Canker Sore Remedy
A canker sore is a bothersome ailment causing pain and discomfort when eating. They pop up out of nowhere and can take days to go away. Canker sores can form on the inside of the lips, on the tongue, and sometimes on the base of the gums. There are three kinds of canker sores: minor, major and herpetiform. A minor canker sore is the most common, being a small lesion less than 1/3 inch that clears on its own in a week or so. Major canker sores are larger and may last up to a month. Herpetiform are clusters of canker sores that form one large sore.
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Definition
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Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are lesions found in the mouth that can range in size. They are shallow sores and develop in the soft tissue of the mouth. Many times canker sores will heal within a couple weeks on their own. Canker sores are not contagious. Sometimes a tingling sensation may be felt where a canker sore is forming.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
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Rinsing the mouth with a mouthwash with antibacterial agents, such as Listerine, will alleviate the pain of the canker sore and kill bacteria. This will quicken healing.
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Zinc Lozenges
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Zinc lozenges can be purchase at most drug stores and help in naturally remedying canker sores. Zinc has natural antibiotic agents, which help to heal bacterial infections.
Yogurt
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Yogurt contains live and active cultures. It contains the bacteria lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help prevent canker sores. By eating yogurt daily, canker sores will stay away. If already suffering from a canker sore, eating yogurt containing live and active cultures can alleviate the pain and help heal the sore.
Baking Soda
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Creating a mix of baking soda and water and rinsing the mouth changes the pH of the mouth and helps heal canker sores. A paste can be created with baking soda and water and applied directly onto the canker sore for immediate results.
Vitamin E
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Applying vitamin E directly on the lesion will help heal the sore. Vitamin E has natural healing abilities and is considered an antioxidant. Avocados are high in vitamin E and eating them can heal lesions.
Warning
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If a canker sore doesn't clear on its own within a couple weeks, call a doctor. If a high fever accompanies canker sores, or sores spread to lips, a doctor's help may be needed. When canker sores are longstanding or don't heal within a couple weeks it could be due to an underlying health issue.
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