Mouth sores, such as canker sores, are common oral lesions that cause significant localized pain and discomfort when speaking or eating. These small, shallow ulcers are not contagious and typically appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth. Baking soda, known chemically as sodium bicarbonate, is a traditional home remedy often suggested for soothing this type of irritation. This article explores the scientific basis for using baking soda for mouth sores and provides practical guidance for its application.
The Science Behind Baking Soda’s Soothing Action
Baking soda’s effectiveness in soothing certain mouth sores is rooted in its chemical property as an alkaline compound. The mouth’s environment can become acidic due to foods, drinks, or the inflammatory processes associated with a mouth sore. This acidity can exacerbate the pain and slow down the healing process of the irritated tissue. By introducing sodium bicarbonate, the pH level near the sore is neutralized, creating a more balanced, alkaline environment. This pH shift helps reduce the stinging and burning sensation experienced when a sore comes into contact with acid. Baking soda also possesses mild antiseptic properties that help control bacterial populations in the mouth. The neutralizing and cleansing effects combined provide temporary relief from the pain of the ulceration.
Methods for Applying Baking Soda to Mouth Sores
Baking soda can be applied to mouth sores using two primary methods: as a mouth rinse or as a direct paste application. The mouth rinse is effective for widespread irritation or sores that are difficult to reach. A common preparation involves dissolving one teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water. This solution should be swished around the mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, ensuring it makes contact with the sore, before being spit out. This rinsing process can be repeated every few hours as needed for pain relief and to maintain a neutral oral environment. For more focused treatment on an individual sore, a paste offers a concentrated application. To make a paste, mix a small amount of baking soda with just enough water to create a thick consistency. This paste can be gently dabbed directly onto the canker sore using a clean fingertip or a cotton swab.
Knowing What Kind of Mouth Sore You Have
It is important to correctly identify the type of oral lesion before relying on a home remedy like baking soda. Baking soda is most helpful for non-viral mouth ulcers, such as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, which appear as white or yellowish lesions with a red border inside the mouth. Canker sores are non-contagious and typically form on soft tissues like the cheeks, tongue, or inner lips. In contrast, baking soda is not an effective treatment for viral sores, specifically cold sores, which are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Cold sores are highly contagious and usually appear as fluid-filled blisters on the outside of the mouth, most often on or around the lips. Correct identification is important because viral sores require antiviral treatments, and relying solely on baking soda will not address the underlying cause.
When Home Remedies Are Not Enough
Although baking soda can provide symptomatic relief for common canker sores, professional medical attention is sometimes warranted. A sore that persists for longer than two weeks without showing signs of healing should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor. This persistence may indicate an underlying issue that requires specific diagnosis and treatment. You should also seek medical advice if the sores are unusually large, extremely painful, or interfere significantly with your ability to eat or drink. Frequent recurrence of mouth sores, or if they are accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, or a general feeling of illness, necessitates a consultation. Persistent or recurring sores can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies or more serious medical conditions, making a professional assessment necessary.