Anyone have any great ideas on how to get rid of canker sores?

Answer 1

Gargle with Listerine. It hurts like heck, but it numbs the area and it heals quicker.

Answer 2

* Even with the presence of canker sores, do your best to maintain adequate oral hygiene. If your toothpaste or mouthwash seems to precipitate or exacerbate your canker sores try using products that are less irritating, such as those that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate ("SLS") or alcohol.

* For some people certain foods have the ability to trigger outbreaks of canker sores. You might consider keeping a "food diary" as a way of monitoring which foods seem to have this effect with you. Once you have a few candidates in mind try a series of "elimination diets," each one specifically omitting one or some of the foods you most suspect.

* Minimize the chance that your outbreaks of canker sores are associated with a nutritional deficiency by way of taking a multivitamin. Since canker sores can impair one's ability to eat, make sure you do maintain an adequate fluid and nutritional intake. The use of a liquid dietary supplement such as Ensure or Sustacal might be indicated.

* Avoid those foods and beverages that have the potential to irritate canker sores. Hard or crunchy foods, like potato chips, can easily abrade a canker sore's surface. Acidic drinks, such as tomato juice or citrus juices, alcoholic beverages, and spicy or salty foods can all produce a stinging response from canker sores.

* Reduce stress. Obviously this is easier said than done and in some cases, for some people, not a possibility. If you will just keep in mind however that stress can trigger canker sores, when you are stressed you can be on the lookout for the initial signs of canker sore development and begin with a suitable treatment sooner rather than later.

Answer 3

I heard a dentist say that L-Lysine helps get rid of them. I believe it is an amino acid, and readily available in pharmacies and stores like Wal-Mart. He said he used to take several each day when he had a flare-up, but now takes one each day as a preventative measure. I don't get canker sores, so I don't really have any personal experience with it, but since L-Lysine is inexpensive (I looked), it might be worth the effort.

Answer 4

Gargle with salt mixed in warm water 2-3 times a day. It will kill the bacteria around it and hopefully get rid of it within a few days. Good luck!

Answer 5

Some people think gargling with salt water helps - or taking the supplement lysine (also found in high quantities in tomatoes).

Answer 6

gargle with listerine, gargle with salt water...