How To Relieve Canker Sore Discomfort

Knowing how to relieve canker sore discomfort is important when you are suffering from the pain they inflict. Canker sore discomfort can begin as a burning sensation that soon develops into an open spot in your mouth. This is not to be confused with a cold sore which is extremely contagious and can appear on the genitals (usually after oral sex, the price of fun) and turn into genital herpes. Canker sores are small painful ulcers that appear in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks or on the tongue and are not contagious.. There is no magic cure for the discomfort caused by a canker sore, but there are some methods that will help relieve it.

1. Avoid highly acidic foods. Try not to use tomato products such as ketchup, spaghetti sauce or any dish containing tomatoes. Avoid lemons, berries, processed cheese and all other acid based foods for at least a week. This will relieve some of the immediate discomfort caused by the canker sore.
2. Practice good oral hygiene. Use a soft toothbrush. Gently tooth-brushing several times a day will help to prevent the canker sores from becoming infected.
3. Over-the-counter mouthwashes contain antiseptics which will help prevent an infection. This is accomplished by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Use the mouthwash several times daily when you have a canker sore.
4. Purchase over-the-counter anesthetic ointments.  The best ointments on the market are the ones containing benzocaine, a local anesthetic, which numb painful areas in the mouth and are useful when treating canker sore discomfort. These are available at most pharmacies without a prescription.
5. Gargle a cleansing antiseptic solution. Various mixtures will help such as one-half hydrogen peroxide diluted with one-half water or one tablespoon of salt and baking soda in four ounces of water. Gargle three to four times a day to prevent infection and promote healing.
6. Drink chamomile tea. Because chamomile tea is soothing to mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth) and also has healing properties, chamomile can relieve canker sore discomfort. A strong tea made from chamomile can be swished around the mouth before swallowing. Try to do this with at least three to four cups during the day.

The discomfort of canker sores can usually be relieved by using these methods. Canker sores are painful, but they usually heal very well on their own. The only thing you will need to do is find relief from the soreness and pain using one or more of the above tips until the healing takes place. If the sores do not heal by themselves within two weeks, it is time to visit your dentist or doctor.