Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Healing a canker sore overnight isn’t always realistic, but you can reduce pain and speed up recovery with the right combination of remedies and care. The goal is to calm inflammation, protect the sore from further irritation, and support your body’s natural healing process while you sleep.
Here’s a protocol you can do before bed to encourage overnight relief:
While most canker sores take a few days to fully heal, these steps can significantly reduce discomfort and may shorten the healing window. If your sores are frequent or unusually painful, it’s worth checking for underlying nutrient deficiencies or sensitivities that could be contributing.
Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are small, often painful ulcers in or around the mouth. They can appear without warning and linger for days.
If you’re wondering what causes canker sores, the answer is often a mix of physical irritation and internal imbalance. Understanding these root causes helps you choose the right canker sore treatment, not just to heal faster, but to prevent future outbreaks naturally.
The following five treatments offer gentle yet effective ways to soothe your mouth and restore comfort, without relying on harsh chemicals or synthetic formulas.
If you’re dealing with recurring canker sores, L-lysine might be one of the first supplements to consider. It’s an essential amino acid your body can’t produce on its own, and it plays a key role in tissue repair and immune support. While L-lysine is best known for helping with cold sores, many people find it also helps reduce the frequency and severity of canker sores. You can take it preventively or during an outbreak to speed up healing.
Most people use between 500 to 1000 mg of L-lysine two to three times daily during flare-ups. Some formulas also include vitamin C and zinc for added immune support. While research is still emerging, anecdotal reports and small studies suggest that lysine may help modulate inflammation and support mucosal healing. It’s generally well tolerated, but always check with your healthcare provider if you’re taking other medications.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is a powerful herbal remedy that’s been used for decades to soothe mucosal tissues. Unlike regular licorice, DGL has the compound glycyrrhizin removed, making it safer for long-term use. When it comes to canker sores, DGL works by calming inflammation and promoting faster healing of the oral lining.
You can chew DGL tablets or use the powder to make a paste and apply it directly to the sore. Many people notice relief within a day or two, especially when taken before meals. DGL is especially helpful if your sores are triggered by stress or digestive imbalance, and it’s a gentle option that works well alongside other remedies.
Chamomile is more than just a calming bedtime tea—it’s a botanical powerhouse for oral healing. Rich in apigenin, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that make it ideal for soothing canker sores. You can use it as a mouth rinse or apply a cooled tea bag directly to the sore for targeted relief.
To make a compress, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water, let it cool, then press it gently against the sore for 5–10 minutes. You can repeat this twice daily. Chamomile extract is also available in tincture form if you prefer a more concentrated application. It’s a gentle, effective remedy that’s especially useful when stress is a trigger.
Deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate are strongly linked to recurring mouth ulcers. If you’re getting canker sores often, it’s worth checking your levels. These nutrients support red blood cell production, tissue repair, and immune function, all of which are essential for healing oral ulcers. Even if you’re not deficient, supplementing may help reduce flare-ups.
Look for vitamin B12 and folate in lozenge or capsule form. Many people take 1000 mcg of B12 and 400 mcg of folate daily. These nutrients are especially important if you follow a plant-based diet or have absorption issues. Adding them to your routine can be a simple, effective way to prevent future sores.
Aloe vera is one of the most soothing remedies you can use for a canker sore. Its gel contains polysaccharides that help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect the sore from irritation. When applied directly, aloe creates a cooling barrier that eases pain and speeds recovery.
Use a small amount of aloe vera gel on the sore two to three times a day. Let it sit for a few minutes before eating or drinking. Choose a pure, alcohol-free gel for best results. Aloe is safe, gentle, and effective, especially when you need fast relief without harsh ingredients.
A saltwater rinse is one of the simplest and most effective natural remedies for soothing canker sores. It helps reduce inflammation, cleanse the area, and promote healing by creating a mildly antiseptic environment in your mouth. Here’s how to prepare and use it:
This simple rinse can ease discomfort and support your body’s natural healing process without the need for harsh ingredients. It’s gentle enough for daily use and can be paired with other remedies for even faster relief.
The fastest natural approach combines topical soothing and internal support. Apply aloe vera gel or a chamomile tea compress directly to the sore, rinse with salt water, and take L-lysine to support tissue repair. These remedies can reduce pain and inflammation within hours and may shorten healing time to 1–3 days.
Canker sores often flare due to stress, nutrient deficiencies (especially B12, folate, iron, and zinc), hormonal shifts, mouth trauma, or food sensitivities. Even toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can trigger irritation. Identifying and addressing your personal triggers is key to long-term prevention.
Yes. A saltwater rinse creates a mildly antiseptic environment that helps reduce inflammation and cleanse the sore. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, and repeat 2–3 times daily for best results.
Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, iron, and zinc are linked to recurring mouth ulcers. Supplementing with these nutrients, especially in lozenge or capsule form, may support mucosal healing and reduce future outbreaks.
Canker sores are non-contagious ulcers that occur inside the mouth, often triggered by internal imbalances. Cold sores are contagious blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically appearing on or around the lips. They require different treatments and precautions.
If your sores last longer than two weeks, are unusually large or painful, or occur frequently, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. Persistent mouth ulcers may indicate underlying conditions such as autoimmune disorders, nutrient malabsorption, or hormonal imbalances.
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