Do you know what to take for canker sores? I get these painful white spots in my mouth. It hurts to eat or talk. They happen like all the time. What can I do to get rid of them?
Angie F., San Diego
Yes, I can tell you what to take when you’re suffering from canker sores. Unfortunately, these painful ulcers tend to show up three or four times a year, or even more if you wear braces. And although they hurt a lot, they aren’t contagious like cold sores are.
To help soothe the pain of a canker sore immediately, apply a gel like Anbesol or Orabase. Most pharmacies have at least one of those medications for sale. You can apply the gel three or four times a day to numb the sore. Some people find relief by taking Tylenol or ibuprofen, too.
Another solution is to numb the canker sore with a popsicle or ice. You can also try putting aloe vera gel on it to help it heal faster. Since mouth ulcers can take up to two weeks to disappear, anything you can do to speed up healing is a smart move.
Some other natural ways to treat canker sores at home include rinsing with hydrogen peroxide or baking soda, dabbing raw organic honey on the irritated area, or placing a chamomile tea bag against it. Eating plain unsweetened yogurt can help, and so can coconut oil. Just rinsing with salt water can make a difference.
To avoid getting new canker sores in the future, remember to brush and floss each day. Stay away from acidic foods and drinks, and avoid stress. If you wear braces, get wax to place over areas where they irritate your mouth.
Check out all the details of how to get rid of a canker sore here: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-get-rid-of-a-canker-sore-wonderful-home-remedies/
I hope you feel better soon.
Joan