The sudden appearance of a painful sore inside the mouth can make eating and talking difficult. These lesions, known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, affect millions of people. As an open wound, they trigger a search for quick relief, often leading many to consider simple household substances. This raises the question of whether the popular home treatment of baking soda can help resolve a canker sore.
What Exactly is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore is a small, shallow ulcer that forms on the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the inside of the lips, cheeks, or on the tongue. These lesions are distinct from cold sores because they are not contagious and are not caused by the Herpes simplex virus. They present as a white or yellowish center surrounded by a bright red border due to inflammation.
The exact cause of their initial formation is not fully understood, but several factors are known to trigger them. Common irritants include minor injuries from biting the cheek, stress, certain acidic foods like citrus fruits, and deficiencies in nutrients such as Vitamin B12, iron, or zinc. Minor canker sores typically resolve on their own without intervention, with the pain subsiding within a week and the sore healing completely within one to two weeks.
How Baking Soda Provides Symptom Relief
Baking soda, chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, is a time-tested home remedy for oral discomfort, but it works primarily as a symptom reliever, not a cure for the underlying condition. The substance is highly alkaline, which is the mechanism that provides temporary comfort. The inflammatory process surrounding a canker sore, combined with the normal acidity of the mouth, creates a harsh environment that exacerbates pain.
Applying baking soda helps to neutralize the acidic conditions around the ulcerated tissue. This immediate pH-balancing effect reduces the irritation and stinging sensation that makes eating and drinking uncomfortable. The alkaline environment helps to soothe the exposed nerve endings in the sore, offering temporary pain relief.
The application of baking soda may also contribute to the natural healing process by helping to keep the area clean. It can slightly dry the surface of the sore, providing a protective layer against external irritants like food particles and saliva. By managing symptoms and reducing local irritation, baking soda supports the body’s ability to heal the ulcer.
Instructions for Using Baking Soda Remedies
There are two primary methods for applying baking soda to an aphthous ulcer: a mouth rinse and a direct paste application. The rinse method is effective for general mouth comfort, especially when multiple sores are present or the location is hard to reach. To prepare the rinse, dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda into a half-cup of warm water until the powder is fully incorporated.
Swish the solution around the mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, ensuring it contacts the sore before spitting it out. This process can be repeated every few hours, or as often as needed to manage the pain. The warmth of the water also offers a soothing effect on the inflamed tissues.
For more targeted relief, a paste can be created by mixing baking soda with just enough water to form a thick consistency. This paste should be dabbed directly onto the sore using a clean cotton swab or a fingertip. Allowing the paste to sit for about one minute before rinsing it out provides intense, localized relief.
When Canker Sores Require Professional Medical Advice
While home remedies like baking soda or a simple saltwater rinse manage the discomfort of minor sores, professional medical advice is sometimes necessary. If a canker sore is unusually large or persists for longer than two to three weeks, it should be examined. Sores that recur frequently, with new ones appearing before old ones have healed, also require evaluation.
Immediate attention is necessary if a canker sore is accompanied by a high fever or severe difficulty swallowing. Seek help if the pain is so intense that it prevents adequate eating and drinking, as these symptoms may indicate a more severe underlying issue or a secondary infection. Alternatives like over-the-counter benzocaine gels or milk of magnesia can be used for temporary relief. If home treatments fail, a doctor can prescribe stronger topical medications or specialized rinses.