How to treat mouth ulcers and canker sores

Aphthous ulcers, a type of mouth ulcer more commonly known as canker sores, are shallow, painful lesions that appear on the tongue and inside of the cheeks and lips, roof of the mouth and at the base of the gums. It is a common affliction experienced by many people at some point in their lives, most often by people in their early teens up until their forties, and, in particular, by women. The ulcers, which can appear in singular or group form, are white in appearance and often surrounded by a red "halo" and, depending on the location, can cause swelling in the lip. They aren't contagious, but in some cases there is a hereditary link.

Read on to find out how to treat mouth ulcers and canker sores.

The cause
"Nobody really knows what causes them," says Dr. Alan Bobkin, a Toronto-based orthodontist. Simple canker sores most often develop where the inner-mouth tissue has already been damaged, he explains. Anything from biting the inside of your mouth, to irritation from braces or sometimes even overzealous brushing can bring them on. Frequently occurring lesions have also been attributed to factors such as improper nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, a compromised immune system and excessive stress levels. Since very little is proven with regards to the origin of cankers, there are no concrete answers in terms of treatment and prevention, however continued scientific research and time-tested remedies help provide insight on how best to deal with this uncomfortable condition.

How to treat mouth ulcers and canker sores
Home remedies: There's a litany of do-it-yourself cures – ranging from baking soda or saltwater rinses to the application of a black tea bag directly on the sore – that have long been praised for their reliable success rate.

Oils: Certain herbal oils, such as menthol and clove, can provide temporary relief by creating numbing sensation around the ulcer, and tea tree oil (a natural disinfectant) is often touted as an effective cure for cankers.

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