Canker sores are not hazardous or catching. They usually last a couple of weeks. A canker sore is inside your mouth. Don’t confuse it with a cold sore. Most generally a canker sore will develop on the lip or cheek area but can sometimes appear on the gum line and even the tongue. It usually is small, reddish around the outside with a yellowish center. They can be very painful and make talking and eating difficult depending on where they are located.
Cold sores are contagious but canker sores are not. Some foods may trigger a canker sore in certain individuals while others may develop one after a stressful situation. Fluctuation in hormones or an illness can also bring on a canker sore.
There is no cure for a canker sore. You just have to let it run its course. There are some home remedies that can provide you some relief. Canker sores may take two weeks to completely heal. If you notice one that doesn’t heal after two weeks check in with your dentist. You may have a tooth or other dental work rubbing against your mouth creating the sore.
A styptic pencil can numb a canker sore. They can be found in some mass retailers in the men’s grooming section. A styptic pencil is used to stop bleeding from minor cuts but they can also be used directly on a canker sore to numb the nerves and give temporary relief.
Create a mixture of 1 teaspoon of milk of magnesia and 1 teaspoon of liquid allergy medicine. Dip a sterile cotton swab in it. Rub over the canker sore. Try not to swallow the medicine. If you have excess saliva spit it out instead.
Over-the-counter mouth sore gels will also aid in numbing. Take over-the-counter pain relievers for a longer relief. Combine these two–the gel and the pain reliever and you should be able to eat with a little more comfort.
Switch up your diet. Eliminate spicy dishes when you have a canker sore. Alcohol and cigarettes irritate canker sores so do not use. Stay away from hard foods that can cut your mouth. Chips and hard candy are best avoided when you have a canker sore.
You cannot prevent getting a canker sore but there are way to reduce the possibility.
If you are prone to them, start keeping track of what you eat, stressful situations, and menstrual cycles to look for a pattern.
Track your diet. Watch for foods that are spicy. Also tomatoes and citrus fruits may be an issue with some individuals.
If you can’t find a culprit try changing up your diet anyways. Eat a variety of foods with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Take up exercise if you believe stress is causing the canker sore. Meditation, aerobic exercise, listening to soothing music can help you relax.
Canker sores are a nuisance more than anything. I have had my share of them. They are not life-threating just irritating. They do go away but it does take some time.
Women’s Health Desk Reference
