Using Salt For Canker Sores
Using salt for canker sores is a convenient way to help you find relief. Salt water for canker sore can be an important tool in improving your oral health. Simply rinsing throughout the day can help achieve relief and improve healing.
Is salt good for canker sores? This article will help break down salt water rines and how they can help heal your canker sore fast!
Table of Contents
What is a Canker Sore?
Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcers. These sores occur inside the mouth and can be very painful. Canker sores can range in size, shape, and location in the mouth. They are not contagious and cannot be spread.
The exact cause of canker sores is unknown but can be triggered by different factors. These factors include:
- An allergic reaction in the mouth
- Irritating foods that are very spicy, salty, or acidic
- A deficiency in vitamin b-12, folate, zinc, or iron
- Stress
- An immune response from the body caused by an illness
For more information on canker sores or other mouth sores, check out our article Common Mouth Ulcers Guide.
How Salt For Canker Sores Works
Is salt good for canker sores? Salt is a great healing tool when used correctly. Salt for canker sores will help with discomfort and improve healing.
How salt for canker sores works is that salt water helps neutralize the pH in the mouth. This minimizes the harmful bacteria in the mouth. Salt water for canker sore will help reduce inflammation. It also helps keep the tissues in the mouth hydrated.
How To Use Salt Water for Canker Sore
Using salt for canker sores is a great way to improve healing. A salt water for canker sore rinse is convenient and easy to make. It is also a very cost-effective way to help heal sores in the mouth. Any type of salt that is safe to consume will work.
- Pour one cup of warm water. Using water that is too hot can irritate the canker sore and possibly cause a burn in the mouth.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt in the glass of water. Make sure the salt is fully mixed and evenly distributed.
- Gently swish in the mouth for at least 30 seconds. Repeat multiple times throughout the day until the sore is fully healed.
- Consult your dentist if the canker sore continues to get worse or doesn’t heal within 1-2 weeks.
Can I put salt directly on a canker sore? Do not put salt directly on any sore or wound in the mouth. This will irritate the area and prolong the healing time.
Other Uses For Salt Water Rinses
Salt water for canker sore can benefit your mouth in several ways. Using salt for canker sores is a great way to help. Other uses for salt water in the mouth are:
- Soothe other mouth sores
- Enhance healing in the mouth
- Soothe sore throats
- Relieves discomfort from tongue discomfort
- Helps improve the healing of lip or cheek-biting wounds
- Reduce inflammation in the gums
- Improves healing after a tooth extraction
Tips for Healing Canker Sores
Canker sores can be incredibly uncomfortable and irritating. The usual healing time for canker sores is 1-2 weeks. There are several steps you can take to help improve healing. These include:
- Avoid foods that are very acidic, salty, or spicy. Choose foods that are more neutral and won’t irritate the sore.
- Avoid sharp foods that will scratch the sore.
- Stay hydrated with frequent sips of water throughout the day.
- Keep the mouth clean by brushing 2 times a day and flossing daily.
- Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol in them that might irritate the sore.
- Use salt for canker sores and rinse several times throughout the day.
When to Consult Your Dentist
Most canker sores will heal within 1-2 weeks, especially if using salt for canker sores. Canker sores will differ in size, shape, and location in the mouth. If taking the proper precautions, your canker sore should never change shape or get worse over time.
Consult your dentist if your canker sore isn’t healing and getting better after 2 weeks. If your canker sore gets worse, make an appointment to ensure it is a canker sore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of salt do you use for canker sores?
Any salt that is safe to consume can be used for salt water rinses. The most common types of salt for canker sores are ordinary table salt and Himalayan salt. Never put salt directly on any sores or wounds in the mouth. This will further irritate the area and prolong healing.
What heals canker sores fast?
The best way to heal canker sores fast is to promote a healthy environment in the mouth. Avoid any foods or beverages that will irritate the sore. Control bacteria in the mouth by brushing and flossing daily. Staying hydrated and using salt water rinses multiple times a day are also important in reducing the healing time of sores.
Why do canker sores hurt so much?
Canker sores hurt more than other wounds in the mouth because they are very sensitive. It is hard to keep harmful bacteria away from it. It is also hard to isolate the area and prevent friction. Unfortunately, you cannot put a band-aid over a sore in the mouth.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
