Mouth ulcers are small sores that develop within the mouth and can be painful, making it uncomfortable to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. While most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 10 to 14 days, there are several things you can do at home to relieve symptoms and speed up healing:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Practice good oral hygiene to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater a few times each day.
• Make a mixture of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water and rinse your mouth twice a day.
• Avoid hot and spicy foods until the ulcer heals.
• Use an over-the-counter (OTC) topical anesthetic like Orajel™ or Anbesol®.
• Cover the ulcer with a paste made from baking soda.
• Use a mouth rinse made from salt water and baking soda.
• Apply ice to the ulcer.
• Place a damp tea bag on the ulcer.
• Take supplements if you have deficiencies in certain nutrients, including vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.
• Use over-the-counter topical products that are made with benzocaine, like Orajel and Anbesol.
• Try natural remedies, such as echinacea, myrrh, and licorice root (may come in various forms, like teas or oils).

If you have several canker sores, your doctor may prescribe a mouth rinse containing the steroid dexamethasone to reduce inflammation. Its usually safe to treat mouth ulcers at home, but if you have a severe breakout or if they suspect a specific health condition, your healthcare provider may order blood tests. While you cant prevent mouth ulcers altogether, there are things you can do to reduce your risk, such as brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily for optimal oral health.