Mouth, Teeth & Gums
Canker Sores
Small, tender sores inside the mouth that heal on their own in a week or two.
📝 Summary
In short: Small, tender sores inside the mouth that heal on their own in a week or two.
See a doctor if: Sores larger than usual or lasting more than 2–3 weeks
🌿 Overview
Canker sores are small, shallow sores inside the mouth — not contagious, unlike cold sores on the lips. They can come from stress, a small injury, or acidic foods. A gentle salt rinse, soft foods, and avoiding spicy or acidic triggers keep you comfortable while they heal.
Common signs
- Small, round white or yellow sore with a red edge
- Tenderness or stinging, worse with acidic foods
- Usually inside the cheeks, lips, or tongue
- Heals in 1–2 weeks
⭐ Community-ranked natural supports
Vote ▲ on everything that helped you, and ▼ on anything you tried that didn't — the ranking updates live. Tap 💬 to share what worked, so others can find it faster.
Stay well hydrated and avoid acidic, spicy foods that sting the open sore.100461
Dab a little raw honey on the canker sore; its antibacterial action soothes and helps it heal.85282
Crowd feedback, not medical advice — in this preview your vote is saved on your device. *Ties are broken by our editor score (sources, safety, simplicity, cost, lifestyle fit).
📊 Compare these remedies side by side
Our editor score weighs sources, safety, simplicity, cost, and lifestyle fit. Source endorsements tally how many books and studies reference each remedy. A higher number isn't a promise — it's just a starting point.
| Remedy | Type | Editor score | Source endorsements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water & Hydration | Therapy | 100 | 461 |
| Raw Honey | Food | 85 | 282 |
| Lemon & Vitamin-C Foods | Food | 91 | 232 |
| Salt-Water Gargle | Therapy | 93 | 163 |
🍽️ Eating to help
Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.
⚖️ Good to know
- Avoid spicy, salty, and acidic foods that sting.
- Be gentle when brushing near the sore.
- Frequent sores may be linked to stress or diet — notice patterns.
🩺 When to see a doctor
- Sores larger than usual or lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Many sores at once, or sores that keep coming back
- High fever with the sores
- Trouble eating or drinking
📜 A note from history
Warm salt-water rinses are a long-trusted, gentle comfort for sore spots in the mouth.
📚 Learn more
Trusted, independent sources for further reading. These open in a new tab.
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