How do you get rid of canker sores quickly?

Vitamins & minerals
Eléonore de Maurissens
Reading time: 3 minutes
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Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can develop in your mouth. They are generally harmless, but they can cause a lot of discomfort for both adults and children. How do canker sores develop? Which treatments help them go away as quickly as possible? Discover everything you need to know about canker sores!


Canker sores are small, superficial lesions that develop on the soft tissue of the mouth: inside the lips, cheeks, gums, and on the tongue. Unlike cold sores, canker sores do not occur on the outside of the lips and are not contagious. However, canker sores can be very painful and make eating and speaking difficult.1

 

How do canker sores develop?

Canker sores have many different causes, and it is usually impossible to pinpoint exactly how a specific sore developed. These are the most frequent causes of canker sores2:

  • a minor injury in the mouth;
  • stress;
  • hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle;
  • hypersensitivity to certain food ingredients;
  • a vitamin or mineral deficiency;
  • certain viral infections;
  • certain immune system issues.

Good oral hygiene can prevent canker sores: brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and use floss3,4

Canker sores: watch out for vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Anyone with a deficiency in certain vitamins, such as B3, B9, or B12, is also more susceptible to developing canker sores. Additionally, a deficiency in zinc, iron, or calcium can trigger or worsen a canker sore.2

Children typically get their first canker sore from the age of 10, and in many cases, they are caused by a minor injury (for example, after chewing on a pencil).3

 

Tips to get rid of a canker sore quickly

In both children and adults, most canker sores disappear after about two weeks. Canker sores are generally harmless, but your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a disinfectant mouthwash, a rinse to coat the painful area, or a spray. These solutions help the wound heal properly, reduce the risk of secondary infection, and typically soothe the pain.1

 

Canker sores and natural remedies

There are also some natural remedies that can reduce inflammation and temporarily soothe the pain, or help combat infection:

  • coconut oil or honey, if the sore was caused by a bacterial infection;
  • sage tea (cooled, as a 'mouth rinse') to soothe inflammation;
  • cold, damp tea bags or chamomile compresses, for their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Note: if you have a large canker sore, suddenly develop many sores, or if the mouth ulcers do not heal quickly, it is best to see your doctor. Furthermore, specific symptoms in young children should raise alarm bells, such as fever, rashes, diarrhea, or stomach pain.2,3

 

Which remedies for canker sores do you use? Share your tips and tricks on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

Scientific references

  1. Plewa M.C., Chatterjee K. Aphthous Stomatitis. [Updated 2022 Aug 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431059/
  2. Tarakji B., et al.; Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis for dental practitioners. J Int Oral Health. 2015 May;7(5):74-80. PMID: 26028911; PMCID: PMC4441245.
  3. Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis). Boston Children's Hospital. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/canker-sores-aphthous-stomatitis#diagnosis--treatments
  4. McDermott A., Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores. HealthLine — Updated on May 12, 2022.

Product mentioned in this article

Melapi honey

Honey with a refined taste and delicate aroma.
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