Canker Sore Remedies
Updated: 05/09/2008
"An aphthous ulcer (aka canker sore) is a type of oral ulcer which presents as a painful open sore inside the mouth or upper throat, caused by a break in the mucous membrane. The condition is also known as aphthous stomatitis, and alternatively as "Sutton's Disease," especially in the case of multiple or recurring ulcers.
The term aphtha means ulcer; it has been used for many years to describe areas of ulceration on mucous membranes. Aphthous stomatitis is a condition which is characterized by recurrent discrete areas of ulceration which are almost always painful. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) can be distinguished from other diseases with similar-appearing oral lesions, such as certain viral exanthems or Herpes simplex, by their tendency to recur, and their multiplicity and chronicity. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is one of the most common oral conditions. At least 10% of the population suffers from it. Women are more often affected than men. About 30-40% of patients with recurrent aphthae report a family history." (Wikipedia)
ALOE VERA
1 YEA
[YEA] 08/19/2005: Jordan from Binghamton writes: "Aloe Vera is very helpful in the healing process, as is sodium lauryl sulfate elimination."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
ALUM
6 YEA
[YEA] 10/09/2006: Joy from Oklahoma City, OK writes: "I'VE SUFFERED WITH CANKER SORES FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE TRIED ALMOST EVERYTHING. I READ ABOUT ALUM ON YOUR WEBSITE AND DECIDED TO TRY IT ON THE 4 LESIONS I HAD THAT WERE AS LARGE AS A PENCIL ERASER. 3 HOURS AFTER APPLYING THE ALUM, I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE PAIN RELIEF. THE SORES STILL TOOK TIME TO HEAL BUT I WAS ABLE TO EAT ANYTHING I WANTED AND HAD VIRTUALLY NO PAIN DURING THE HEALING PERIOD. A WEEK LATER I FELT ANOTHER SORE STARTING. I APPLIED THE ALUM AND IT WAS GONE THE NEXT MORNING."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 08/11/2006: Jennifer writes: "I tried the alum as suggested for my canker sore. It was really sore and I couldn't take it so I decided to give this a try. I got it at the grocery store for about a dollar. I got the granulated stuff and just put a little pinch on the sore. I felt immediate relief after I rinsed. The pain has definitely lessened a lot overall and I am able to eat with little pain. It has only been about 12 hours since I did it. Another try and it might be completely better! Thanks!! PS it tastes bad and stings a little but definitely worth it."
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[YEA] 08/09/2006: Teri from Denham Springs writes: "okay... I tried the ALUM yesterday for a canker sore I have on my upper lip and YES it burned like a mother but today it hardly hurts at all!! I have one on my tongue too but that one seems to still bother me... I am going to put the alum on it again today.. so with my fingers crossed I hope it will help that one too. I did have my drug store order me some Rembrant toothpaste without that SLS in it. The net rated that one the #1 choice. I'll try anything!"
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[YEA] 04/21/2006: Dan from Dayton, Ohio writes: "I have used alum for canker sores for nearly 3 decades. The alum is usually found in the spice section of grocery stores. I have found from experience that the granulated version is much better than the powder, which often dissolves too quickly in your mouth to do the job properly. I have found the best method is to wet the end of a finger, then dip the finger into the alum granules. This should get quite a lot of them to stick to your finger. Then make sure that the canker sore is thoroughly wetted, and press the finger with the alum crystals against the sore. Hold it there for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. It also helps if you lay down while doing this, and orient the cold sore so that it is up, and not down. This helps keep the inevitable saliva from washing away the alum too quickly. I have found that if I don't lay down and do this, I often have to do the treatment twice. However, by doing this, often a single treatment causes the sore to go into remission within 12 hours. I have often treated the sore when going to bed, and woke up to find it no longer hurting, and on the mend the next morning. This seems to be the most reliable and cheapest way to get rid of canker sores."
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[YEA] 04/14/2006: Eddy from Springfield, VA writes: "I have used alum ever since I was a child. I had a lot of canker sores during childhood. It tastes terribly and does burn a little but the canker sore is usually gone with a couple of days. I have not been able to find it lately but I will check the spice section in the grocery store as suggested. I have tried everything over the years, and this works the best! The only thing is to make sure you put the top on tight as it will dry out!"
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[YEA] 07/14/2005: Stacey from St. Paul, Minnesota writes: "I use a cooking spice called Alum on my canker sores and it helps heal them really fast and takes away the pain. It tastes awful and you must let it sit for a min to absorb but it really does help."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
19 YEA 2 NAY
[NAY] 10/26/2007: Karen from Bozeman, USA writes: "Have read with interest the articles on ACV and decided to try it. 3 days later and I have a mouth full of canker sores. Having good success healing them with alum, the pickling spice. No pain w/ application,but what did I do wrong? I'd like to continue with ACV as it has so many health benefits but can't live with mouth sores. Now what?"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 10/18/2007: Will from Shelton, WA writes: "Another YES for apple cider vinegar. It cured my canker sore in one day. I put unpasteurized ACV in an eye dropper and applied it directly to the sore on my inner lip frequently throughout the day. Whatever microbe that causes cankers does not seem to be able to live in the presence of ACV. I think the trick is not to go to long between applications. To bad they don't teach this to the drug pushers."
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[YEA] 09/01/2007: Stacy from Akron, Ohio writes: "ACV cured my sons canker sore. My son had a canker sore and it hurt him daily as he tried to chew food. He didn't even want me to look at it because it hurt him so much. I came to your site to see what remedies were suggested. ACV was at the top of the list and since we have the Bragg brad here at home, i used a spray bottle once i read the reviews. He didn't like the sour taste, but the next day he had RELIEF. I sprayed twice the following day when he rose in the morning and before bed at night. Within 4 days it was gone and not returned. I spray ACV in his mouth once a week to keep the canker sores away. IT REALLY WORKS!!!! He wanted me to write so that other kids could get help. Thank you earth clinic"
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[YEA] 07/24/2007: Natalie from Savannah, Georgia writes: "I just want to say that I had 4 canker sores in my mouth due to having a wisdom tooth extracted. I was in so much pain and the Zilactin-B I used made the problem even worse. I saw this website and went right out and bought the ACV. I used it twice within an hour and now it doesn't hurt and I only have one sore left!"
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[YEA] 07/23/2007: Josh from chicago, illinois writes: "This website is great! I went to google looking for a cure to my nonstop reoccurring canker sores and i found this site that recommended Apple Cider Vinegar so i went out and bought it and after a few treatments of the q-tip they were cured. I just want to say thanks again for finally giving me a way to cure my canker sores. I will be recommending this site to everyone"
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[YEA] 06/16/2007: Fritz (fritzklaus@yahoo.com) from Downers Grove, Illinois writes: "First, I want to say that ACV worked like a charm on my recurrent mouth cankers, and using a toothpaste w/out SLS keeps most from recurring. Second, I want to address Ted in Mt. Horeb, Wisc and his Nay vote on ACV: I too had what Ted talks about, but it turned out to be a tumor, which eventually turned cancerous. He may want to keep an eye on that mouth sore."
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[YEA] 06/13/2007: Tessa from lake havasu, arizona writes: "i tried the apple cider vinegar thing and VWALLA!! worked like a flippin charm. no more pain and sores..i totally recommend this shizz."
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[YEA] 06/02/2007: Angie from colorado springs, co writes: "I am so glad I found this site! I had a terrible canker sore on the side of my tongue that kept hitting my molars, could barely eat or talk it hurt. I put Bragg's apple cider vinegar on a qtip and held it on the sore for about 1 minute and then repeated twice and then again before bed. I did this 2 days in a row and it is now gone. I felt immediate relief and I could see it healing right away - it only took 2 days to heal and it has taken over a week before. Thanks for this article!"
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[YEA] 05/03/2007: Kelisha from Greensboro, NC writes: "I had a terrible canker sore and used so many over the counter medicines. I found this article and tried the vinegar. It DOES work."
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[YEA] 05/01/2007: Ashley from Easton, PA writes: "i am 15yrs old and i have about 5 canker sores in my mouth.(a resonse to nay:i don't smoke.) after putting some ACV in my mouth it did help a little, but it hurt! thanks!!!"
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[YEA] 04/20/2007: Joan from Bishops Stortford, Herts, U.K writes: "To Maria Bristol UK. I buy Organic ACV in Tesco."
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[YEA] 03/31/2007: Todd from Long Beach, CA writes: "I've been suffering from a tough and very painful sore for over a week. It made me irritable because I couldn't eat, sleep, talk or even smile. I tried Hydrogen Peroxide, Zilactin-B (made it worst to me), wet tea bag to no avail. What worked? Holding my head to let a tablespoon of ACV sit on the sore for about 30 seconds, spit then repeat. The healing began immediately. It is amazing and I'm a happy person again!"
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[YEA] 03/10/2007: Devon from Sandy, UT writes: "I'm a big believer! I couldn't sleep one night because the pain of the canker sore was just too much! So...I got online and sure enough found another reason why apple cider vinegar is so awesome! I used a Q-tip to dab some of the ACV onto the sore spot and then went back to bed. By morning...VIOLA! The pain was gone. I could see that the sore was still there but that the healing process had already begun. AWESOME! I will be recommending this site to everyone! Thanks EARTHCLINIC!"
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[YEA] 01/26/2007: Richard from St Louis, MO writes: "I used the cider vinegar, and it worked! It tasted and burned really bad, but literally took 2 seconds to stop hurting! .....P.S. Don't listen to any nays, it works great! to answer that one dude's question, i don't smoke anything."
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[YEA] 01/22/2007: Maria from Bristol, England writes: "I tried ACV several times on the ulcers I get very often in my mouth and it never fails. It is amazing. However, I would like to know where I can find the raw organic ACV in the UK. Does anyone know?"
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[NAY] 09/05/2006: Philip from Mt. Horeb, WI writes: "I don't know what you people are smoking, but Apple Cider Vinegar doesn't heal canker sores at all, it hurts to use it at first and the relief is only temporary. I actually started to get more Canker Sores from using it. Why do you think an acid is going to help when eating acidic foods is one of the causes?"
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[YEA] 08/27/2006: Jessica from Anchorage, AK writes: "A little different (and more appetizing) then apple cider vinegar, I've found that drinking warm apple cider completely takes away the pain from my canker sore for a good amount of time."
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[YEA] 05/08/2006: Carol from Pittsburgh writes: "I have a canker on my tongue. It hurt soooo bad. I read this site to try the apple cider vinegar. I left for the store and came home and put the vinegar on a q-tip and put it on my sore. I can NOT believe that it made it feel better right away! The sore is still there (of course) but the pain has subsided considerably!!! AMAZING!"
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[YEA] Cathy from Canada writes: "I have suffered from chronic canker sores in my mouth for years. I am now taking apple cider vinegar along with using a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulphate in it and I am canker sore free!"
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[YEA] Tony from Sarasota, FL writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with a 1/2 cup of warm water - swish around in your mouth for 30-60 seconds 2x a day and it will be gone quickly!"
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[YEA] Tara from Tampa, FL writes: "For the quickest relief of canker sores (don't know about cold sores), take a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar and put in your mouth. Then push it to the side of the sore, or hold your head so the liquid sits on the sore. Keep it in your mouth for as long as you can stand it. Then spit it out and repeat once. You will have relief within a few minutes of doing this, and your mouth will feel clean and tingly. Don't eat anything for about 30 minutes afterward because this may affect the healing pH balance that the vinegar created. The irritation will be gone within the hour, and the damaged tissue will have begun to heal (you can feel it with your tongue!"
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ASPIRIN
12 YEA
[YEA] 04/27/2008: Raphael from Boston, MA writes: "I have canker sore on cheek or tougue quite often, about once every 2 months. I try to avoid bread because I think this closest I can think of the relation. I tried 3 remedies that I saw here, ACV, Baking Soda and Aspirin. Aspirin is the super fast one to stop the pain and feel good right after the 1st application. What I do is split the aspirin in half and one half right at the canker. It will dissolve over time and pain is gone. I used this remedy 2 times and they both worked so I need top share with everybody. ACV & Banking Sode don't work for me. "Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 04/12/2008: Ron from Hibbing, MN writes: "I want to thank all who took the time to post to this site about the aspirin paste for canker sores. About once a year a get a huge breakout on the roof of my mouth. About 5 days ago I could feel the itch and tingling on the roof of my mouth and today I was in a full blown episode. Pretty much my entire roof was bubbled and I was dying...I tried the peroxide to no avail..I came across this site and saw all the positive from the aspirin therapy and gave it a shot....5 minutes after application I was pain free......unbelievable...
Could almost cry with happiness....Thanks all who submitted"
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[YEA] 12/13/2007: Shana from Chicago, Illinois writes: "Try the asprin it works great. I have been havein canker scores since I was a little girl.I have tried every thing to stop the pain as soon as I tried the aspin it worked in mins. TRY IT !"
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[YEA] 11/24/2007: Sandy from In the sticks, Nevada writes: "Thanks to the person that posted the aspirin remedy for canker sores. My son had a canker sore that was killing him, so he tucked an aspirin between the sore and his lip and just let it sit there for a few minutes. The pain went away and his sore healed up!"
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[YEA] 10/27/2007: Madie from Tampa, fl writes: "the asprin works! its great! thank you thank you thank you!"
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[YEA] 09/12/2007: Donna from Minneapolis, Minnesota writes: "Thank you, thank you, thank you Earth Clinic! I have been suffering for days with excruciating pain due to canker sores on my tongue. It hurt to much to eat or talk and was nearly debilitating me. I read both about the ACV and aspirin treatments, so I tried th ACV first, being such a big fan of its other benefits-- it hurt so bad I cried! And it only got worse over the next half hour, so desperately I tried the aspirin paste. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS TREATMENT! the pain started subsiding instantly and after about 15 min. I started crying again-- only this time for joy! Pain was totally gone! I was able to eat my first real bit of food in 3 days- and enjoy it! The only thing is the effect only lasted for about 2 hours, so the next day for speeds sake I just put a whole aspirin over the sore spot and let it dissolve- same wonderful effect as the paste. It totally removes pain for about 2 hours, but each time the pain comes back it's less then before, and there is obvious healing happening. I know someone said only do the treatment once a day, but I'm popping 1 aspirin every 2 hours to keep the pain at bay because I don't have time for pain. I figure it won't effect me negatively to take this much aspirin for a couple days until the sores heal. I can't thank you enough, Earth Clinic!"
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[YEA] 09/04/2007: Wally (scorpionova2@yahoo.com) from Sterling, USA writes: "I have been getting canker sores for more than 17 years. I have tried everything, today I read about making Asprin paste with couple drops of water. I used right away and It worked. Thank you, Thank you and Thank you again"
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[YEA] 09/02/2007: Monica from Santa Barbara, California writes: "This website is awsome! I get canker sores so easily and sometimes they are so painful I feel like I can't function. I didn't have any vinager so I tried the asprin thing and it worked so well. Its not nearly as painful and I only had the paste on for like 5 min. so I imagine leaving it on for 30 min. would nearly cure the sore."
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[YEA] 08/22/2007: Rachel from Santa Barbara, CA writes: "Aspirin for canker sores: Works wonderfully. Just cut a pill of aspirin into two and apply directly to the sore. In just a little bit of time the sore will feel much better and will start to shrink in size. I've also heard of mixing the powder with water to make into a paste. Either way, good relief!"
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[YEA] 11/21/2006: Mark from Toronto writes: "Aspirin formed into a paste -- it works perfectly"
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[YEA] 08/18/2006: Chad from Boise ID writes: "Letting an aspirin dissolve on a canker sore eliminates the pain and cures the canker sore immediately. Within a day, the canker sore is gone."
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[YEA] Glenda from Mobile, Alabama writes: "Any brand of aspirin will do to cure a canker sore, it must be melted in a few drops of water and made into a paste. You can dab the paste directly on the canker sore with a q-tip or the tip of your finger. Allow the paste to sit on the sore for 30 minutes. Within the 30 minutes you should feel the pain and soreness slowly fading away. It has been my experience that after the 30 minutes the canker sore is cured. But if you have one of those stubborn cankies, then use a second application of the paste after a period of 24 hours, reason being the ingredients in the aspirin can be harsh on the sensitive tissue inside our mouths."
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AVOID ALL PRODUCTS WITH CITRIC ACID
1 YEA
[YEA] 03/03/2007: Jon from Defiance, OH writes: "I don't see how Apple Cider would help canker sores, because it is acidic. What I do is I watch how much citric acid I take in. Soda is terrible! It has a very high concentration of citric acid! Milk Chocolate contains it, from what I hear, though they are not required to list it in the ingredients. I have noticed that I get them after eating chocolate, but I have to eat quite a bit of chocolate to get a sore. I have dealt with the pain of canker sores since I was a kid, often times having one right after another. I used to carry around medicines such as Kanka, only to find the stuff made them worse or made them last longer. Come to find out, I was putting citric acid directly on the sore, as many of these medications contain it! So I started with eliminating soda (I was hooked on diet pepsi at work). Bingo! I drastically reduced the number of canker sores I was getting. Next, I started watching what I was eating. I noticed that anything with citric acid in it would give me the beginnings of a canker sore within an HOUR after eating or drinking it. Then I applied some common sense to the situation, and remembered that an old cure for stomach indigestion and acid reflux was baking soda. So, whenever I eat something or drink something with citric acid in it, I immediately rinse my mouth with a mixture of baking soda and water (look on the box or on the arm and hammer website for their recommendation for using it as a mouth wash). I think the answer to canker sores is prevention, not curing it once it's in your mouth. Once it's there, you basically have to wait it out. I still get them, but only once in awhile now instead of all the time...However, when I do get one, it's my own fault now!"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
AVOID HOT DOGS
1 YEA
[YEA] 03/27/2007: Jesse (jesse_hobart@hotmail.com) from Wasilla, Alaska writes: "I am currently trying ACV remedy for my canker sore. I only have one small canker sore right now. However, over a year ago I had a bad outbreak with one canker sore the size of a dime was literally eating through my cheek. I tried everything and it took over a months to heal. My glands were swollen and I considered seeing a physician.
One thing I have noticed however, is that my outbreaks usually accurr after eating too many hot dogs(2 a day or more for a 2-4 day period). This outbreak is no different, I ate a few hot dogs a few days in a row and here comes a canker sore. However, When I had my horrible outbreak over a year ago, I was living in North Carolina and didn't have much food to eat. My diet consisted of 5 hot dogs a day and I had my worse outbreak then. Perhaps there is something contained in hot dogs that could cause this. I'm going to research hot dogs and check it out. I've also noticed that eating brocoli can sometimes cure a canker sore in just days."
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AVOID MILK
1 YEA
[YEA] 01/31/2007: Win from Gainesville, FL writes: "Avoiding milk and milk products cured my canker sores. Both my mother and I suffered from sores in our mouths and we had tried many different remedies hoping to prevent them. Mom discovered that if she reduced her milk intake, she got fewer sores. Now, we both drink only soy milk and have been canker-free for years. Soy ice creams are getting better and better, too. I occasionally have some regular cheese and this doesn't seem to cause any problems. Cheese made from soy is still pretty awful."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
BAKING SODA
7 YEA
[YEA] 03/10/2008: Tania from Mercier, Quebec, Canada writes: "Baking soda cured my canker sore within 24 hours. I had major pain on the side of my tongue to find a canker sore it was so sore I couldn't hardly swallow. I took 1tsp of baking soda and 1 tsp of water and kept it in my mouth as long as possible. I did this 3 times within an hour went to bed and did the same the next morning by dinner time the canker sore was gone! Thank you for this site its a great help."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 01/25/2008: Shawna from Eugene, oregon writes: "Out of the blue 4 days ago I got a canker sore that was 1.5 inches large on the side of my tongue. It was excruciating! Last night before bed I tried putting a baking soda paste on it and I woke up this morning and it's almost gone! I am so glad I found this website!!!"
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[YEA] 11/15/2007: Heather from Boston, MA writes: "Thank Goodness I found this page. I started with two small canker sores a week after my flu shot. I hardly ever have a canker. So, I used Ambesol Max Strength. It burned, numbed, but things got much worse today. Almost two inch long canker on the side edge of my tongue. And three more scattered on my inner front and side lips. I rinsed with the pure apple cidar vineger. It didn't releave the pain. So I tried the baking soda paste. The paste started to tone down the pain. I was at a 10 most of the day. After the baking soda treatment, I am currently down to a 4. maybe less.ahhhhhh"
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[YEA] 11/14/2007: Heather from Van Nuys, CA writes: "I ran a quick search over the weekend on treatments for chronic canker sores on behalf of my boyfriend who has suffered these painful occurrences since childhood. I came across this site and he decided to try the baking soda paste. It stung at first, but it helped him heal within five days and he's so happy to have found this treatment. Thanks."
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[YEA] 11/08/2007: Amanda from West Palm, Florida writes: "I had the worst canker sore on my gum right behind my last upper molar. It hurt to even swallow and actually woke me up at 2:00 am in the morning last night. Apparently the Zilactin-B I put on it was not working! I stumbled upon your website and decided to try the only 2 things I could get my hands on at that time of night: salt and baking soda. First I removed all of the Zilactin and rinsed my mouth with warm salt water. Then, I made a paste with baking soda and a few drops of water and placed it on the canker and let it sit for about a mintue. Then I rinsed my mouth with plain warm water. I also took 2 tylenol to help get back to sleep. I still had some pain when trying to get back to sleep, but just woke up completely pain free!! I can swallow without pain and actually enjoyed my breakfast! I can't believe it! I plan to put another "paste" on today just to make sure, but will attest that this remedy really works!"
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[YEA] 08/09/2007: Hayley from Rochester, NY writes: "I get canker sores often and they cause me alot of pain when I eat or talk. I heard that baking soda can help. I started using baking soda and it takes the pain out for hours at a time. First I mix it with water to make a paste, and apply it to the sore, hold it on for a straigt minute. (yes, it stings and will bring tears to your eyes) then swish with water and spit it out. I can go to work for 6 hours and have no pain. Rinsing mouth out with a teaspon of baking soda in a glass of water periodically during the day helps too."
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[YEA] 12/01/2006: John from Harfod, WI writes: "Whenever I get a canker sore, I pack some baking soda on it. If it does not go away in an hour or two, I re-apply it when I notice the sore still there. Some times it takes a few more aps.Usually, gone the same day. Sometimes, i'll pack the soda on right before bed. no canker in the morning. It works every time for me. A final note: It does sting for about a minute when applied. The stinging stops, even though the baking soda is still packed on the sore. Good luck, hope it works for you too."
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BLACK STRAP MOLASSES
1 YEA
[YEA] 09/09/2006: Celia from Toronto, Ontario Canada writes: "I'm a dental hygiene student, and one of my instructors told me to try putting black strap molasses directly on my canker sores (i get them all the time! grrr!). I tried it last night and today they're nearly gone! it's a miracle cure, and I can't believe how well it worked! You've gotta try it!"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
COCONUT OIL
1 YEA
[YEA] 05/09/2008: Maddy from Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK writes: "I was suffering with mouth ulcers for some time and my GP gave me some cream to put on my tongue. The stuff was awfull and left a dry residue on my tongue. It did nothing for the pain. So I started using coconut oil. 1 Tablespoon, melted in microwave in a plastic cup (if you use glass the oil explodes and covers the inside of your microwave). Leave to cool enough so you can hold it in your mouth for approx. 1 minute, then swallow. I did this 2x a day for 2 days and my mouthulcers where gone. Maddy, UK"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
COMFREY TEA
1 YEA
[YEA] 09/16/2006: Doss from Denver, CO writes: "My midwife suggested this after a tooth extraction.
Us Irish have different blood/body chemistry. Many of us are allergic/sensitive to foods high in vitamin C, like tomatoes and oranges. These things CAUSE canker sores for us, believe it or not. I have a lot of irish blood, and I recently got my tooth pulled. I have stitches in my mouth, and here is what works for relieving the pain:
fresh comfrey tea leaves put in a small tea bag, put tea bag in warm water (about 1/4 cup) until a tea forms. Rub the tea bag until the outside kind of feels slippery or oily, similar to aloe vera. Hold the tea bag over the sore.
Hold until pain subsides, or bite down on bag instead of gauze as dentist suggests after extraction. Research Comfrey Root and leaves for more information on uses.
Also drink Throat Coat tea (gypsy cold cure in your grocery store aisle) with black licorice in it for swelling, and rinse mouth with Tom's baking soda and witch hazel mouthwash to keep wounds bacteria free. Follow with a tepid salt water gargle and gentle spit.
This is a good "Ora-gel" for very sensitive skin/people. It won't work for people who have a high tolerence to over the counter drugs. Less Sensitive individuals would need aloe mixed with Ora-gel, and to go the gargle with Green Tea/Orange Juice route."
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ELIMINATE MILK TO ELIMINATE CANKER SORES
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/06/2007: Chris from Clifton Park, Ny, 12065 writes: "For most of my life I was a regular (and during my younger years) heavy drinker of cow's milk. I suffered from horrible canker sores (3-4 at a time, each a half inch or longer) my whole life, right up until approximately 6 years ago when I eliminated milk from my diet. For me, it seems to only be related to the liquid form: I don't seem to have problems with cheese or even ice cream. However, a couple of times I've tried introducing milk again by having it on my cereal in the morning -- after about three days, I got a canker sore. Upon again stopping ingestion of milk -- no more canker sores. I was diagnosed when younger with an allergy to milk, and I wonder if this is related. I'm convinced science will catch up with this theory eventually and it will be shown that canker sores are closely related to allergies. Anyways, if you suffer from canker sores, try eliminating milk from your diet for 30 days and see what happens; I bet you'll be glad you did!"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
FENUGREEK
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/07/2007: T.S.Rajah from Wimledon, UK writes: "Fenugreek’s leafy form belongs to the spinach family. However, its seeds are useful when cooking to combat the flatulence caused by certain foods, such as lentils and cauliflower. Its anti-viral properties mean it also helps against sore throat and mouth ulcers. Historically, fenugreek has been used to treat diabetes and is now thought to reduce blood pressure"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
FLAX SEED OIL
1 YEA
[YEA] 01/28/2008: Jennifer from Northern, Idaho writes: "I was having chronic canker sores, usually 3 at a time. I tried everything I'd ever heard of with little success. I started taking Omega 3 in the form of flax seed oil for general health reasons. Within a week or so my sores were gone and I haven't had one since. I alternate between flax oil capsules (6 a day), ground flax seeds (2 tablespoons) and eating about 1/4 cup of walnuts."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
FOODS TO AVOID, RINSE WITH KARO SYRUP OR PEROXIDE
1 YEA
[YEA] 01/04/2008: Joe (joe33334@bellsouth.net) from Ft lauderdale, Florida writes: "Burning tounge-Mouth issues: When you have burning tongue or canker sores on tongue or in mouth. Do not drink any orange juice, ketchup, sauce etc. The best cure I have found is to rinse your mouth will Karo syrup. It seems to neutralize the acid. Also 2% hydrogen peroxide."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
GREEN TEA
2 YEA
[YEA] 04/01/2007: Steve from Milwaukee, Wisconsin writes: "For ALL of my adult life, I've been plagued by horrible outbreaks of canker sores, typically 2-3 very large sores at any given time. Six months ago I began drinking green tea daily as a substitute for soda. To my amazement, my canker sores disappeared and did not return. Green tea was the only dietary change I made (I still drink soda, just not as much). In addition, occasionally I will not have green tea for about a week, and soon enough the canker sores return.
I am not the type of person who really believes in folk or herbal remedies, but after discovering accidentally that green tea elminated my chronic canker sores, I am a believer in at least the health properties of green tea. I really cannot express what an improvement in quality of life this is for me and likely other chronic canker sore sufferers, so spread the word!"
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[YEA] 07/16/2006: Mike from Gainesville, FL writes: "I noticed my relatively new habit of drinking green tea is drastically affecting the frequency at which canker sores appear in my mouth. They now seem to form only in the upper part of my mouth. Swishing tea on the sore greatly reduces the time it takes (24-36 hours) for it to heal. It's amazing to find this out after years of dealing with them."
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HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
6 YEA
[YEA] 03/17/2007: Lee from Salem, NH writes: "I have always used hydrogen peroxide for skin infections, insect bites, cankers, cold sores & deleting blood stains. Results are quick & inexpensive. I dab it on my finger, straight from the bottle, to apply to a cold sore or canker. I have never had a cold sore for more than a day. When I was a teenager, I also applied some to any pimples that might crop up."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 07/19/2006: Jessie from Vernon Hills, IL writes: "I tried remedy #5 for canker sores. I'm so happy I was able to eat my lunch today without (too much) pain."
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[YEA] 06/27/2006: Anonymous writes: "Take one capful of H202 and hold in your mouth for 10 minutes daily, then spit it out. No more canker sores and your teeth will be whiter without expensive pastes."
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[YEA] 02/03/2006: Pranshu from Newark, DE writes: "Hydrogen Peroxide def works for canker sores...my doctor prescribed some mouthwash that just numbed it for a few hours..but peroxide reduces the pain and it also helps cure canker sores"
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[YEA] 01/06/2006: Skip from Livingston, MT writes: "For canker sores, either dab hydrogen peroxide directly on the canker sore until it stops bubbling, or hold and swish 2-3 tbs hydrogen peroxide in your mouth for 30-60 seconds. Spit out and repeat 2-3 times. DO NOT SWALLOW. Rinse your mouth well with water after using the peroxide in either method. The canker sore/s will be noticeably improved and much less painful within 24 hours. They should disappear altogether within 48-72 hours."
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[YEA] 11/18/2005: Amanda from McKinney, TC writes: "hydrogen peroxide, swish it around in your mouth or dip a q-tip in it and place it on the canker sore..it will be gone in a few days!!"
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L-LYSINE
5 YEA
[YEA] 03/14/2007: Carol from Hamburg, NY writes: "For years, my teenage grandchildren suffered through excruciatingly painful episodes of canker sores. After trying & failing with many remedies suggested by their mother & others, including their M.D., they finally tried the old-fashioned home-remedy that their great-grandmother used! L-lysine, a simple, low cost cure. They now are tried & true users of L-lysine, and have almost become heroes with their college friends. The treatment is: Immediately upon the beginning of an out-break, take two 500 mg. tablets. Continue taking one 500 mg. tablet each day until 2 or 3 days past the day the canker sore appears to be healed. "L-lysine is an essential amino acid needed in our diet. It is found in animal protein, such as milk protein. It is recommended that young adults need approximately 23 mg of L-lysine per day per kilogram (10 mg per lb) of body weight. The proteins of cereals; wheat gluten, for example, do not provide enough L-lysine (Columbia University Press Encyclopedia)". Little do the young believe that Grandmother's could be so smart - until they try the "old- fashioned home remedies!"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
[YEA] 11/19/2005: Maya from Ft Leavenworth writes: "My daughter and I would get canker scores often, until a friend told me about Lysine. We both take one a day, and if ever one starts to appear, then take 2 pills and the scores are gone. I told a great friend who had very dry lips and the lysine has worked for her as well! Love it! The pain is gone!"
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[YEA] 11/15/2005: Thesa from Colorado Springs writes: "My 5 year old daughter came down with a horribly serious case of canker sores. Her mouth had several sores on her tongue, cheek, and gums. Her gums were so red and swollen you could barely see her little teeth. Her breath was absolutely terrible and she barely ate or drank a thing. Finally after a week of different attempts, we had her gargle with 6 drops of tea tree oil in 4 oz. of water three times a day, gave her half an adult dose of L-lysine crushed up into water once a day, gave her a homeopathic every hour and had her drink 16 oz. of water with acidophilus/FOS throughout the day. We kept her completely off of sugar, dairy and meat and mostly she ate cottage cheese and plain yogurt. Within one day she was so much better and finally eating and within 3 days totally better!"
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[YEA] 10/20/2005: Lynda from Durham, NH writes: "My nurse practitioner recommended L-Lysine for my debilitating canker sores. They would last for weeks and were so bad that the pain extended to my neck and lymph nodes. I couldn't even eat without excruciating pain. When I feel a canker sore coming on, I take 1 gram 3 times a day and the sore is gone within a day or two."
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[YEA] Donnie from Spartanburg, SC writes: "A supplement called LYSINE helps to heal mouth sores faster, just take a 1-gram capsule 2 or 3 times a day."
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LUDENS HONEY COUGH DROPS AND SQUIRT SODA
1 YEA
[YEA] 11/06/2006: Bruce from Goleta, CA writes: "I use Ludens Honey Licorice throat drops to alleviate canker sore pain. Also use Squirt soda in the can, to take the stinging away. After 20 years of experiments, the two above have worked the best for me, without going to the doctor."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
MAALOX AND BENADRYL LIQUID
1 YEA
[YEA] 02/15/2008: Elaine from Bloomington, usa writes: "For a canker sore combine equal parts Maalox (or generic equivalent) and Benadryl liquid (or generic equivalent).Shake well and swish around mouth. Do not rinse. After eating brush teeth and repeat this."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
MILK OF MAGNESIA PLUS LIQUID ALLERGY MED FOR CANKER SORES
1 YEA
[YEA] 12/27/2007: Amanda from San antonio, tx writes: "I swished one part Milk of Mag to one part Liquid Allergy Med in my mouth and my cold sores were painless and i was able to eat better."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
MOUTH SORE SOLUTION
1 YEA
[YEA] 06/30/2007: Ren from Cebu City, Philippines writes: "Mouth Sore Solution is proven effective for treatment of mouth sore and recurrent aphthous ulcer which cures in just a few seconds. It is cheap and available in the Philippine drugstores specifically in Cebu City. I don't know if it is available in other countries. Each bottle contains 4mL solution - Potassium Alum, Sodium Chloride, and Acetic Acid. Directions: Soak a piece of cotton bud into the solution and apply to the affected area. Let it stay for 20 seconds, and then gargle with water. That's it! the pain is gone in just seconds not days or weeks. Though it stings in the process of application but it's worth it than suffering in several days or weeks"Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
MULTI VITAMIN
1 YEA
[YEA] 01/18/2008: Patrick from Salt Lake City, Utah writes: "I have been getting mouth ulcers for as long as I can remember I have tried everything from baking soda to all the products you buy at the store to keep the pain down, witch a lot of them keep the pain down for a short time and they taste nasty so my food taste nasty. the best thing that works for me is a MULTI VITAMIN, I take one a day and I haven’t had a mouth ulcer for months."Reply to this Feedback E-mail this Feedback Print this Feedback Back to Top
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