A canker sore, medically known as an aphthous ulcer, is a small, painful lesion that develops inside the mouth, often on the tongue, cheeks, or gums. Unlike cold sores, these ulcers are not caused by a virus and are not contagious, but they create an acute, burning pain that makes speaking and eating difficult. While a complete cure in 24 hours is rarely possible, combining immediate pain management with targeted treatments can significantly reduce discomfort and accelerate the healing process within a single day. The focus is on rapid symptom relief and creating an environment where the body’s natural repair mechanisms can work quickly.
Quick Pain Numbing and Soothing
The first step in managing a canker sore is addressing the intense, localized pain it causes. Simple measures focused on temperature and physical protection provide immediate, temporary relief from the burning sensation. Applying a small ice chip directly to the ulcer’s surface offers a numbing effect by temporarily reducing local nerve sensitivity and swelling.
Rinsing the mouth with cold water helps soothe the irritated area and washes away food debris that might cause friction or chemical irritation. For more widespread inflammation, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can reduce swelling and tenderness around the sore. Avoid abrasive, hot, or highly acidic foods, as irritation prevents the delicate tissue from beginning the repair process.
Targeted At-Home Solutions
After initial pain management, apply accessible home remedies designed to alter the sore’s environment and promote faster healing. A saltwater rinse is an effective starting point; the hypertonic solution cleanses the area and draws fluid out of the ulcer, helping it dry out. Dissolve one teaspoon of table salt in a half-cup of warm water and swish the mixture around the mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is effective because its basic pH helps neutralize the acidic environment that irritates canker sores. Create a small, thick paste by mixing a tiny amount of water with baking soda and dabbing it directly onto the sore. Holding this paste in place for a few minutes helps reduce inflammation and soothe the ulcer.
Another method involves applying Milk of Magnesia, which contains magnesium hydroxide, acting as both an antacid and a mild coating agent. Use a cotton swab to dab a small amount of the liquid directly onto the lesion a few times throughout the day. This creates a protective physical barrier over the ulcer while the alkaline nature balances the pH, shielding the sore from irritating acids in food and saliva.
Over-the-Counter Topical Treatments
Commercially available products offer a concentrated and long-lasting approach to both pain relief and protection. Topical anesthetic gels, which often contain benzocaine, work by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the tissue to eliminate pain on contact. Products like Kank-A or Orajel provide maximum-strength numbing that allows the user to eat and speak more comfortably.
Other formulations use film-forming agents, such as cellulose suspended in a liquid, to create a durable, waterproof seal over the canker sore. This physical barrier protects the underlying nerve endings from contact, shielding the sore against irritation from movement and food. Specialized oral patches, like Canker Cover, adhere directly to the moist tissue and slowly dissolve while releasing ingredients that reduce pain and inflammation over several hours. These targeted interventions help maintain an undisturbed healing period, allowing for significant improvement within 24 hours.
When 24 Hours Is Not Enough
While these strategies offer substantial relief and accelerate initial healing, not all canker sores resolve quickly. Recognize signs that indicate a more serious issue requiring professional medical evaluation. Consult a doctor or dentist if the canker sore is unusually large (over one centimeter) or if it persists without any sign of healing for longer than two weeks.
Professional help is also needed if new sores develop before old ones have resolved, leading to frequent, painful outbreaks. Other concerning symptoms include canker sores accompanied by a high fever, difficulty swallowing, or a skin rash, as these may signal an underlying systemic health condition. For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe specialized steroid mouth rinses to reduce inflammation and promote faster tissue recovery.