How Long Do Canker Sores Last – Different Healing Stages and Home Remedies

Different Stages of Healing

As we said earlier, canker sores usually heal without any treatment in a couple of weeks. There are three stages of healing:

1. Prodromal or Beginning Stage – It is the pre-ulcer stage, i.e. period before the formation of ulcers. It usually lasts for one to three days. You may feel a prickling or burning sensation during this initial period, which leaves a raised, reddened, painful area on the mucus membrane of the cheek or lips.

• Ulcer Stage – It is usually three to six days (may remain longer in some people). The formation of ulcers is completed, characterized by redness and excessive pain.

• Healing Stage – The healing stage usually begins nine to ten days after the initial stage. During this stage, the healthy tissue starts working on sore, and pain starts fading away. Ulcer also starts getting smaller.

Symptoms and complications of the healing stage depend on the type of ulcer

• Mild canker sores heal within a couple of weeks.
• Major canker sores may remain for a few weeks and can be painful for a long time. They often create a scar on the affected area.
• Herpetiform canker sores are rare types of sores and fade away after ten to four days without causing any scar.

Signs and Symptoms of Canker Sores

Sores may develop inside the mouth, on the tongue, the inner lining of cheeks, inside the lips, and the gums, etc. Sometimes, the soft palate right at the back of the mouth roof is also affected. Some common signs and symptoms of canker sores are:

• Burning, prickling, and tingling sensation for about 24 hours prior to the appearance of sores.
• White, yellow, grey ulcers with a red border.
• Very painful, especially in the first week.
• Difficulty eating, swallowing, and speaking.

Some less-common symptoms of canker sores (They are the indication of some possible, more serious underlying conditions)

• Fever
• Sluggishness
• Weight Loss
• Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Thrush infection in mouth or throat

You should contact your doctor if you have some very rare symptoms of canker sores like:

• A gradual increase in size
• Spreading ulcers
• Causing excessive pain
• Difficulty in drinking
• Accompanied by continuous fever
• Ulcers spreading to other internal parts like the oesophagus

Home Remedies for Canker Sores

Treating mild canker sores with home remedies is very successful. And you can try a few of them, especially in the initial stage. Here are some very effective home remedies for canker sores:

1. Coconut oil for Canker Sores

Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can be an effective treatment for canker sores, especially if they are caused due to bacterial infection and are spreading. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can also reduce pain and redness. And, of course, it tastes very good too!

• Generously apply a few drops of coconut oil on the sore a few times a day to feel better.

2. Honey for Canker Sores

Honey is another very good anti-inflammatory and antibacterial home remedy for various health problems. And it can also effectively reduce the pain, redness, and size of the canker sore. It is also very good at preventing possible secondary infections.

• Use only unpasteurized, unfiltered honey. Manuka honey is the best option.
• Apply on the sores three to four times a day until they are gone.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide for Canker Sore