Remedies for Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis)

Canker sores are a type of painful mouth sores, also known as aphthous stomatitis. Almost 20 to 40 percent of Americans face this problem at least once in their life. This condition is at its peak during adolescence and young adulthood. As people get older it becomes less frequent. One should not confuse canker sores with cold sores as they are not the same. Cold sores occur on the outer lips whereas these sores are found to be on the inside of the lip. Canker sores are not contagious. The reason behind these sores is not found yet. Some of the suspected causes behind canker sores are bacterial infections, hormonal disorders, stress, trauma, heredity, drugs such as anti-inflammatory drugs or beta- blockers, food allergies, deficiencies of folate, iron or vitamin B12 or gastrointestinal tract related diseases.

Canker Sores Symptoms

The symptoms of canker sores are found in various forms. Some of the symptoms are painful small sores, red in color and can be found inside the mouth on the inner lips and tongue. One may experience a tingling or burning sensation before these sores appear. Once these sores burst, a yellow or white coating develops and the area around them turns reddish. Swollen lymph nodes, listlessness or fever are also some of the symptoms of canker sores. There are very simple home remedies for canker sores. One of them is rinsing the mouth with aloe juice frequently. Try putting some alum on the canker sores. This will relieve the pain and quicken the healing process. Apply some tea tree oil to the sores. Eating fresh papaya and chewing papaya leaves can be effective in reducing the sores. Try goldenseal powder. Take some powdered goldenseal and apply it on the sores. Make a mouthwash with ½ tea spoon goldenseal and ¼ tea spoon salt in one cup warm water and rinse your mouth at least thrice a day.

How to prevent Canker Sores?

Canker sores can be prevented as well as cured with the help of a good diet. Eat a diet rich in vitamin B. Green leafy vegetables and whole grains are abundant sources of vitamin B. Eat food which is easily digestible like soft grains and lightly cooked vegetables. Include yogurt in your everyday meals. Yogurt helps preventing as well as healing canker sores. Avoid spicy and hot food. It might irritate the sores or give a burning sensation. Spicy, acidic and oily food will increase the pain.