Did you remember getting your first ever canker sore? How painful did that tiny spot inside your cheek feel, doubling down with the burning sensation? Canker sores are small, painful ulcers in your mouth that can make eating and talking difficult. Typically, these types of sores are not contagious and usually heal on their own. But they can be caused by various factors like accidental bites, acidic foods, or even vitamin deficiencies.
Nevertheless, I think you’d agree with me that you’ve bitten your inner cheeks or lips when eating, more times than you can even remember. At first you cuss out, but then the subsequent pain is frustrating enough to have you wondering what treatment you could use for it. If you’ve ever been in the same boat, you would know how bothersome the aftermath of this injury can be. In this article, we’ll look at the different ways you can treat canker sores and ease that discomfort.
Treatment of Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications: This option is readily available to you. All you need to do is visit a nearby pharmacy or a clinic and make a complaint about your soreness. The doctor, nurse, or pharmacist in charge would likely examine the sore and recommend some medications (some sort of gel, ointment, or patches).
Topical Pain Relievers: This type of treatment option is creams and gels that you can directly apply to the canker sores. This gel or cream, as the case may be, will basically numb the sore area, reduce the pain that comes with the sore, and protect the area from irritation that comes with eating or drinking.
Antiseptic Mouthwashes: Antiseptics are generally used for disinfection, and antiseptic mouthwash is no different. This type of mouthwash will help keep the affected area clean, stop it from getting infected, and speed up the healing rate of the sore area.
Are There Any Home Remedies To Ease The Discomfort?
Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, when people first get canker sores, they usually just opt for natural remedies using whatever they can find around their house.
Firstly, you can do a saltwater rinse which involves you gargling a cup of warm water and salt. The combination of warm water and salt helps to clean the sore area, reduce swelling, and help in the healing process of the sore area.
The second remedy is the use of Aloe Vera gel. A lot of people have sung the praises of Aloe Vera gel mostly for its soothing effect, using anecdotal experience. Thus, there is no doubt that Aloe Vera is beneficial and its benefits are endless. In the case of canker sores, you just need a small amount of pure Aloe Vera gel which you’ll apply to the sore area. This will help you reduce the pain and inflammation in the area and make the sore heal fast.
Just like Aloe Vera, honey too has its soothing properties and it also aids in healing. All it entails is applying honey to the sore spot several times a day. The last but not the least is “milk of magnesia”. This liquid is commonly used as an antacid but can also be applied to canker sores. It coats the sore, neutralizes acid, and provides a protective barrier, reducing pain and irritation.
Conclusion
The thing with canker sores is that they mostly heal on their own after hanging out in the affected area for a week or two. In some cases, the sores can be unusually large, extremely painful, and persistent. If that is the case, it may be time to see a doctor.
