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Canker sores are tiny, stubborn, and surprisingly painful. They can make eating, drinking, and even talking uncomfortable — and when one shows up, most people have the same question: how do I get rid of it fast?
Good news: there are ways to speed up healing, calm irritation, and prevent future outbreaks. Some solutions come straight from your kitchen, others from the pharmacy, and a few from your dentist when things get more severe.
This guide walks you through the 10 fastest and most effective ways to get rid of canker sores, plus simple prevention tips and clear signs of when it’s time to see a dentist. Everything is written with real patients in mind, so you get quick advice you can use today.
Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small, shallow wounds that develop inside the mouth. They can form on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, and even the gums. They are not the same as cold sores, and they aren't contagious, but they can make eating, drinking, and talking noticeably uncomfortable.
Canker sores often appear when the soft tissue inside your mouth becomes irritated or injured, but several common triggers make them more likely to form:
Most canker sores heal within 7–10 days, but recurring or unusually painful sores can indicate:
If you experience frequent outbreaks or sores that take longer than two weeks to heal, it’s time for a dental check-up to rule out other causes.
Canker sores may be small, but the pain can feel huge. The good news? Many treatments are backed by real clinical research and can help shorten healing time, reduce pain or prevent symptoms from getting worse. Here are the most effective, dentist-approved methods.
Best for: Quick pain reduction
Over-the-counter gels that contain benzocaine or lidocaine temporarily numb the area, giving fast relief so you can eat and speak comfortably. Research shows topical anesthetics reduce pain intensity during the first few days of healing.
What to use:
These products don’t cure the sore, but they make the healing process much easier.
Best for: Reducing inflammation and calming the tissue
Saltwater changes the oral environment and helps draw out excess fluid, which can reduce swelling. Baking soda can help neutralize acidity around the sore, making it easier for tissue to heal.
How to use:
Both methods have been shown to help soothe irritated tissues and promote healing.
Best for: Gentle, natural healing
Multiple studies show raw honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and accelerate healing.
Use a clean cotton swab to dab a thin layer of honey onto the sore 3 to 4 times a day.
Best for: Tissue healing and comfort
Aloe vera has been shown to reduce inflammation and encourage natural tissue repair. It’s especially helpful if your mouth feels raw or irritated.
Apply gel from a fresh aloe leaf directly to the sore and let it sit for several minutes.
Best for: Instant comfort
Holding an ice cube against the sore briefly numbs the area and reduces swelling. This is especially helpful before meals.
Wrap the ice in a soft cloth if your mouth is sensitive to cold.
Best for: Preventing future sores
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), found in many toothpastes, is known to irritate soft tissue. Studies show switching to SLS-free toothpaste can reduce recurrence in people prone to canker sores.
Look for gentle brands such as Sensodyne Pronamel or Biotène.
Best for: Long-lasting or extreme discomfort
When over-the-counter options aren’t enough, dentists may recommend:
These treatments are typically used only for persistent or unusually painful sores.
Best for: Keeping the sore from getting worse
Foods like citrus, tomatoes, hot sauces or salty snacks can irritate the ulcer and slow healing. Stick to soft, bland foods until the sore improves.
Best for: Preventing future outbreaks
Deficiencies in B12, iron, folate or zinc can make canker sores more common. Adding leafy greens, eggs, fortified cereals or supplements (if recommended) can support long-term prevention.
Best for: Long-term prevention
Stress is one of the most common triggers for canker sores. Even simple habits—deep breathing, regular sleep, gentle exercise—can significantly reduce flare-ups.
Canker sores often feel random, but they usually aren’t. Most flare-ups can be traced back to a handful of common triggers, and understanding them can make a huge difference in how often they return. This is also the point where patients often wonder whether they should just wait it out or reach out to a dentist — so let’s break it all down clearly and calmly.
1. Stress and poor sleep
Emotional stress, busy schedules, and disrupted sleep patterns weaken your immune response. For many people, stress is the number-one trigger for repeated sores.
2. Irritating foods
Spicy foods, citrus fruit, tomatoes, vinegar, and salty snacks can irritate the delicate lining of your mouth and make sores more likely to form.
3. Minor injuries
A sharp chip, biting your cheek, rough dental appliances, or even aggressive brushing can spark a canker sore.
4. Nutrient deficiencies
Low levels of vitamin B12, iron, zinc, or folate are proven contributors. (This is why recurring sores sometimes indicate a dietary imbalance or absorption issue.)
5. SLS in toothpaste
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can irritate soft tissues. People prone to canker sores often notice real improvement when switching to SLS-free toothpaste.
Most canker sores fade within 7–10 days, but sometimes they’re a sign of something more.
You should contact a dentist if:
These patterns can point to chronic irritation, underlying nutritional issues, or even systemic conditions that need attention.
If something about your canker sores feels “not normal,” a dentist can pinpoint what’s really causing them. At Nova Dental, the team looks beyond the sore itself:
It’s not about alarm — it’s about comfort, clarity, and getting back to living without that sharp sting from every sip of juice or bite of food.
Canker sores are uncomfortable, distracting and sometimes downright frustrating, but the good news is you have many effective ways to soothe them and speed up healing. From evidence-supported home remedies to targeted over-the-counter products, small daily actions can make a real difference in how quickly these sores fade. And once you understand your triggers, prevention becomes easier too.
Caring for your mouth is caring for your overall well-being. When you listen to the early signs your body gives you and stay ahead of irritation, you give yourself the best chance at fast, comfortable healing.
Most canker sores clear on their own, but when they don’t, the discomfort can interfere with eating, speaking, and focusing on your day. If you’re dealing with a lingering sore, experiencing frequent flare-ups, or just want clarity about what’s going on, Nova Dental is here to help you feel better, faster.
Our team can evaluate the underlying cause, recommend safe and effective treatments, and make sure nothing more serious is hiding beneath the surface.
Ready for relief you can trust?
Schedule a visit with Nova Dental and let us help you get back to feeling comfortable and confident. Your smile deserves the best care — and we’re here to make that easy.