If you’ve ever had a canker sore, you know just how painful and annoying they can be. Though they typically go away on their own within a week or two, canker sores can be highly uncomfortable in the meantime. In this blog post, we’ll explore every possible way how you can treat them and get rid of them in 24 hours!
How long do canker sores last?
Canker sores are a common ailment many experiences at some point in their lives. Though their cause is not fully understood, they are thought to result from a viral or bacterial infection, an autoimmune response, or a nutritional deficiency. Canker sores typically last for seven to ten days but persist for up to two weeks. While there is no cure for canker sores, various treatments are available to lessen their severity and duration.
Canker sores can be annoying and painful. But don’t worry. Several remedies can help speed up the healing process. However, it’s important to note that these remedies are not magical cures and may not work for everyone. So if you’re looking for some relief, be sure to try out one of these methods.
23 home remedies to get rid of canker sores within 24 hours
There are many ways to get rid of a canker sore, but the quickest and most effective way is to use hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that will help kill the bacteria causing the sore.
1. Hydrogen peroxide rinse
To use hydrogen peroxide, mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do this twice a day until the canker sore has gone away.
2. Salt water rinse
If you don’t have any hydrogen peroxide, you can also try using a saltwater rinse. To make a saltwater rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt into 1 cup warm water. Swish the mixture around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do this twice a day until the canker sore has gone away.
3. Alum powder
Alum powder is another home remedy that can be used to get rid of a canker sore. Alum is a natural astringent and will help to dry out the sore. To use alum, mix one teaspoon of alum powder with enough water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the canker sore and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off with warm water.
4. Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia is another home remedy that can be used to get rid of a canker sore. Milk of magnesia is a mild laxative and will help to soothe the pain of the canker sore. To use milk of magnesia, apply it to the canker sore with a cotton swab. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
5. Ice
Ice is a simple home remedy that can help numb a canker sore’s pain. To use ice, put some ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap them in a towel. Apply the ice to the canker sore for about 15 minutes. Repeat this process every few hours as needed.
6. Add Yogurt to your diet
Eating yogurt can help to prevent canker sores. Yogurt contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can help to fight off the harmful bacteria that can cause canker sores. Eat yogurt every day to help keep canker sores at bay.
7. Avoid acidic foods
Acidic foods can irritate canker sores and make them worse. Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, pineapple, and other acidic foods. If you have a canker sore, you should also avoid spicy and salty foods as they irritate the sore.
8. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol
Mouthwashes that contain alcohol will dry out your mouth and make canker sores worse. Instead, use a mouthwash that is designed explicitly for canker sores. These mouthwashes will help to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process.
9. Coconut oil
Coconut oil has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that can help fight off the infection causing the canker sore. To use coconut oil, apply it to the canker sore with a cotton swab. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. Repeat this process three times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties that help kill the bacteria causing the canker sore. Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of water to use tea tree oil. Apply the mixture to the canker sore with a cotton swab. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. Repeat this process three times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
11. Honey
Honey is a natural antibacterial and will help speed up the canker sore’s healing process. To use honey, apply it to the canker sore with a cotton swab. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water. Repeat this process three times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
12. Zinc lozenges
Zinc lozenges can help to shorten the duration of a cold and can also help to heal canker sores. To use zinc lozenges, suck on one lozenge every 2 hours until the canker sore has gone away.
13. Vitamin C
Vitamin C helps to boost the immune system and can also help to heal canker sores. To use vitamin C, supplement or eat foods high in vitamin C such as oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
14. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the pain and swelling of the canker sore. To use chamomile tea, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for about 10 minutes. Remove the tea bag and let the tea cool down for a few minutes.
- Apply the chamomile tea to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
- Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
- Repeat this process three times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
15. Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that can help to boost the immune system and can also help to heal canker sores. To use echinacea, take a supplement or drink echinacea tea.
16. Sage
Sage has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to heal canker sores. Mix 1 teaspoon of sage with one tablespoon of water to use sage. Apply the mixture to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
Repeat this process three times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
17. Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera gel has soothing and healing properties that can help to heal canker sores.
- To use aloe vera gel, apply it to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
- Let it sit for about 15-25 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
- Repeat this process 3-5 times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
18. DGL mouthwash
DGL mouthwash is a type of mouthwash that is designed explicitly for canker sores. It contains licorice root extract, which has healing properties. To use DGL mouthwash, swish it around in your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat this process 3-5 times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
19. Apple cider vinegar mouth rinse
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that can help kill the bacteria causing the canker sore. To use apple cider vinegar, mouth rinse, and mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out, and then rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this process 3-5 times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
20. Vitamin B complex supplementation
Vitamin B complex can help to boost the immune system and can also help to heal canker sores. To use vitamin B complex, supplement or eat foods high in vitamin B such as salmon, tuna, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens.
21. Baking soda
Baking soda is a natural antacid that can help to neutralize the acid in the mouth and can also help to heal canker sores.
How to prepare natural treatment for canker sores with baking soda:
Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of water to use baking soda.
How to use:
- Apply the mixture to the canker sore with a cotton swab.
- Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then rinse it with warm water.
- Repeat this process 3-4 times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
22. Watermelon frost
Watermelon frost is a type of mouthwash that contains watermelon extract, which has soothing and healing properties. To use watermelon frost, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit it out. Repeat this process 3-5 times a day until the canker sore has gone away.
23. Over-the-counter treatments for canker sore
Many over-the-counter treatments can help to get rid of a canker sore. These include gels, creams, and ointments that you apply directly to the sore. These products can help soothe the pain and speed up healing.
Regardless of your chosen method, getting rid of a canker sore overnight is possible!
When to see your doctor
Most canker sores are no big deal and usually clear up within a couple of weeks. However, you might want to call the doctor for a few reasons:
- You should see your dentist or doctor if you get canker sores frequently or if they are particularly large or painful. They may prescribe a medication to help speed up the healing process or give you tips on preventing canker sores in the future.
- If you have a canker sore that is very large or painful, you may want to see a doctor. They can prescribe a more vital medication to help get rid of the sore.
- If your sore is more significant than 1-3 centimeters, or if you have multiple sores, new ones forming before old ones have healed, or the sore doesn’t heal after two weeks, call your doc.
- You should also contact your doctor if your canker sore is caused by a sharp tooth or a dental hygiene tool – ouch!
- Lastly, call them if the sore is spreading to your lips or causing extreme pain. They’ll help you figure out the best way to treat it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gets rid of canker sores fast?
You can do a few things to help get rid of a canker sore quickly. These include using a mouthwash, applying a gel or cream, and taking over-the-counter medication.
Most canker sores will go away within a couple of weeks. However, some treatments can help to speed up the healing process.
How do you prevent canker sores?
There are a few things you can do to help prevent canker sores. These include avoiding triggers, such as stress and mouth injury, and practicing good oral hygiene. You can also take a vitamin B complex supplement or use a natural mouthwash, such as watermelon frost, which can help to soothe the mouth and reduce the risk of canker sores.
How do you get rid of a canker sore in 5 minutes?
Unfortunately, even with our 23 ways to get rid of them in just one day, you will not get rid of them in just five minutes.
You can, however, try using a mouthwash or gel to help reduce the pain and speed up the healing process.
Canker sores are no fun. But with our 23 tips, you’ll be rid of them in no time!
Conclusion
Canker sores are annoying, but you don’t have to deal with the pain. There are plenty of ways to get rid of them quickly. Some people find that home remedies work best for them, while others prefer over-the-counter treatments. Either way, there are options out there for you.
If your canker sore is large or painful, or if it doesn’t go away after a couple of weeks, you should see your doctor. They can help you determine the best way to treat it and eliminate the pain.
