Why does salt help canker sores

Go to Mobile website. About Us Meet Dr. If you have recently had a dental procedure, and a dentist recommended that you have a mouth rinse, you are not alone. Mouth rinses using salt have been used to help patients recover from a dental procedure, or as a way to make gum inflammation or canker sores hear more quickly. In fact, salt has been used as a way to prevent infection for thousands of years.

Salt water rinses have been used for a long time, and many people like salt water rinses to soothe their sore mouths, as well as sore throats. If you want more information about how salt water helps your mouth heal, keep reading. Most canker sores will resolve without treatment and are not usually a sign of a severe medical condition. However, a person should seek consultation with a doctor if the following occur:.

In some cases, canker sores can be a sign of an underlying health concern, including gastrointestinal conditions. If someone has any of the following symptoms, they should talk to a doctor:. Canker sores can be painful and irritating, especially if they occur frequently. Keeping track of when they occur and any possible triggers may help a person work out if there is an underlying cause they can avoid.

In the meantime, a person can try a variety of home remedies and OTC solutions to ease pain and discomfort. Keeping OTC medication and some natural remedies on hand means that a person can begin to tackle ulcers and canker sores as soon as they appear.

Cold sores, or fever blisters, are small lesions that usually appear around or inside the mouth. They are symptoms of oral herpes. Learn more here. Canker sores occur in the mouth and are easily identifiable but not serious. Cold sores, or fever sores, can be painful and uncomfortable. Antiviral medication can help get rid of them, but some home remedies can also ease the….

Cold sores have no cure, but a range of medications can ease the discomfort and reduce the duration of an outbreak. Home remedies may help. Learn more…. Nine ways to treat canker sores. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Nine remedies for canker sores Causes When to see a doctor Summary We include products we think are useful for our readers.

When to see a doctor. Dentistry Dermatology Ear, Nose, and Throat. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world.

Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Badge field New. Top Articles. Common Causes of a Canker Sore Most canker sores look like round or oval ulcers with a white or yellow center and a red border. There are many things canker sores, including: Viral infection Stress Hormonal fluctuations Food allergies Vitamin or mineral deficiencies Mouth injury.

Foods that are hot in temperature, spicy, citrus, or acidic can agitate your sore and make it more inflamed. Instead, opt for softer, more bland foods like spinach, yogurt, salmon, or kale to calm the breakout. Salt Water Rinsing with salt water can dry out canker sores and keep them from swelling. Mix one teaspoon of table salt in a half cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out.

Rinse with salt water as needed. Zinc Supplements Vitamin or mineral deficiencies, like low levels of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, or zinc, can cause canker sores. Zinc supplements not only help reduce the frequency of canker sore production they also boost your immune system to keep you fighting germs all day long!

Aloe vera Aloe vera has multiple potential uses in dentistry, including reducing the pain caused by canker sores and accelerating the healing process.