Canker Sores

1. What Are Canker Sores?

Small, shallow ulcers that form inside the mouth — on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums.
Unlike cold sores (which are caused by the herpes virus and appear outside the mouth), canker sores are not contagious.
They usually heal within 1–2 weeks but can be painful and interfere with eating or speaking.

2. Common Causes & Triggers

While the exact cause isn’t always known, these factors are linked to outbreaks:

Minor mouth injuries (biting cheek, dental work, braces)
Stress and lack of sleep
Hormonal changes (e.g., menstrual cycle)
Nutritional deficiencies (low iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc)
Certain foods (acidic citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate)
Underlying health conditions (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, immune disorders)
Allergic reactions to toothpaste or mouthwash ingredients (like sodium lauryl sulfate)

3. Natural Remedies

These aim to reduce pain, speed healing, or prevent recurrence without synthetic drugs:

Saltwater rinse – 1 tsp salt in warm water, rinse for 30 sec, 2–3× daily.
Baking soda rinse – neutralizes acids, reduces inflammation.
Honey – antibacterial, promotes healing (apply directly several times daily).
Aloe vera gel – soothes and reduces inflammation.
Chamomile tea compress – contains compounds that calm irritation.
Vitamin & mineral supplementation – iron, folic acid, B12, zinc if deficient.
Avoid triggers – steer clear of acidic/spicy foods and SLS-containing toothpaste.

4. Pharmaceutical / Synthetic Drug Treatments

Used when natural remedies aren’t enough or for severe cases:

Topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone acetonide dental paste) – reduce inflammation and pain.
Topical anesthetics (benzocaine gels like Anbesol®, Orajel®) – numb the sore temporarily.
Antimicrobial mouth rinses (chlorhexidine gluconate) – reduce bacterial load and infection risk.
Prescription oral medications – colchicine or systemic steroids in severe recurrent cases.
Silver nitrate cauterization – seals the ulcer to relieve pain and speed healing.

5. Key Differences

Aspect

Natural Remedies

Pharmaceutical/Synthetic

Mode of Action

Support body’s healing, reduce irritation

Directly reduce inflammation, numb pain, or kill bacteria

Side Effects

Minimal, but slower relief

Faster relief, possible side effects (irritation, taste changes, allergic reactions)

Best For

Mild sores, prevention, people avoiding drugs

Severe, frequent, or highly painful ulcers

Bottom line:

For occasional mild canker sores, natural remedies and trigger avoidance work well.
For frequent or severe sores, a mix of lifestyle changes + targeted pharmaceutical treatment may be best.

Canker Sores: Natural vs Pharmaceutical Remedies

Aspect

Natural Remedies

Pharmaceutical / Synthetic Remedies

Examples

• Saltwater rinse
• Baking soda rinse
• Honey
• Aloe vera gel
• Chamomile tea
• Vitamin supplements
• Avoid triggers

• Topical corticosteroids (triamcinolone)
• Topical anesthetics (benzocaine)
• Antimicrobial rinses (chlorhexidine)
• Prescription oral meds
• Silver nitrate cauterization

Mode of Action

Support body’s healing, reduce irritation, natural anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial effects

Directly reduce inflammation, numb pain, or kill microbes

Advantages

• Minimal side effects
• Inexpensive
• Accessible
• Can be preventive

• Faster relief
• Effective for severe sores
• Can prevent complications

Drawbacks

• Slower relief
• May not help severe cases

• Possible side effects (irritation, taste changes, allergic reactions)
• Some require prescription

Best For

Mild sores, prevention, people avoiding synthetic drugs

Severe, frequent, or highly painful ulcers