Introduction
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are a common oral problem that can occur on your tongue, cheeks, and lips. They are small, shallow lesions that can cause immense pain and discomfort while eating, drinking, or speaking. While they are non-contagious and not dangerous, they can be quite annoying and distracting. Therefore, knowing how to treat and prevent them is crucial. In this article, we will discuss some home remedies, diet tips, over-the-counter products, and prescription medications that can help you get rid of canker sores on your tongue naturally and effectively.
Home Remedies for Canker Sores on Tongue
You can try several home remedies that may help alleviate the pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Here are a few:
Saltwater rinses
One of the most common and effective home remedies for canker sores on your tongue is saltwater rinses. Salt contains natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and bacteria in the mouth. To prepare a saltwater rinse, mix one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat the process a few times a day until the sore heals.
Baking soda pastes
Baking soda paste is another natural remedy that can help reduce pain and inflammation of canker sores on your tongue. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water until you get a thick paste. Apply the paste directly on the sore and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat the process two to three times daily until the sore disappears.
Hydrogen peroxide mouthwashes
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can help kill bacteria and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. To prepare a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, mix one part of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide with one part of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat the process twice daily for a few days.
Aloe vera gel application
Aloe vera gel has natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help soothe and heal canker sores on your tongue. Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply the gel directly on the sore and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. Repeat the process thrice daily for a few days until the sore heals.
Chamomile tea bags
Chamomile tea bags contain natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and heal canker sores on your tongue. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and allow the bag to cool down. Apply the tea bag directly on the sore and leave it on for a few minutes. Repeat the process twice daily for a few days until the sore disappears.
Diet Tips to Prevent and Treat Canker Sores on Tongue
Your diet can play a significant role in preventing and treating canker sores on your tongue. Here are a few diet tips that can help:
Avoiding acidic and spicy foods
Foods that are acidic, spicy, or salty can irritate your mouth and trigger canker sores on your tongue. Therefore, it is best to avoid foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and hot peppers. Instead, choose foods that are bland, soft, and easy to chew.
Eating healthy and nutrient-rich foods
A healthy and balanced diet can help prevent canker sores and promote overall oral health. Try to include foods that are rich in vitamins B12, C, and E, iron, and zinc. Some examples include leafy greens, whole grains, lean meats, fish, nuts, and seeds.
Taking vitamin supplements if necessary
If you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals that can cause canker sores, you may want to take supplements. However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any supplements as overdosing can be harmful.
Drinking plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth, which can lead to canker sores on your tongue. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Over-The-Counter Products to Treat Canker Sores on Tongue
If home remedies and diet tips do not work, you can try over-the-counter products that can help relieve pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Here are a few:
Pain-relieving gels and creams
There are several pain-relieving gels and creams available over-the-counter that can help reduce pain and inflammation of canker sores on your tongue. Some examples include Orajel, Anbesol, and Kanka.
Oral anesthetics
Oral anesthetics are products that contain numbing agents that can help relieve pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Some examples include benzocaine, lidocaine, and phenol.
Oral rehydration solutions
Oral rehydration solutions are products that help prevent dehydration and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. They contain a balanced mixture of electrolytes and glucose that can help keep your mouth moist and hydrated. Some examples include Pedialyte, Gatorade, and Powerade.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation of canker sores on your tongue. However, it is best to consult your doctor before taking any medications as they can have side effects.
Prescription Medications for Canker Sores on Tongue
If home remedies, diet tips, and over-the-counter products do not work, your doctor may prescribe you medications that can help relieve pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Here are a few:
Topical corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are medications that contain steroids that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. They are available in the form of creams, ointments, and gels that you can apply directly on the sore. Some examples include fluocinonide, triamcinolone, and betamethasone.
Oral corticosteroids
If topical corticosteroids do not work, your doctor may prescribe you oral corticosteroids that you can take in the form of pills, tablets, or capsules. They contain higher doses of steroids that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. However, they can have side effects and are not suitable for everyone.
Antibiotics for secondary infections
If your canker sores on your tongue get infected with bacteria, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics that can help kill the infection. However, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections and are only useful when there is a bacterial infection.
The Benefits of Using Natural Oils for Canker Sore Relief on Tongue
Natural oils contain several beneficial properties that can help soothe and heal canker sores on your tongue. Here are a few natural oils that you can use:
Coconut oil
Coconut oil contains lauric acid and caprylic acid that can help soothe and heal canker sores on your tongue. Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly on the sore and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Clove oil
Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural anesthetic and antiseptic that can help relieve pain and prevent infection of canker sores on your tongue. Apply a few drops of clove oil directly on the sore and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties that can help kill bacteria and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil and apply the mixture directly on the sore.
Lavender oil
Lavender oil contains natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue. Mix a few drops of lavender oil with a carrier oil and apply the mixture directly on the sore.
Tips for Managing Pain and Discomfort of Canker Sores on Tongue
If you have canker sores on your tongue, you may experience pain and discomfort while eating, drinking, or speaking. Here are a few tips that can help:
Using warm saltwater rinses
As mentioned earlier, warm saltwater rinses can help alleviate pain and promote healing of canker sores on your tongue.
Avoiding spicy and acidic foods
Avoiding spicy and acidic foods can help prevent irritation and pain of canker sores on your tongue.
Using pain-relieving gels and creams
Using pain-relieving gels and creams can help reduce pain and inflammation of canker sores on your tongue.
Trying acupressure
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves applying pressure on certain points of your body to relieve pain and promote healing. Try pressing the point between your thumb and index finger to relieve pain and discomfort of canker sores on your tongue.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Future Canker Sore Outbreaks on Tongue
Preventing future outbreaks of canker sores on your tongue involves making a few lifestyle changes. Here are a few:
Managing stress levels
Stress can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of getting canker sores on your tongue. Therefore, managing stress levels with techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help prevent future outbreaks.
Getting plenty of sleep
Adequate sleep can boost your immune system and reduce your risk of getting canker sores on your tongue. Aim for at least seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
Quitting smoking
Smoking can irritate your mouth and increase your risk of getting canker sores on your tongue. Therefore, quitting smoking is essential for preventing future outbreaks.
Avoiding triggers such as certain foods, toothpaste, and mouthwash
Identifying and avoiding triggers such as certain foods, toothpaste, and mouthwash that can irritate your mouth and cause canker sores on your tongue is crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Conclusion
Canker sores on your tongue can be quite painful and annoying. However, with the right home remedies, diet tips, over-the-counter products, prescription medications, natural oils, and lifestyle changes, you can manage the symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. Therefore, make sure to adopt the strategies discussed in this article to get rid of canker sores on your tongue naturally and effectively.
