Although canker sores are often small in size, they can be extremely painful. Canker sores are small red bumps with yellow and white centers that can form inside the mouth, lips, cheeks, throat, and on the tongue.
Some common symptoms of canker sores are a tingling or burning sensation near the affected area, swollen lymph glands, fever, and sluggishness. They can be caused by mouth trauma, excessive stress, poor diet, hormonal changes, a compromised immune system, a food allergy or vitamin deficiencies.
Canker sores are not contagious and typically disappear within two weeks without treatment. For quick pain relief, hold a small ice cube directly over the sore and allow it to melt slowly. Ice will not cure the problem, but it will make you feel better.
* Honey- Mix together one teaspoon of honey and one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.
- You can also apply a teaspoon of honey all around the affected area to ease pain and inflammation associated with canker sores.
* Coriander- Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds or leaves in a cup of water. Strain the solution and then use it to rinse your mouth, three or four times a day.
- You can also drink the juice from fresh coriander leaves. Do not swallow it immediately. Try to keep it in your mouth for some time, so the juice can bathe the affected areas.
* Licorice Root- Soak one tablespoon of crushed licorice root in two cups of water for two to three hours and use the solution as a mouth rinse.
- Applying licorice root extract to canker sores can also reduce their size and speed up the healing process.
* Moist Tea Bag- You can use either a black or a green tea bag. After making a cup of tea, put the wet tea bag in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
- Press the chilled, wet tea bag gently over the canker sore for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do this two or three times a day until the canker sore is gone.
* Aloe Vera- Extract the juice from the meaty portion of an aloe vera leaf and apply it directly over the canker sore. Do this several times a day.
- You can also rinse your mouth with fresh aloe vera juice three or four times a day. If fresh aloe vera juice is not available, you can use the packaged version readily available in the market.