Canker Sores, also known as Aphthous Stomatitis, are common ulcers that appear on the inside lining of the mouth, or even on the tongue. They are very different from cold sores caused by herpes virus, which appear on the lips. It hurt a lot while eating or talking, and are characterized by small white dots of about a centimeter or more with redness all around them. If not treated soon, these could cause a lot of discomfort and itching.

It usually occur in women and teenagers who normally undergo hormonal changes. Faulty or acidic foods too could be the cause of canker sores. Other reasons could be stress or anxiety, anemia, deficiency of nutrition like folic acid and B12, or lack of dental hygiene. In some cases, they could occur from an accidental injury in the mouth, like being hurt with a hard toothbrush or being bruised while eating hard wafers etc. Aphthous Stomatitis are not contagious, but some larger ones could be accompanied by fever.

Hot or spicy foods could be difficult to eat when one is suffering from canker sores. These sores could take 6-7 days to heal, but the more severe ones that appear in clusters and are bigger, could take longer. To solve the problem, there are some home remedies for canker sores that provide relief from the pain and itching.

A gargle of warm water with a little salt, 2-3 times a day gives immense relief. Also, rinsing one's mouth with aloe juice is one the simplest and most effective home remedies for Aphthous Stomatitis.

Mixing equal amounts of milk of magnesia and Benadryl and applying it on sores with a cotton swab reduces inflammation. Also, baking soda can be mixed in warm water, and the mouth can be rinsed with it several times during the day to get some relief.

A few drops of grapefruit extract mixed with water, to rinse the mouth, can be one of the most useful home remedies for canker sores. Moreover, applying tea tree oil on the sores is an excellent home remedy too.

Eating fresh and ripe papaya or chewing papaya leaves provides relief as well. Papaya tablets could also be chewed if fresh papaya is not available.

Some creams and mouthwashes can be bought to get immediate relief, as they protect the surface of the canker sores and prevent it from getting infected, and reduce pain. Also, candies containing Cayenne Pepper, though not liked by everyone, can provide relief.

It can be evaded by avoiding stress, and by taking a high nutrition diet. Increased dental hygiene can help in minimizing and even preventing canker sores. Further, foods like nuts and tomatoes trigger the pain during canker sores and must therefore be avoided. Consumption of foods with minerals and vitamins should be increased. Reducing alcohol and smoking is also a good idea as they could also irritate the canker sores.

If Aphthous Stomatitis persist for more that 2-3 days without any relief from home remedies, followed by slight fever, then immediate medical care should be sought.

Read more Home Remedies for Canker Sores. Also know useful Home Remedies for Diarrhea. Read effective Home Remedies for Genital Warts.

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