Evidence-based natural alternatives to drugs for canker sores abound!

Canker sores (apthous mouth ulcers) afflict approximately 20% of the population, and are cause for great annoyance. Always painful and sometimes an eye sore, they are the most common type of mouth ulcer, with women being more affected than men for unknown reason.

While they are almost invariably self-limiting, with complete scar-free healing taking approximately seven to ten days, many opt for conventional treatments which include antiseptics (chlorhexidine), antiinflammatory drugs (amlexanox), antibiotics (tetracyclines) and corticosteroids (triamcinolone acetonide), all of which carry unpleasant side effects.[1]

For those looking for natural alternatives a recent study published in the journal Quintessence International, titled “Efficacy of honey in comparison to topical corticosteroid for treatment of recurrent minor aphthous ulceration: A randomized, blind, controlled, parallel, double-center clinical trial,” found that honey was as effective as topical steroid treatment for accelerating the resolution of symptoms.

But there are other effective natural alternatives, such as:

• Vitamin B12: Surprisingly, the lower quality cyanide-based form of B12 (cyanocobalamin; we prefer methylcobalamin for general health) has been found to be 96% effective in lessening symptoms of canker sore. A 2008 study concluded: “Cyanocobalamin treatment maybe beneficial for patients with RAU even when serum cobalamin levels are normal. We suggest that higher serum cobalamin levels should be attained in patients with RAU for mucosal protection.”[2]
• Eliminate Cow’s Milk Products: While there are plenty of reasons to avoid cow’s milk protein (butter being relatively benign and beneficial, being free of the highly antigenic milk proteins), for canker sore, a 2012 study found that having an immune reactivity to cow’s milk proteins is associated with increased occurrence of canker sore. They reported: “These results indicate the strong association between high levels of serum anti-SCMP IgA, IgG, and IgE antibodies, especially to caseins: α-, β-, and κ-casein from cow’s milk and clinical manifestations of RAU [recurrent apthous ulcer].”[3]
• Garlic (Allicin): The primary active component of garlic known as allicin has been suggested to be an ideal anti-canker sore remedy. As documented in a 2008 review on the topic, garlic “decreases inflammatory factors secretion, reduces the migration of neutrophils, inhibits bacterium and virus, antagonizes oxidation and regulate immunity. By these bioactivities of anti-inflammation, anti-microbial activity, anti-oxidation and immunomodulation, the allicin may be an effective therapeutic candidate to control the pain, promote ulcer healing and prevent the recurrence of RAU [recurrent apthous ulcer].”
• Laser Therapy: A recent study found that low-level laser therapy reduced the pain and the inconvenience of eating, drinking, and brushing teeth for patients with RAS [recurrent apthous ulcers], compared with placebo.[4]
• Eradicate Helicobacter Pylori Infection: A 2014 meta-analysis found that H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of RAS [recurrent apthous ulcers], and that the eradication of H. pylori in the stomach may promote relief of RAS [recurrent apthous ulcer] symptoms and healing of oral ulcers, and even prevent the occurrence of RAS.”[5] For natural ways to eradicate H. pylori, take a look at our extensive database on the subject: 50+ Natural Ways to Kill H. Pylori.
• Avoid Gluten: There are over 200 clinically confirmed reasons to avoid gluten. But regardless of whether or not you think you are sensitive, for those suffering from canker sores, gluten avoidance is a good strategy. A 2008 study found that, “Oral mucosal lesions may be markers of chronic gastrointestinal disorders [caused by gluten], such as those causing malabsorption.” The researchers concluded: “The epidemiological association found between coeliac disease and aphthous-like ulcers suggests that recurrent aphthous-like ulcers should be considered a risk indicator for coeliac disease, and that gluten-free diet leads to ulcer amelioration.”[6]

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