What works for your Canker Sores?

We all like to have a good time. Often those good times involve salsa, nachos, party planning and lots of friends and family. Sometimes when we eat too many spicy or acidic foods, or get too stressed out our bodies have ways of telling us that we need to slow down.

Are Cankers Contagious?

Canker sores are small painful ulcers that form in your mouth (that’s why they’re sometimes called mouth ulcers). They are round, white or gray, with a red edge or border and will appear in your mouth on your tongue, hard palate or the inside of your lips or cheeks.  They’re not contagious. Give yourself a break, get your mouth feeling better and smile!

How to feel your best

They will usually go away on their own in a few days. Here are some home remedies that you can try to lessen the pain while they heal. Rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water.  Baking soda is an alkaline and will neutralize acids that irritate the canker sore; it also helps kill bacteria to help you to heal quickly.  Steep 2 teaspoons of dried sage in a cup of boiling water and then let it cool and use as a mouth rinse 2 or 3 times a day.  Sage kills bacteria and viruses, and contains compounds that reduce inflammation.

How to avoid them

Avoid having too many spicy or acidic foods all at once. Salt and vinegar chips are great, but a whole bag full of them may leave you with a sore mouth. Take it easy and treat yourself well. Too much stress can bring on a canker sore. Brush and floss regularly so that you keep your mouth clear of any residual food or drink that may be irritating.

When to see a dentist

The canker sores should heal within a couple of weeks. If they last three weeks or longer, the pain is intolerable; your sores are very large or seem to be spreading see your dentist or doctor.