Salt Water Rinse

Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out. Known for its anti-inflammatory and bacteria-killing properties.

Cold Compress

Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and gently press against the sore for a few minutes. Effective in reducing swelling and numbing the area.

Baking Soda Paste

Make a paste using 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Apply the paste directly to the sore for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Has antibacterial properties and can neutralize acids.

Honey

Apply a small amount of pure honey directly onto the sore. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing. Antibacterial and can soothe the sore.

Coconut Oil

Use a cotton swab or your finger to apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil directly to the sore. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Aloe Vera Gel

Apply a small amount of Aloe Vera gel directly to the sore and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing.

Chamomile Tea Bag

Steep 1 chamomile tea bag in hot water, let it cool a bit, and then place the bag on the sore for a few minutes. Has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

Milk of Magnesia

Dab a small amount of Milk of Magnesia onto the sore using a cotton swab and allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Known to reduce pain and promote healing.

Clove Oil

Mix a few drops of clove oil with a carrier oil (like olive oil). Apply the mixture to the sore using a cotton swab. Natural painkiller and contains eugenol.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Dilute 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of water. Use the solution as a mouth rinse, swishing it around for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Has antibacterial properties and is acidic.

Tea Tree Oil

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with water and use a cotton swab to apply to the sore. Known for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

Echinacea

Make Echinacea tea by steeping leaves in hot water and use as a mouth rinse. Known for its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.

Zinc Lozenges

Suck on a zinc lozenge as directed by its packaging. Zinc is known for its immune-boosting properties.

Witch Hazel

Apply witch hazel to the sore with a cotton swab. Known for its astringent and healing properties.

Lysine Supplements

Take lysine supplements as directed on the package. Lysine is known to inhibit the growth of viruses that cause sores.

Oregano Oil

Dilute a few drops of oregano oil in a carrier oil and apply to the sore with a cotton swab. Known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Goldenseal Mouthwash

Prepare a mouthwash with goldenseal extract and water, and rinse your mouth with it. Known for its antiseptic and healing properties.

Licorice Root

Chew on a piece of licorice root or apply licorice root extract to the sore. Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

Turmeric Paste

Make a paste of turmeric and water and apply to the sore. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Black Tea Bag

Steep a black tea bag in hot water, let it cool, and apply to the sore for a few minutes. Contains tannins that are known to help tighten tissues and relieve soreness.