Here's The Secret To Getting Rid Of Canker Sores

It can be majorly disappointing when you are going about your day, with a sunny smile, a full schedule, a latte in your hand — and then boom. You can feel it: The uncomfortable disruption happening under your skin as a canker sore forms, just waiting to put a damper on your day. Canker sores (or aphthous stomatitis) are small, round sores, yellowish in color and usually appear on the softer parts of the mouth, such as the tongue, cheeks, and lips (via The American Academy of Oral Medicine). You are not alone if you have experienced these sores. They're one of the most common oral conditions that affect more than half of the population. Canker sores are a bummer, but luckily you can take action to get rid of that unwelcome guest in your mouth.

One of the most basic home remedies to get rid of a canker sore in the salt water rinse. Healthline suggests mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water and swirling it around in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. The salt works to dry out the canker sore.

Sometimes using just salt can be successful treatment in getting rid of a canker sore. If this is not the case, there are food sources that can come to the rescue. Healthline suggests using yogurt or honey as medicinal agents. Live probiotic cultures like those found in yogurt may help treat conditions that are causing your canker sores, so aim to include more yogurt in your diet if you regularly suffer from the sores. And honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities can be effective in reducing canker sore pain, size, and redness. To use, apply the sweet and sticky liquid directly to the sore four times daily.

What's more, it turns out the food in our diet can play a large part in putting a stop to the development of a canker sore. Prevention relates the importance of getting enough B vitamins, zinc, and iron to make us less susceptible. Avoiding spicy and acidic foods may also be helpful in prevention. Associate professor, Leena Palomo, D.D.S. at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine reminds us to, "keep track of when sores occur and note foods that coincide with them to eliminate triggers specific to you."

Another food source recommended for treating canker sores may be better known for helping our holiday baking, but surprisingly the healing power of cloves are a natural remedy. Cloves contain a substance called eugenol that is known for numbing and antimicrobial properties (per Global Health). Clove oil works its magic when applied directly to the canker sore. Dr. Tyrone Rodriguez, a pediatric dentist and ADA spokesperson, describes clove oil as a "natural anesthetic," and says, "it will help calm down those nerve endings so things don't hurt as much" (via The Strategist).

So whether you are leaning towards using salt, food, or clove oil as a remedy, it is a relief to know there are a variety of options. Hopefully you can go about your day sans sore, and that sunny smile intact in no time.