How to Soothe a Canker Sore
If you’re suffering from painful canker sores in your mouth, use these tips to help soothe the pain. Although it takes time to heal canker sores, these ideas will help soothe the pain, and heal them faster.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Know that drinking acidophilous milk is very soothing when you have canker sores in your mouth. The coolness of the milk helps temporarily numb the pain, while the acidophilus help speed up the healing process. This type of milk can be found at larger grocery stores, near regular milk or in the organic section.
-
2
Keep in mind that chewing up lactobacillus acidophilous tablets will first make your canker sores burn, but after a few seconds they will feel like they are gone. The tablets numb the pain temporarily and help speed up the healing process. These tablets are available at your local pharmacy, in the refrigerated section, since they are a live culture.
-
-
3
Eating cold yogurt can also sooth painful canker sores. Since yogurt contains the active cultures of lactobacillus acidophilous, it will also help speed up the healing process. Since not all yogurt contains the live cultures, read the label to ensure the brand you choose contains active live cultures.
-
4
Applying over the counter numbing medications can also help alleviate the pain associated with canker sores. However, they will need to be applied several times a day since saliva tends to wash the medication away from the sores.
-
5
Drinking plenty of cold, clear water will also help soothe your mouth. Avoid acidic fruit juices, carbonated beverages and caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can prevent the sores from healing.
-
6
Numbing medication for oral use can be prescribed by a doctor for extreme cases of canker sores. Viscous lidocaine has provided temporary relief for bouts with canker sores.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always keep your mouth clean when you have a canker sore. Since they are painful, it is easy to neglect proper dental hygiene. Try to at least use an alcohol-free mouthwash to kill the bacteria in your mouth. An alcohol-free mouthwash will not sting the sore, and will actually provide a soothing sensation.
Never use viscous lidocaine at bedtime. If the numbing medication gets into your throat, your gag reflect will be hindered, and choking on saliva is a danger.
If your canker sores persist longer than two weeks, call your doctor.
