The small, painful sores that develop inside your mouth or near your gums are called canker sores, of which the pain can make eating and talking very hard. Canker sores often go away in a week or so, while there are many home remedies you can try to ease the pain. You should call your doctor or dentist if your canker sores are really big or if they do not heal within a short period of time.

10 Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores Fast

1. Aloe Vera Juice

You can apply aloe vera juice to a canker sore several times a day. Aloe vera juice has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help it soothes the pain and relieve canker sores. Aloe vera juice can also be used as a mouthwash. Remember not to do this too much, for overuse of aloe vera may lead to kidney problems.

2. Salt Water

Many kinds of oral infections can be treated with salt water. Rinse your mouth several times a day with a mixture of a teaspoon of salt and hot water, about 30 seconds each time.

3. Baking Soda

You can decrease the alkalinity in your mouth by using a mixture of baking soda and hot water and rinsing with it several times a day. A paste can be made from baking soda and water and applied directly to the canker sore. The mixture of salt water and soda can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth if you use it as a rinse.

4. Mouth Wash

Using mouth wash will help to keep your mouth clean. Mouth wash contains an antiseptic that can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth and will help canker sores heal. Never swallow mouth wash and never use too much as this can reduce the amount of helpful bacteria that is in your mouth.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

It is best to only use hydrogen peroxide when you are trying to heal a canker sore. Use a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and mix a 50/50 solution with the hydrogen peroxide and water. Do not overuse the mixture and do not swallow it. Only use the solution as a rinse for your mouth.

6. Magnesia Milk

After using the hydrogen peroxide mixture, it can also be helpful to use magnesia milk on the canker sore. Magnesia milk can counterbalance the sour environment of your mouth. It can be used 3 – 4 times a day and will reduce canker sore pain.

7. Vitamin Supplements

If you do not eat properly, your doctor could prescribe a vitamin supplement, such as folate, vitamins B-6, zinc or vitamin B-12, to help treat canker sores.

8. Acidophilus

To stimulate your body’s resistance, try using a probiotic known as acidophilus. This can be found in yogurt or can be taken in pill form. You can take 2 -4 pills each day.

9.Topical Paste

Using topical pastes such as Anbesol, Lidex, Vanos or Aphthasol can help ease the pain of canker sores. For the best results, they need to be applied to the sore as soon as it appears. If your doctor recommends a paste, you may be instructed to use it two to four times a day until the sore is gone.

10. Oral Medications

Some medications that are used to treat gout or heartburn can be used to treat canker sores. Because these medications can have serious side-effects, they are only tried as a last resort for severe canker sores that are not responding to other treatments.

Here is a video of other ways to get rid of canker sores.

Preventative Measures for Canker Sores

1. Eat Healthy Foods. Eating a lot of whole grains, fruits and vegetables will keep you from developing nutritional deficiencies that can lead to canker sores. Avoid foods you know will irritate your mouth, such as nuts, spices, chips, and acidic foods like oranges, pineapples and grapefruits. If you know you have a sensitivity or allergy to any food, be sure to avoid those also.

2. Keep Good Oral Hygiene. Flossing once a day and brushing your teeth after meals can help keep your mouth clean. Getting rid of foods can prevent a sore from developing. Make sure you use a soft brush so you do not irritate your mouth and do not use toothpastes that have sodium lauryl sulfate.

3. Protect Mouth. Braces or other dental equipment can cause canker sores if it rubs against your mouth. Use an orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges.

4. Eliminate Stress. If you seem to develop canker sores when you are under a great deal of stress, try stress-reduction exercises, such as meditation or guided imagery.