Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are common, painful lesions affecting the soft tissues inside the mouth. These small lesions can make simple actions like eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable. Many people turn to home treatments to accelerate healing and find relief from the stinging pain. Gargling with salt water is a long-standing and popular remedy for managing these mouth ulcers.
What Exactly Are Canker Sores?
A canker sore is a small, shallow ulcer forming on the non-keratinized surfaces of the mouth (cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums). They appear as a round or oval lesion with a white or yellowish center and a bright red, inflamed border. Unlike contagious cold sores, canker sores are not viral, but they are painful and interfere with daily life.
Minor canker sores are the most common type, healing naturally within one to two weeks without scarring. While the exact cause is unknown, triggers often include minor injury, emotional stress, consumption of acidic or spicy foods, and nutritional deficiencies (such as B12, iron, or folic acid).
How Salt Water Rinsing Provides Relief
Salt water soothes canker sores primarily through osmosis. The high concentration of salt creates a hypertonic solution that draws excess fluid out of the swollen, inflamed tissues surrounding the ulcer. This action reduces puffiness and irritation, providing a noticeable reduction in pain.
The saline solution promotes a cleaner environment conducive to natural healing. Salt water possesses mild antiseptic qualities that help cleanse the area of debris and discourage bacterial growth. The rinse also temporarily raises the pH level, making the environment more alkaline, which inhibits bacterial proliferation. This combination allows the body’s natural restorative processes to proceed efficiently.
Preparing and Using the Rinse Effectively
To create an effective rinse, mix one teaspoon of table salt into eight ounces (one cup) of warm water until dissolved. Warm water is recommended because it is soothing to the irritated tissue and helps the salt dissolve properly.
Gently swish the solution around the entire mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, ensuring it contacts the canker sore directly. Spit the solution out afterward, as swallowing salty water is unnecessary. This rinsing process can be repeated three to four times a day, or as needed for pain relief, using a freshly prepared solution each time.
Other Approaches to Soothing Canker Sores
Beyond the salt water rinse, several other approaches can provide relief and support healing.
Topical Treatments
- Over-the-counter topical products containing anesthetics, such as benzocaine, can be applied directly to the lesion to temporarily numb the pain.
- Dabbing the sore with a mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water.
- Applying milk of magnesia to coat and soothe the ulcer.
Adjusting dietary habits is an effective strategy for managing discomfort. Avoiding abrasive, spicy, or acidic foods (like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and coffee) prevents further irritation to the open sore. Focusing on soft, bland foods minimizes pain during meals and allows the tissue to heal undisturbed.
Most canker sores resolve on their own. However, consult a physician or dentist if the sores are unusually large, accompanied by a high fever, or begin to spread. Medical attention is also necessary if a sore persists for two weeks or longer without healing, or if outbreaks become frequent. For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a specialized mouthwash or a topical steroid.