Mouth ulcers, commonly referred to, as canker sores are an extremely uncomfortable and annoying lesion(s) that can form in your mouth. These sores can form due to various things. You can get a canker sore after having some dental work done, or there may be some type of problem in your immune system. Hormonal changes, allergies to certain foods, stress or a deficiency of vitamin B12 can often times jump-start these sores. The good news is that both medical treatments and home remedies are available to get rid of mouth ulcers.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers

How to cure persistent mouth ulcers:

1. Saline rinse

Using a saline solution is a great way to disinfect your mouth, which can help clear away the canker sore and also help in prevention. Mix some warm water with salt, rinse and swish in your mouth and spit it out in the sink when you are finished. Try to repeat this process three times a day, especially after you eat anything.

2. Mouthwash rinse

Rinse with mouthwash, such as a diphenhydramine suspension wash, like benedryl allergy rinse in the morning, after meals and in the evening before bedtime. These types of rinses not only help to clear up the canker sore, but they also help to reduce the pain.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to help in reducing the canker sores, it acts as an antiseptic, and so it thoroughly cleans and disinfects your mouth. You can add to warm water and rinse with it and you can also apply it directly to the sore with the use of a cotton swab. Make sure to let it absorb for 15 minutes before eating or drinking.

4. Ice chips

Ice chips are an easy way to help out with the pain; they numb as well as reduce swelling. You can put ice chip in a thermal cup and just suck on them throughout the day; your tongue can help guide them to the correct area. Drinking cold water, when ice chips are not available, is also helpful.

5. PH balance

Excess acid or a low PH in your mouth can often be the cause of these sores, so reducing the acidic foods, such as citrus foods, spicy foods and carbonated drinks is a good idea. You can apply milk of magnesia using a cotton swab, about twice a day; can help to counteract the PH level in your mouth.

6. Pain relievers

The pain that you feel from these ulcers can be annoying and also distracting. For adults aspirin or another over-the-counter pain reliever can sometimes help to ease the pain. There are also products that numb, such as baby teething medications, can be applied directly to the sore, but remember the sores have to run their course, so patience is a virtue.

7. Garlic

Surprisingly, garlic contains an antiseptic and contains antiviral as well as antibacterial qualities, it is called Allicin. So rubbing half a clove of garlic on your sore for about a minute, followed by a water rinse in about an hour after, can help to speed up the healing process, as well as ease the discomfort.

8. Turmeric paste

Turmeric paste can be applied to your sore, to act as a cooling agent and a natural antiseptic. The paste can be made easily, just mix 1 tablespoon of water with 3 tablespoons of turmeric in a small bowl and mix it up until it forms a paste. It can be applied to you sore, once a day, with a cotton swab. You need to let it stay on your sore for a couple minutes and then just simply rinse your mouth out.

9. Peppermint oil

To help speed up the healing process, and the pain and irritation, peppermint oil can be rubbed in your mouth with a cotton swab and left in for about fifteen minutes. Once that’s done, simply rinse your mouth out. And allow it to work.

Medical Treatments to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers

1. Dentist visit

If the sore just won't go away for over three weeks, it’s time to see the dentist. The dentist can check to see what the problem is.

2. Medicated mouthwash or corticosteroid

If the dentist says that it is just a canker sore, ask him about corticosteroid gel or a medicated mouthwash. These are some prescription medications that are stronger to help rid you of that stubborn sore.

3. Regular dental check-up

During a regular dental check-up you can keep consistent oral hygiene, which will prevent future mouth ulcers from happening.

4. Nutritional supplements

In some cases the problem is a lack of consumption of the proper nutrients that your body needs. In such cases the dentist can prescribe you nutritional supplements, such as folate, which is folic acid, vitamins, such as B6 and B12, and zinc.