Home Remedies:
Saltwater Solution and Sodium Bicarbonate- Mix 1 teaspoon salt with one cup water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit the solution out. In addition to salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may be added to the saline solution. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with small drops of water until a thick consistency results. Use this paste to cover the ulcer, which will help relieve pain. These methods may be repeated as often as needed.
Hydrogen Peroxide Solution- Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Use a cotton swab to dab the solution directly onto the ulcer. Do not swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Milk of Magnesia- Used frequently as an aide to relieve constipation and as an antacid, milk of magnesia is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide. Dab milk of magnesia directly onto the ulcer with a cotton swab, three to four times a day. This method is recommended after using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Milk of magnesia will help reduce the pain and help speed the healing process.
Liquid Antihistamine- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be used as an oral rinse by mixing one part milk of magnesia and one part diphenhydramine together. Rinse with the solution for one minute, then fully spit out the solution. Take care to avoid swallowing this mixture.
500mg L-Lysine- Taken one to three times daily has shown to be beneficial.
Over the counter oral care products and mouth rinse-Products such as gels, paste, and rinses that are specifically marketed for sores may provide pain relief and help speed the healing process.