{"id":62509,"date":"2024-01-10T18:09:03","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T23:09:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62509"},"modified":"2025-01-10T10:53:19","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T15:53:19","slug":"home-remedies-for-mouth-sores","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-mouth-sores\/","title":{"rendered":"15 home remedies for mouth sores (and what to do if they don\u2019t work)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores, can appear occasionally, or they can be recurring. These sores are often painful, but there are some home remedies that can reduce symptoms using resources you may already have at home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Types of mouth sores<\/span><\/h2>\n

Cold sores<\/span><\/a>, also known as fever blisters, are fluid-filled lesions that form around the mouth due to a viral infection called <\/span>herpes simplex<\/span><\/a>. Cold sores are most contagious when the blister breaks open and leaks fluid. It\u2019s important to refrain from close contact during a cold-sore outbreak and wait until all symptoms, including scabbing, have subsided before sharing utensils, cups, towels, or other contaminated objects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canker sores are yellowish-to-white circular ulcers in the mouth and on the lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums. Also called <\/span>aphthous ulcers<\/span>, canker sores can be a reaction to medications, allergies, nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposures, stress, or a change in hormone levels. Although canker sores naturally disappear within two weeks without treatment, natural remedies can ease discomfort and speed up the healing process. Canker sores are not contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Below is a list of 15 home remedies that may help alleviate the pain of cold sores and canker sores.<\/span><\/p>\n

15 Home remedies for mouth sores<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Saltwater rinses<\/span><\/h3>\n

Saltwater rinses can flush out the sore, decrease inflammation, and dry out the wound, according to <\/span>Mayo Clinic<\/span><\/a>. You can make a saltwater rinse by combining 1 teaspoon of salt and one-half cup of warm water. Stir and allow the salt to dissolve. Swish the warm saltwater rinse in your mouth three to four times a day, but don\u2019t swallow it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Baking soda rinse or paste<\/span><\/h3>\n

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can help to reduce acidity in the mouth, decrease swelling, and ease pain associated with mouth sores. You can use baking soda as a rinse or paste. To make a rinse, follow the same method you would for a saltwater rinse: Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda in one-half cup of warm water, swish, and spit. To make a paste, apply it directly to the lesion by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until it is the consistency of toothpaste.<\/span><\/p>\n

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