How to Alleviate the Pain of Canker Sores

Canker sores are painful sores in the mouth that are usually red or white. They most commonly occur on the inside of your lips or cheeks, on your gums or under your tongue. Doctors are not sure what causes canker sores, but believe that they can be triggered by poor diet, high stress, food allergies and menstrual periods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 tsp. of salt dissolved in 8 oz. of water.
2. Mix 2 tbsp. Maalox with 1/2 tbsp. of liquid diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for treating allergic reactions. It is sold under the name of Benadryl and some other names. Swish the solution around in your mouth and then spit it out.
3. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to alleviate the pain of canker sores. Follow package directions for dosage.
4. Use an over-the-counter medicine that is marketed for relief of canker sore pain. These are sold under the names of Anbesol, Orajel, Orabase and Zilactin-B. Use a cotton swab to apply the medicine directly to the sore.
5. Avoid eating abrasive foods, such as crackers and potato chips, that can stick to the insides of your cheeks or along the gum line and irritate the sore. Avoid spicy and acidic foods.
6. Brush your teeth carefully when you have a canker sore. Keep the bristles of the brush from making contact with the sore.

Tips & Warnings

• Although there is no medical proof to support this, some people believe that sucking on zinc lozenges and taking vitamin C or B complex helps to reduce the duration of their canker sores.
• Make a doctor's appointment if your canker sores are large, last longer than two weeks or are so sore you can't eat. Also see your doctor if you are feeling sick or running a fever while you have canker sores.