Lifestyle and home remedies

To help relieve pain and speed healing, consider these tips:

• Rinse your mouth. Use salt water or baking soda rinse (dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup warm water).
• Dab a small amount of milk of magnesia on your canker sore a few times a day.
• Avoid abrasive, acidic or spicy foods that can cause further irritation and pain.
• Apply ice to your canker sores by allowing ice chips to slowly dissolve over the sores.
• Brush your teeth gently, using a soft brush and foaming-agent-free toothpaste such as Biotene or Sensodyne ProNamel.