How to get rid of canker sores
Learn key ways to heal canker sores quickly, ease discomfort and prevent future outbreaks with simple treatments.
If you've ever experienced a canker sore, there's likely one thing on your mind—how fast can you get rid of it? Scientifically known as aphthous ulcers, these tiny sores can suddenly pop up inside your lips or mouth, causing a major annoyance. Fortunately, they’re fairly common, not contagious, and can even heal on their own.
But why not try a few simple tips and tricks to speed up the healing process—and ease the pain along the way? Your Aspen Dental care team can guide you through at-home remedies to help you find the relief you need from canker sores faster.
8 tips for getting rid of canker sores fast
Discover 8 simple tips for soothing canker sore symptoms and speeding up your healing time.
Low-level laser therapy
For aphthous ulcers, low-level laser treatment therapy is a safe and effective solution for removing canker sores. It’s usually better than most topical medications. Plus, at Aspen Dental, we offer low-level laser treatment for ulcers at select locations. Contact your local office to see if this treatment is available near you.
Try OTC treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can work wonders for soothing canker sore pain and helping it heal faster. Some options include:
Benzocaine gel to numb the pain
Medicated patches that protect the sore from irritation
Hydrogen peroxide rinses
Corticosteroid ointments
Not sure which one to pick? Ask your doctor or pharmacist for recommendations, and always follow the instructions on the product.
Rinse with saltwater
A quick saltwater rinse can help reduce pain and inflammation. Just mix a teaspoon of salt into a warm cup of water, swish it in your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit it out. Do this a few times a day for some relief and faster healing.
Use a soothing mouthwash
Mouthwash can help clean out bacteria and food particles that might irritate your canker sore. Look for an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash (alcohol can sting) with soothing ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or aloe vera. Use it once or twice a day to help soothe your mouth.
Check your vitamins
Sometimes, canker sores pop up because your body is low on important vitamins like B12, folic acid, iron or zinc. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of leafy greens, whole grains and lean proteins.
A daily multivitamin can also help fill in any gaps. If you’re unsure, ask your doctor for advice on improving your diet or supplement routine.
Dab on some honey
Raw, unprocessed honey is a natural hero for canker sore relief. It can help reduce pain, swelling and bacteria all at once. Just dab a little directly onto the sore throughout the day, especially before eating for some soothing relief.
Enjoy some yogurt
Yogurt with live probiotics might help too. The good bacteria in yogurt can balance your mouth and gut microbiome, which could help reduce canker sores. Plus, it’s tasty!
Sip on some sage
Sage has powerful antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Here’s how to use it for canker sore relief:
Steep sage leaves in hot water to make a tea.
Once cooled, swish the tea in your mouth for about a minute.
Spit it out or sip it to enjoy the added anti-inflammatory benefits.
How long do canker sores last?
Canker sores usually stick around for 1–2 weeks. Here’s a snapshot of the healing process:
Days 1–2: A small sore appears, growing into an ulcer.
Days 3–4: It reaches its full size and starts to hurt.
Days 5–14: Your body takes over and heals the sore, with the pain subsiding after the first few days.
It may feel like a long time, but hang in there—your mouth will recover before you know it.
Can canker sores heal on their own?
Most of the time, canker sores heal on their own. But it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor if you notice any of the following:
It starts spreading.
It’s larger than usual.
It sticks around for more than 2 weeks.
It’s accompanied by a high fever.
It makes eating or drinking really difficult.
How to get rid of canker sores FAQs
Should I put ice on my canker sore?
Absolutely! Ice can help ease the pain and reduce swelling in the short term. Hold a cold pack or an ice cube on it for a few minutes to get some relief. Just remember, it won’t make the sore heal any faster.
What are canker sores caused by?
Canker sores can pop up for many reasons, including:
Not getting enough key nutrients
Accidentally biting your cheek or other small mouth injuries
Eating too much acidic or spicy food
Feeling stressed out
Hormonal shifts
Certain health conditions
A weakened immune system
If you’re dealing with frequent canker sores, your doctor can help assess your situation.
Are canker sores common?
Yes, canker sores are extremely common. Most people get them at least once in their lifetime, and for others, they pop up periodically.
What is the difference between canker sores and cold sores?
Canker sores are ulcers inside your mouth that aren’t contagious. They can appear due to things like irritation, hormonal changes or even a lack of certain nutrients—and anyone can get them.
Cold sores, on the other hand, are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), so they’re contagious. These show up as fluid-filled blisters, usually on your lips or around your mouth (not inside). They only happen if you have the virus, and triggers like stress or illness can bring them on.
Get rid of your canker sore fast
Canker sores are a common annoyance—but the good news is they usually go away quickly. With the right OTC remedies and a few at-home tricks, you can ease the pain and heal faster. But if your canker sores keep coming back or stick around too long, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Have more oral health needs to treat? Or just want to keep your smile feeling its best and brightest? Schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today. We’re here to help you find lasting relief and get back to feeling your best.