Can I Use Alum for Treating Canker Sores? Is There Any Other Remedy?

Canker sores or any other mouth sores and blisters can be frustrating. It hurdles your everyday routine and interferes while you try to eat or talk. Moreover, it brings intolerable pain and burning with it. Thus, you can try many methods to get rid of it. For instance, using alum for canker sores can effectively heal them.

How to Use Alum for Canker Sores?

Potassium sulfate, or alum, works to heal your canker sore by releasing the liquid inside it. After the fluid is drawn out, the healing process accelerates.

Using alum for canker sores is simple. Take a pinch of alum powder and apply it directly to your mouth ulcer. Wait about a minute before spitting it out. Avoid swallowing the alum, and rinse your mouth thoroughly after spitting it out. Although you will feel a sharp twinge, this method is effective as it brings alum directly in contact with the sore.

You can also dilute alum with a few drops of water to make a paste and apply it to the sore. Or you can add more water to make a mouth rinse. Don’t wait more than 2-3 minutes to rinse or spit the alum out.

If you are wondering how often to use alum on canker sore, the answer is two to three times a week. You will see a significant relief within the first 24 hours of using alum for canker sores.

What Does Alum Do for Canker Sores?

Alum is an astringent. Hence, it draws the liquid out and shrinks the tissue to help the lesion close rapidly. Moreover, it helps reduce pain and inflammation as an anti-inflammatory agent. And it helps prevent bacteria growth, making it an ideal substance to remedy mouth ulcers.

Are There Any Other Remedies?

Alum benefits the healing of canker sores. But there are other remedies you can use for canker sore treatment:

1. Saltwater: A one-part salt and half-part water solution is an exceptional disinfectant for your canker sores. It works by removing any infection that can hurt your sore. Adding a pinch of baking soda to the saltwater solution can work wonders as well.

2. Aloe Vera: The anti-inflammatory aloe vera is a perfect cure for your sore. Rub a bit of aloe gel on the lesion to alleviate pain and boost the healing process.

3. Honey: Applying honey to the canker sore four times daily can reduce the wound’s pain, size, and redness. Honey’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it an effective remedy for canker sores.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide: Take 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water. Apply it to your mouth sore with a cotton ball or swab. You can also go for a diluted peroxide solution and use it as a mouth rinse. Swish the mouth rinse in your mouth for a minute, and spit it out. It will reduce bacteria, cleaning the canker sore.

Canker sores heal in a couple of weeks. But using home remedies can help reduce their symptoms. If you have big or recurrent canker sores and excruciating pain, it is best to get immediate dental consultation. You can call Smiles On Great Woods Dentistry by dialing +1 281-937-7530 for the best advice, consultations, and appointments.