How to Soothe and Heal a Canker Sore the Right Way
If you’ve ever had a small, painful sore inside your mouth that makes eating or even smiling uncomfortable, you know how annoying canker sores can be. These tiny ulcers often pop up on the inside of your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
The good news? Most
canker sores heal on their own in about a week, and there are easy ways to make them hurt less and heal faster.
The Quick Fixes That Actually Help
Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water—it helps clean the sore and ease the sting. A baking soda rinse works too, especially if your mouth feels irritated.
Try to avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods until the sore disappears—they’ll only make it burn more. Keep brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, drink plenty of water, and don’t skip your regular oral care routine. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent new sores from forming.
Most of the time, that’s all it takes. But if your canker sore lasts longer than two weeks, is unusually large, or keeps coming back, it’s smart to see your dentist.
Persistent sores can sometimes point to stress, food sensitivities, or vitamin deficiencies, and your dentist can recommend treatments like special mouth rinses or soothing prescription gels.
At Schwimmer Dental in New Jersey, we care about every detail of your smile—from comfort to confidence. Whether you’re dealing with mouth pain, a dental emergency, or you’re looking for trusted family and cosmetic dentistry in New Jersey, our experienced team is here to help you heal and smile brighter.
FAQs
1. How long do canker sores take to heal?
Most heal naturally within 7–10 days. See your dentist if they last longer or keep returning.
2. Are canker sores contagious?
No. Canker sores aren’t caused by a virus and can’t spread to others.
3. What triggers canker sores?
They can be caused by stress, irritation, minor injuries, certain foods, or toothpaste ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10945-canker-sores
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/symptoms-causes/syc-20370615
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000998.htm
https://www.healthline.com/health/canker-sores
