Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, painful lesions that typically appear inside the mouth, often on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks. While generally harmless, these ulcers can cause significant discomfort, making eating and speaking difficult. These common oral lesions usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. A widely recognized and simple home remedy for managing the discomfort of canker sores is a salt water rinse.
How Salt Water Helps
Salt water helps manage canker sore discomfort and promotes healing by creating a cleaner environment. When salt dissolves in water, it creates a hypertonic solution, meaning it has a higher concentration of solutes than the cells in the mouth. This hypertonic environment inhibits bacterial growth around the sore, reducing the risk of secondary infection and maintaining a clean oral environment.
Its hypertonic nature also draws out excess fluid from inflamed tissues around the canker sore. This reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Rinsing also cleanses the area by washing away food particles, debris, and bacteria that could irritate the sore. By keeping the area clean and reducing irritants, a salt water rinse supports natural healing, offering symptom relief rather than a direct cure.
Preparing and Using a Salt Water Rinse
Preparing a salt water rinse is straightforward and requires common household ingredients. Begin with a cup (approximately 8 ounces) of warm, not hot, water. Using warm water helps the salt dissolve more readily and can be more soothing than cold water.
Add about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of common table salt or sea salt to the warm water. Stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved, ensuring there are no undissolved salt crystals that could further irritate the sore. Once prepared, take a mouthful of the solution and gently swish it around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, paying particular attention to the area where the canker sore is located.
After swishing, spit out the salt water; it is important not to swallow the solution. This rinse can be used two to three times a day, especially after meals, to help keep the sore clean and promote comfort. The rinse is generally safe for most individuals, including children who are old enough to understand the importance of spitting it out.
Additional Care and When to Seek Medical Advice
Beyond salt water rinses, several other home care measures can help alleviate discomfort and support the healing of canker sores. Avoiding abrasive, acidic, spicy, or very hot foods and beverages can prevent further irritation to the sore. Maintaining good oral hygiene, including gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, also contributes to a clean environment for healing. Over-the-counter topical gels or patches specifically designed for oral pain relief can also provide temporary comfort.
While canker sores typically resolve on their own, certain circumstances warrant a visit to a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or doctor. Seek medical advice if a sore is unusually large, extremely painful, or appears to be spreading rapidly. Similarly, if new sores develop before previous ones have healed, leading to continuous outbreaks, professional evaluation is recommended. Consult a healthcare provider if a canker sore lasts longer than two to three weeks, extends beyond the inside of the mouth onto the lips, or is accompanied by other symptoms like a high fever, diarrhea, headache, or a skin rash, as these could indicate an underlying medical condition.