I have always been one of those people who loves to get out into the world and talk with other people, but a few years ago, I realized that I had to do something about my smile. My teeth were yellow and unattractive, and it was really discouraging to see how much different my smile was. I knew that I needed to get my teeth fixed, so I started working with a professional dentist to make things right. Within a few short months, my smile was completely transformed, and I knew that I owed it all to my dental professional. Check out this blog for more information about working with a dentist.
Harper Hughes
Canker sores are a common dental-health problem that affects a wide range of people. Canker sores are painful and often open sores across the lips, gums, and tongue. A dentist can help you manage many of the symptoms associated with them. If you can't afford a dental treatment or have no dental insurance, this simple natural remedy can help eliminate some of the pain.
Why You Should Use Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is well known for its use as a anti-inflammatory and can help reduce some of the pain associated with canker sores. It also works as an analgesic and anesthetic, which means it helps decrease the pain of areas it touches. Generally, it will create a numbing and cooling sensation, and that makes it useful with canker sores.
However, you shouldn't apply essential oil directly to a canker sore. This may cause irritation and other dental-health problems. Instead, you need to diffuse the oil with another substance and apply this to the canker sore instead.
Mixing the Oil with a Diffusing Substance
There are multiple items which you can mix with peppermint oil, including sea salt, fresh aloe gel, and mashed fruit. Sea salt is a bad idea for canker sores because it may cause further irritation. Try blending the peppermint oil with berries, such as strawberries, for the best benefits. Strawberries will not only diffuse the potency of the peppermint oil but can also promote healthier teeth.
Mash two or three strawberries in a small cup, making sure to remove the green fruit top. Now add two or three drops of essential oils and mix them fully together with a spoon. When your mix is ready, you can apply it directly to the canker sore.
Applying the Mix to the Canker Sore
After you've finished mixing your strawberries and essential oil, scoop the mix out with an old toothbrush and rub it across the surface of your mouth. Gently touch the canker sores with it without scrubbing heavily. Let the mix sit in your mouth for 15–30 minutes, then rinse and spit the mixture out.
Reapply the mix a few times throughout the day for maximum effect. After a few days, the pain of your canker sore should naturally go away, but if not, continue applying this mix until the sore disappears completely.
If your canker sore refuses to disappear or still hurts after a few days, it's a good idea to find a way to go visit a dentist. Stubborn canker sores may require more serious pain-relieving substances.