Updated by Dr. Radwa Saad, DMD, BDS, MSc Oral Medicine & Periodontology, MICOI

Last Updated: August 2026

Overview

If you’re wondering How to Get Rid of Canker Sores, you’re not alone.

Canker sores are among the most common oral ulcers and can make eating, drinking, brushing, and even talking uncomfortable.

Although they usually heal on their own, the right care can reduce pain, speed healing, and lower the chance of future outbreaks.

In this guide, you’ll learn what causes canker sores, how long they typically last, the most effective home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, when to seek professional care, and practical ways to prevent them from coming back.

Key Takeaways

• Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 14 days.
• You can often relieve discomfort with home remedies, protective oral gels, and over-the-counter treatments.
• Avoid spicy, acidic, and crunchy foods while the sore is healing.
• Good oral hygiene supports healing but should be gentle to avoid further irritation.
• Stress, accidental cheek biting, certain foods, vitamin deficiencies, and hormonal changes may trigger canker sores.
• Large, frequent, or persistent sores should be evaluated by a dentist or physician.
• Canker sores are not contagious and are different from cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus.
• Professional treatment may be recommended if sores interfere with eating, speaking, or daily activities.
• Preventive dental visits can help identify underlying causes of recurring canker sores.
• Dent Blanche Dental provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment recommendations for patients with recurrent or painful mouth sores.

Canker sores are small but painful ulcers that appear inside your mouth. At Dent Blanche Dental, we help patients find fast, effective relief from these irritating sores.

If you are asking:

How do you get rid of canker sores? How to heal a canker sore fast?

This guide gives you clear answers with proven solutions.

To get rid of canker sores fast, use saltwater rinses, topical treatments, and avoid irritants. Most canker sores heal within 7–14 days, but professional dental care can speed healing and reduce time.

Why Do Canker Sores Develop?

Before discussing How to Get Rid of Canker Sores, it’s helpful to understand why they appear.

Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not caused by the herpes virus.

Instead, they develop when the delicate lining inside the mouth becomes inflamed.

Common triggers include:

• Minor injury while brushing
  

  #How to get rid of canker sore fast

• Accidentally biting your cheek
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Hormonal changes
• Acidic foods
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Iron deficiency
• Folate deficiency
• Certain medications
• Food sensitivities

Sometimes no obvious cause can be identified.

Patients who experience frequent ulcers may benefit from a comprehensive oral examination.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Recognize the Symptoms

Most canker sores begin as a small tender area.

Within a day, the ulcer becomes easier to see.

Typical features include:

• Round shape
• White or yellow center
• Red border
• Pain during eating
• Pain while brushing
• Increased sensitivity to spicy foods

Unlike cold sores, there are no fluid-filled blisters.

Fortunately, most sores respond well to conservative care.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: What Happens First?

Many people first notice:

• Mild burning
• Tingling
• Local tenderness

Within 24 hours, a small ulcer develops.

Pain often becomes worse over the next several days before gradually improving.

Recognizing the sore early allows you to begin treatment sooner.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Healing Timeline

One of the most common questions patients ask is:

“Canker sore how long does it last?”

The answer depends on the size and type of ulcer.

Minor canker sores usually heal within one to two weeks.

Larger ulcers may require several weeks.

Most patients notice significant improvement before complete healing occurs.

Typical Healing Timeline

If a sore persists beyond two weeks, schedule a professional evaluation.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Will They Go Away on Their Own?

In most cases, the answer is yes.

Minor canker sores usually heal naturally without prescription medication.

However, treatment can make healing much more comfortable.

The goal is to:

• Reduce pain
• Protect the ulcer
• Prevent further irritation
• Support faster healing

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Home Care

Many patients successfully manage mild canker sores at home.

Simple measures include:

• Warm saltwater rinses
• Drinking plenty of water
• Eating soft foods
• Using a soft toothbrush
• Avoiding acidic foods
• Avoiding spicy foods

These approaches help reduce irritation while the body’s natural healing process continues.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Foods That Help

Choose foods that are gentle on the mouth.

Examples include:

• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Scrambled eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Smoothies
• Bananas
• Mashed potatoes
• Pasta
• Soup (warm, not hot)

Soft foods reduce friction against the ulcer.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods that commonly increase discomfort.

These include:

• Citrus fruits
• Tomatoes
• Hot peppers
• Salsa
• Potato chips
• Pretzels
• Vinegar-based foods
• Carbonated drinks

Avoiding irritation may shorten the painful phase of healing.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Good Oral Hygiene Matters

Some patients stop brushing because the sore hurts.

Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene may allow additional irritation to develop.

Continue to:

• Brush gently twice daily.
• Use a soft toothbrush.
• Floss carefully.
• Stay hydrated.
• Use alcohol-free mouth rinses if recommended.

Keeping your mouth clean supports healing.

Comparison Table

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores Fast: Complete Guide

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are:

• Small, shallow ulcers
• White or yellow with a red border
• Found on gums, cheeks, lips, or tongue

Common Locations

• Inside cheeks
• On the tongue
• Canker sore on gums
• Inside lips

What Causes Canker Sores?

Common Triggers

• Stress
• Minor mouth injury
• Acidic or spicy foods
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Hormonal changes

How Long Does a Canker Sore Last?

• Typically 7–14 days
• Smaller sores heal faster
• Severe sores may last longer

Patient Question

How long does a canker sore last?→ Most heal within 1–2 weeks without treatment

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores Fast

Best Fast Relief Methods

1. Saltwater Rinse

• Reduces bacteria
• Promotes healing

2. Topical Treatments

• Over-the-counter gels
• Numbing agents

3. Antiseptic Mouthwash

• Helps prevent infection
• Speeds healing

4. Avoid Irritants

• Spicy foods
• Acidic drinks

5. Stay Hydrated

• Keeps mouth moist
• Supports healing

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores Overnight

While complete healing overnight is rare, you can:

• Reduce pain significantly
• Speed recovery

Tips

• Apply medicated gel before bed
• Use salt rinse
• Avoid irritants

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Effective Home Remedies

• Saltwater rinse
• Baking soda paste
• Honey application
• Aloe vera

How to heal a canker sore fast

Key Strategies

• Maintain oral hygiene
• Use medicated mouthwash
• Avoid trauma to the area

Professional Canker Sore Treatment

At Dent Blanche Dental, we offer:

• Prescription treatments
• Laser therapy for faster healing
• Personalized care plans

When to See a Dentist

Seek care if:

• Sores last more than 2 weeks
• Pain is severe
• Sores keep recurring

• How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: The Best Treatments

  Most canker sores improve without prescription medication.

  However, using the right treatment can reduce discomfort and help the ulcer heal more comfortably.

  Treatment depends on:

  • The size of the sore
  • Its location
  • Your pain level
  • How often the sores occur
  • Whether an underlying condition is contributing

  Although there is no instant cure, several treatments can shorten the painful stage and improve comfort.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Over-the-Counter Treatments

  Many patients find relief using products available at their local pharmacy.

  Common options include:

  • Protective oral gels
  • Protective barrier pastes
  • Alcohol-free mouth rinses
  • Oral pain-relieving gels
  • Antiseptic rinses recommended by your dentist

  While these products do not eliminate the sore overnight, they often make eating and speaking much more comfortable.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Prescription Treatment

  Large or recurring canker sores sometimes require professional treatment.

  Depending on your symptoms, your dentist may recommend:

  • Prescription mouth rinses
  • Prescription topical medications
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Evaluation for vitamin deficiencies
  • Investigation of possible underlying medical conditions

  Recurring mouth ulcers should never be ignored.

  If ulcers become frequent or unusually severe, additional evaluation may be appropriate.

  ---

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores on the Lip

  Canker sores occasionally develop on the inside surface of the lips.

  Patients often search for:

  • canker sore on lip treatment

  Treatment focuses on protecting the ulcer from irritation while allowing natural healing.

  Helpful measures include:

  • Avoid biting the lip.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid acidic beverages.
  • Use protective oral gels if recommended.
  • Continue gentle oral hygiene.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Can Home Remedies Help?

  Many home remedies have been recommended over the years.

  Some may provide temporary comfort, although scientific evidence varies.

  Home care may include:

  • Warm saltwater rinses
  • Baking soda rinses
  • Ice chips for temporary comfort
  • Soft foods
  • Staying hydrated

  These measures support comfort but should not replace professional evaluation for persistent sores.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Should You Pop One?

  One surprisingly common search is:

  “Pop a canker sore?”

  The answer is no.

  Unlike a blister, a canker sore is an ulcer.

  Trying to pop, scrape, or cut it can:

  • Increase pain
  • Delay healing
  • Introduce bacteria
  • Increase tissue damage

  Allow the sore to heal naturally.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: The Healing Process

  Patients frequently ask about the healing process of canker sore.

  Healing usually follows a predictable pattern.

  Stage 1

  Mild burning or tenderness develops.

  Stage 2

  The ulcer becomes white or yellow with a red border.

  Pain usually reaches its highest level.

  Stage 3

  Inflammation gradually decreases.

  Pain improves.

  Stage 4

  New tissue forms.

  The ulcer becomes smaller.

  Stage 5

  Complete healing occurs.

  Most minor sores disappear without scarring.

  ---

  Healing Timeline

  Stage	What Happens
  Early irritation	Burning or tenderness
  Ulcer develops	White center with red border
  Peak discomfort	Pain while eating and brushing
  Recovery	Pain improves
  Complete healing	New tissue forms

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: My Canker Sore Is Getting Bigger

  Patients often become concerned when they notice:

  “My canker sore is getting bigger.”

  Some ulcers naturally enlarge during the first few days.

  However, you should schedule an evaluation if:

  • The ulcer continues enlarging.
  • It lasts longer than two weeks.
  • It becomes unusually painful.
  • You develop fever.
  • Multiple ulcers appear repeatedly.
  • Swelling develops.

  Persistent oral ulcers should always be examined by a dental professional.

  ---

  How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: When to See a Dentist

  Schedule an appointment if:

  • The sore lasts longer than two weeks.
  • You develop frequent outbreaks.
  • Eating becomes difficult.
  • Speaking becomes painful.
  • The ulcer is unusually large.
  • You notice swelling.
  • White or red patches do not heal.
  • You experience unexplained weight loss.

  Although most canker sores are harmless, persistent ulcers should never be ignored because other oral conditions can appear similar.

  ---

  Comparison Table

  Treatment	Best For
  Saltwater rinse	Mild discomfort
  Protective oral gel	Pain relief
  Prescription rinse	Severe or recurrent sores
  Soft diet	Reducing irritation
  Professional evaluation	Persistent or unusual ulcer

Get fast relief with expert care.

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get Rid of Canker Sores Quickly?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how to relieve the pain as quickly as possible.

While there is no instant cure, you can often feel better sooner by:

• Using a protective over-the-counter oral gel.
• Rinsing gently with warm saltwater.
• Avoiding spicy and acidic foods.
• Eating soft foods.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Brushing carefully with a soft toothbrush.
• Avoiding additional irritation to the sore.

Patients looking for getting rid of canker sores fast should remember that reducing irritation is often the fastest way to improve comfort while the ulcer heals naturally.

How Long Do Canker Sores Usually Last?

Most minor canker sores heal within 7 to 14 days.

Healing depends on:

• The size of the ulcer
• Its location
• Your overall health
• Whether additional irritation occurs

Large or recurrent ulcers may require professional treatment.

How Long Does Canker Sore Pain Last?

Pain is usually greatest during the first several days.

Patients often search:

• how long does canker sore pain last

Typical progression:

• Days 1–3: Pain gradually increases.
• Days 3–5: Peak discomfort.
• Days 5–7: Pain slowly improves.
• Days 7–14: Complete healing for most minor ulcers.

If pain becomes severe or continues after the sore should have healed, schedule an evaluation.

Can I Treat Canker Sores at Home?

Yes.

Most minor ulcers respond well to conservative care.

may benefit from:

• Warm saltwater rinses
• Soft foods
• Plenty of water
• Gentle brushing
• Alcohol-free mouth rinses
• Protective oral medications recommended by your dentist

Home care focuses on reducing discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing process.

Are Canker Sores Contagious?

No.

Unlike cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus, canker sores cannot spread from one person to another.

You do not need to avoid:

• Kissing family members
• Sharing meals
• Going to work
• Attending school

However, maintaining excellent oral hygiene remains important during healing.

Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores?

Recurring ulcers may be associated with:

• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Minor trauma
• Food sensitivities
• Certain medications
• Underlying medical conditions

If sores recur frequently, schedule a comprehensive dental examination.

Should I Be Worried About a Canker Sore That Won’t Heal?

Yes.

Although most canker sores heal within two weeks, persistent ulcers deserve professional evaluation.

Schedule an appointment if:

• The sore lasts longer than two weeks.
• It becomes unusually large.
• It continues enlarging.
• You develop fever.
• Eating becomes difficult.
• Swallowing becomes painful.
• The ulcer repeatedly returns in the same location.

Persistent oral ulcers should never be ignored.

Why Choose Dent Blanche Dental?

At Dent Blanche Dental, we understand that recurring mouth sores can interfere with everyday life.

Dr. Radwa Saad has advanced training in oral medicine and periodontology and carefully evaluates oral ulcers to determine whether they are simple canker sores or another condition requiring additional attention.

Our office provides:

• Comprehensive oral examinations
• Oral cancer screenings
• Advanced digital imaging when indicated
• Personalized treatment recommendations
• Preventive dental care
• Emergency dental appointments
• Compassionate, patient-centered care

If your canker sores are frequent, unusually painful, or not healing as expected, we’re here to help.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re searching for How to Get Rid of Canker Sores, you don’t have to manage painful mouth ulcers alone.

At Dent Blanche Dental, Dr. Radwa Saad will evaluate your symptoms, identify possible contributing factors, and recommend personalized treatment designed to relieve discomfort and promote healthy healing.

Whether you’re dealing with a first-time canker sore or recurring mouth ulcers, our team is committed to helping you maintain a healthy, comfortable smile.

Call Dent Blanche Dental today at (609) 890-1888 or request your appointment online to schedule a comprehensive oral evaluation.

Schedule your appointment today:

Schedule online here

Dent Blanche Dental

3640 Lawrenceville Rd, Princeton, NJ

Call (609) 890-1888

 www.dentblanchedental.com