Does salt water help mouth ulcers?

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by Drugs.com

Salt water rinses are a natural disinfectant and effectively promote healing by reducing swelling. They can be used to help relieve irritation from a mouth ulcer (canker sore) or similar lesion, based on your dentist's recommendations.

Salt water solutions are simple -- mix 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of warm (not hot) water. Swish around your mouth or gargle for 5 to 10 seconds before spitting out. Do not swallow.

Other home remedies for canker sores include:

  • Rinse your mouth with a baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water)
  • Place a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day.
  • Allow ice chips to slowly dissolve over the sores.

    • What is a canker sore?

    A canker sore or aphthous ulcer is small, painful lesion that forms on the soft tissues in your mouth, under your tongue, or in the cheeks or gums. They appear as a white lesion with red, inflamed borders.

    Canker sores don't occur on the surface of your lips (like a cold sore) and they aren't contagious (not viral or bacterial), but they they can interfere with eating, drinking or talking.

    Sometimes these sores can be triggered by sharp teeth or dental appliances, like braces or night guards. If this seems to be the case, contact your dentist.

    Most canker sores heal on their own in a week or two without scarring. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritate the lesion. Brush your teeth gently, using a soft brush and foaming-agent-free toothpaste such as Biotene, Sensodyne ProNamel or other toothpastes that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

    Check with your doctor or dentist if you have:

  • unusually large or painful canker sores
  • canker sores that don't seem to heal
  • frequent canker sore outbreaks
  • sores that extend onto the lip
  • ongoing trouble with eating or drinking
  • a fever
  • unusual bleeding

    • This is not all the information you need to know about this condition and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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