Sad to inform all you sufferers of the very common minor aphthous ulcer - better known as the canker sore - that there is in fact no known permanent cure for these sores on the inside of the mouth. Luckily though there are plenty of home remedies that can help lessen the pain.
Avoid irritation. Coffee, spices, citrus fruit, nuts high in the amino acid arginine (especially walnuts), chocolate, and strawberries irritate canker sores and cause them in some people. “If you get canker sores, you probably know darn well what you should stay away from,” Dr. Goepp says. You probably already know, too, to brush your teeth carefully.
In contrast, canker sores usually travel alone. And unlike a sore caused by the herpes virus, a canker sore is not contagious. A canker sore has a yellow or white-gray center with a well-defined red border. It generally measures three to five millimeters in diameter and is usually located on the inside of the lip or cheek or, less commonly, on the tongue. They hurt like the dickens, but usually they’re not serious. The most painful phase lasts about three to four days, and the sores go away in about ten days.
Avoid foods which can irritate canker sores.
Avoid those foods and beverages that have the potential to irritate canker sores. Hard or crunchy foods, like potato chips, can easily abrade a canker sore’s surface. Acidic drinks, such as tomato juice or citrus juices, alcoholic beverages, and spicy or salty foods can all produce a stinging response from canker sores.
Diet for Canker sores
Eat foods rich in vitamin B. Foods like whole grain and green leafy vegetables are good sources of vitamin B. Eat easily digestible foods, well cooked soft grains and light cooked vegetables. Eat yogurt daily. Active acidophilus in yogurt helps to heal and prevent the outbreak of canker sores. Avoid foods like coffee, citrus fruits and spices, as they may irritate your mouth. Spicy and acidic foods increase the pain; it is advisable to avoid them. Avoid hard foods like chips, wafers and nuts. Avoid diary products, salty foods, sweet foods, oily foods, and animal protein.
Avoid hot, spicy or acidic foods and foods with sharp crunchy edges, such as nacho chips, which can irritate the canker sore. Acidic foods or beverages (tomato, citrus, soft drinks etc) produce a burning sensation when they come into contact with the ulcer.
Take 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add 1-cup fenugreek leaves to it and remove from flame. Let it cool for sometime. Thereafter strain the water and gargle with it 2-3 times in a day.
