Best way to get rid of blisters in mouth

Mouth ulcers can appear at any time and often for no apparent reason. Although over-the-counter treatments are available, home remedies may also reduce the pain and irritation and promote healing. Here are some suggestions on how to get rid of mouth ulcers naturally.

Remember to consult your dentist if you have concerns about your oral health, as home treatments do not replace professional care.

1. Salt Water

A salt water rinse may help dry out mouth ulcers. Dissolve one teaspoon of regular household salt in half a cup of warm water and swirl the solution around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can continue to rinse with salt water every few hours if needed.

2. Clove Oil

Mouth ulcers can be painful, and clove oil has been known to provide relief for mouth pain. A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry reports that a herbal dental gel made primarily of clove oil successfully manages pain when applied to the irritated part of the mouth. You can buy a bottle of clove oil at your local pharmacy.

3. Zinc Supplements

Deficiencies in iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or zinc can cause mouth ulcers. Taking zinc supplements may reduce the frequency of your mouth ulcers and boost your immune system. When taking zinc supplements, always follow the supplier's directions.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera may reduce the pain caused by mouth ulcers and speed up the healing process. Apply gel from the plant directly to the mouth ulcer or drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vera may also treat other oral ailments, like chapped lips and cold sores.

5. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is antimicrobial and fights against some of the harmful strains of bacteria in the mouth. Swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or other edible oil in the mouth is an ancient practice known as oil pulling. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine finds that swishing coconut oil daily reduces plaque and that the oil's lauric acid helps with sores.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for a variety of ailments. Its ability to destroy bacteria may help clear up your mouth ulcer. However, the vinegar may sting when it comes in contact with the ulcer, so try another remedy if you're experiencing pain. Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of water and rinse with the solution for 30 seconds to one minute. After spitting, rinse your mouth with plain water to prevent the vinegar from damaging your tooth enamel. Only rinse with apple cider vinegar once a day.

When you're looking for how to get rid of mouth ulcers naturally, you'll see there are a variety of treatments available. What works for one person may not work for another, so don't be afraid to try different natural remedies. If your ulcer doesn't heal or it worsens, see your dentist or doctor for professional care.

Were you thinking of letting your canker sore clear up on its own? If so, you could be in for an uncomfortable week or two. Canker sores are small ulcers that form on the inside of the mouth’s soft tissues like lips or gums.

These little guys can be a pretty big nuisance as they’re known to make eating, talking, and oral care painful.

Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and can usually disappear on their own. However, if you have a larger canker sore or if the discomfort is unbearable, we can help.

Keep reading below to learn about canker sores, and see how our team at Bloor West Smiles helps you get rid of them fast.

What causes canker sores?

It can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of a canker sore. Stress or minor injuries to the mouth is the most common cause in simple cases. Here are some other potential triggers:

• Acidic fruits and vegetables
• Hormonal changes
• Stress
• Autoimmune disorders
• Medications
• Vitamin or mineral deficiencies

Recurring canker sores are often attributed to B12, zinc, iron, or folic acid deficiency, but underlying health issues could also be to blame.

Complex canker sores are sometimes seen in patients with immune system diseases such as AIDS, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Let your dental hygienist know if you have recurring canker sores.

Get Rid of Canker Sores Quickly

There are many home remedies and over-the-counter medications you can use to help speed up the healing process.

Your dentist or doctor can also prescribe stronger prescription medication for a persistent case of canker sores. Read on for our list of 8 fast canker sore remedies.

1. DIY mouth rinse

If you can reduce the acidity levels in your mouth, you can speed up healing time. Salt or baking soda is excellent for this, but shouldn’t be applied directly.

Instead, mix a teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds. You can make a paste with baking soda and a little bit of water; then, apply as needed.

2 Milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia works just like salt to eliminate acids in the mouth. Use by dabbing a small amount on the canker sore with a cotton pad a couple of times daily.

Milk of magnesia has also been shown to decrease pain while expediting the healing process.

3. Ice

Applying ice is a great way to reduce inflammation, especially for sores on the lip. Wrap ice in a cloth or towel to avoid frostbite. The cold will also help numb the pain.

4. Medicated mouthwash

If you have persistent or severe canker sores, a medicated rinse may be the best remedy. Mouthwashes with dexamethasone are great for cases of multiple sores. Dexamethasone is a cortisone-like medicine used to provide relief to inflamed areas.

Studies have shown that mouthwashes with tetracycline reduce pain in as little as 24 hours and cut healing time in half. Mouthwashes with antibiotics or corticosteroids must be prescribed, so ask your dentist or doctor.

5. Aloe vera

The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe have been proven to help treat stomach ulcers. Drinking the cool gel decreases acid levels in the stomach and also relieves pain.

Since canker sores are a type of ulcer, aloe would help here too. Try rinsing your mouth with aloe juice a few times per day for relief.

6. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will aid in canker sore healing by eliminating bacteria while the mouth heals.

Mix equal parts peroxide and water, and apply to sores with a cotton pad. Look for hydrogen peroxide with a 3% concentration, and do not swallow.

7. Topical products

Creams, gels, and liquids with active ingredients reduce pain and accelerate healing when applied to sores as soon as they appear.

Obviously, these products are formulated with canker sore healing in mind, so they work exceptionally fast. Here are some active ingredients to look for:

• Benzocaine (topical anesthetic that numbs nerve endings)
• Fluocinonide (anti-inflammatory corticosteroid)
• Hydrogen peroxide (mild antiseptic)

When to Seek Help

Most canker sores are just a minor annoyance that will eventually pass on their own. If the discomfort isn’t too bad, go ahead and try out some of the above remedies in the first week or two.

However, canker sores still sticking around after three weeks may be serious, so seeking medical help is recommended. Give us a call if you have:

• A high fever along with a sore.
• Severe or unbearable pain.
• Trouble eating or drinking.
• Unusually large sores.
• Multiple sores at once.

It can be hard to determine the cause of a canker sore yourself. Cancer of the mouth can look like mouth ulcers initially, so it never hurts to get a professional exam. Some sores are caused by jagged teeth or personal oral care tools.

Our dental hygienists can check for signs and symptoms, so be sure to schedule regular check-ups.

Contact Bloor West Smiles

The Bloor West Smiles team is proud to offer a variety of dental services in downtown Toronto. Don’t hesitate to call us about canker sores or other oral health concerns. For more information, call Bloor West Smiles at 647-371-1407 or click here to book an appointment.

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