solution for 15 to 30 seconds, then throw it away. Repeat several times a day.
3. Yogurt
The exact cause of canker sores is not yet known. Some may be caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which causes stomach ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
A 2020 study in mice suggests that live probiotic cultures, such as Lactobacillus, may help eradicate H. pylori. In theory, if one of these conditions is causing canker sores, consuming yogurt containing live probiotic cultures could help cure it.
To help prevent or treat canker sores, eat at least 1 cup of yogurt daily.
4. Honey
Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities. Research shows that honey is effective in healing wounds, including reducing the pain, size, and redness of canker sores. It may also help prevent secondary infections.
To use it, apply honey to the canker sore area four times a day. Do not give honey to babies under 12 months of age because it has the potential to cause botulism.
5. Coconut oil
2019 research shows that coconut oil has antimicrobial properties due to its high lauric acid content. This can help treat canker sores caused by bacteria and prevent their spread.
Coconut oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and pain. To use it, apply enough coconut oil to the affected area several times a day until the canker sore disappears.
6. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide improves the healing of canker sores by cleaning the wound and reducing bacteria in the mouth.
How to cure canker sores with hydrogen peroxide:
Dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide solution using equal parts water. Dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Apply the mixture directly to the canker sore several times a day. Mothers can also use diluted hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash. Gargle for about a minute, then throw it away.
7. Milk of magnesia
This milk contains magnesium hydroxide. It is an acid neutralizer and laxative.
When used orally, this drug can change the pH of the mouth so that sores cannot develop. It can also coat wounds to help prevent irritation while relieving pain.
There is not much research on the use of milk of magnesia for canker sores. But some people are sure of it.
How to make:
Apply a little milk of magnesia on the canker sore. Leave it for a few seconds, then rinse. Repeat up to three times a day.
8. Apple cider vinegar
Another antibacterial household staple is apple cider vinegar. This can be used as a mouthwash to help cure your mouth ulcers.
How to make:
Mix 1 tsp apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Gargle the solution for up to one minute. Then throw it away and rinse your mouth until clean.
9. Antiseptic mouthwash
“Some palliative mouthwashes, such as Detailnol, or numbing mouthwash with lidocaine can also help,” said Samantha Rawdin, DMD, a prosthodontist based in New York City, as reported by Everyday Health.
Over-the-counter mouthwashes with antiseptic properties reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Of course it also helps healing and prevents canker sores from getting worse.
For severe canker sores, your doctor may prescribe a steroid mouthwash containing the ingredient dexamethasone.
Hopefully the method for curing canker sores above can help treat it, Mother.
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(fia/fia)
