Does Putting Salt On A Canker Sore Help?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Does putting salt on a canker sore help?”, and tell you what canker sores are. We will also tell you the difference between canker sores and cold sores. We will list down the causes of canker sores and other ways to get rid of them.

Does putting salt on a canker sore help?

Yes, putting salt on a canker sore helps but it can be very painful so it is better to put salt in warm water and then use it to rinse your mouth.

Salt increases the pH of the canker sore and makes it more alkaline. Bacteria need acidic conditions to grow, it is hard for them to survive in alkaline conditions.

Warm up some water in the microwave in a cup and dissolve some salt in it. Rinse your mouth with it and keep it in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds then spit it out. Repeat it every couple of hours.

Keep in mind that it will sting.

What are canker sores?

Canker sores are also called aphthous ulcers and they appear on the inside of lips or cheeks or on the tongue. They can also appear on the base of your gums. They are shallow lesions which are round or oval in shape with red edges. They can be very painful and make it hard for you to eat or talk.

Are canker sores the same as cold sores?

No, canker sores are not the same as cold sores. Cold sores are caused by Herpes Simplex virus. Cold sores are contagious and can be spread from an infected person to a non infected person. On the other hand, canker sores are not contagious.

Canker sores appear on the soft tissues of your mouth such as inside the lips and cheeks, soft palate, gums or on the soft palate.

Cold sores appear on the lips or around them.

What causes canker sores?

The exact cause of canker sores is not known, but there are a bunch of possible reasons for them.

They can appear as a result of emotional stress.
Helicobacter pylori can also cause canker sores in the mouth.
Any dental work that may have led to some injured tissue.
They could be because of hormonal changes during menstruation.
Celiac disease
Inflammatory bowel disease

How to get rid of canker sores other than using salt water?

There are many other effective remedies for canker sores other than salt water. Some of them are listed below.

Alum powder

Alum powder can help dry out canker sores. Mix alum powder with water and make a paste. Put this paste on top of the canker sore and leave it for a minute. Rinse your mouth after a minute and repeat daily.

Baking soda

Baking soda is also very effective in treating canker sores as it reduces inflammation. Mix it with water and use this solution to rinse your mouth.

Yogurt

If you have H. pylori or if you suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease then it is possible that these are the culprits behind your canker sores. You should eat yogurt which has probiotics in it and it will help in preventing their recurrence.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is antibacterial and it also reduces inflammation so use it on your canker sores everyday until you feel better.

Honey

Honey, in its raw and pure form, has healing properties and it can reduce inflammation. It is also an antibacterial agent so apply it to canker sores daily for 4 times until you feel better.

Anesthetic

You can use an oral anesthetic over the counter ointment to help with the pain and make it easier for you to eat.

Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can help heal canker sores. Mix it with equal parts water and either apply it on the canker sore using a cotton ball or use it to rinse your mouth.

Find out other ways to heal canker sores here.

Other FAQs about Salt that you may be interested in.

Does salt attract ants?

Does salt break fast?

Does salt burn?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “Does putting salt on a canker sore help?”, and told you what canker sores are. We also told you the difference between canker sores and cold sores. We listed down the causes of canker sores and other ways to get rid of them.