Although most canker sores will resolve within a couple of weeks on their own, some may require treatment to soothe the pain and speed up the healing process.   There are many natural options to consider when treating canker sores- here are just a few of them.

*The following suggestions can be used alone, or in combination with one another for a multi-faceted approach.

The following recipe suggestions use oregano oil. Other essential oils beneficial to canker sores (and overall oral hygiene) are: peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree and clove.

INGREDIENTS:
1. Bentonite or Redmond clay: 1 teaspoon
2. Oregano Oil: 1-3 drops for every teaspoon of clay used.
Start with 1 drop of oregano per teaspoon of clay the first time around, doing this will give you an idea of your sensitivity level to the “spiciness” of the oregano oil. If increasing the drops, start over with a new mixture to ensure even distribution of the oregano oil.
3. Distilled water: 2 teaspoons.
To add sweetness, you can dissolve birch xylitol into the water before adding to the clay. Unless you use luke-warm water, it may take an hour or so for the xylitol to fully dissolve into the water.

MIXING SUGGESTIONS:
Mix the oregano drops into the clay as best you can, then add the water and mix as thoroughly as possible with a butter knife or small spoon.
Adjust the water / clay ratio as needed to achieve a very pasty, but not crumbly or watery mixture.  If the clay dries out, just add more water until the desired consistency is achieved or start with a new mixture. 

USAGE SUGGESTIONS:
Depending on where the sore is, you can use a piece of gauze to cover the paste once applied. Doing this will allow the mixture to adhere for longer in the mouth (the gauze will help to absorb saliva that might otherwise break-down the paste mixture).
Always spit the mixture out when done, do not swallow.
Try to apply the mixture 2-3 times per day for a few minutes or as long as possible.
Rise mouth with water or virgin coconut oil after each treatment.

USE XYLITOL AS A MOUTH RINSE

INGREDIENTS:
1. Birch Xylitol – 1-3 tablespoons
2. Water – 1 cup

*Essential oils can be added to the rinse.  If adding EO's, use 1-3 total drops per cup of Xylitol water.

MIXING SUGGESTIONS:
Add 1-3 tablespoons of birch xylitol per cup of water. Depending on how much you use, it can take up to several hours for the xylitol to fully dissolve into the water, so be patient.

*if using essential oils with the mixture, be sure to mix/stir thoroughly right before each usage.

USAGE SUGGESTIONS:
Rinsing with plain xylitol soothes, as well as coats the mouth with antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Use as needed. Spit the mixture out when done, do not swallow.

*alternatively, you can put the xylitol crystals directly into the mouth and allow your saliva to distribute. For this method, use about 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 teaspoon. Always spit and rinse when done, never swallow!

OIL PULLING

INGREDIENTS:
1. Coconut Oil (Virgin) – 1 tablespoon of room temperature oil that is liquid or semi-solid.
2. Oregano Oil (1-6 drops per tablespoon of coconut oil).

*start with 1-2 drops of oregano per teaspoon of Coconut oil the first time around, doing this will give you an idea of what is tolerable to your taste buds.

MIXING SUGGESTIONS:
Mix the oregano oil into the coconut oil as thoroughly as possible.

*Convenience mixing tip: Once you have perfected your oil pulling recipe, try adding the desired essential oil directly to the jar of melted Virgin Coconut Oil. Mix thoroughly and spoon out the pre-mixed oil as needed. Each 1 tablespoon = about ½ oz.

USAGE SUGGESTIONS:
Swish the mixture in the mouth for at least 1 minute (if tolerable). When swishing the oil, try to pull it around the entire mouth in a circular or back and forth motion, allowing the oil access to all areas of the mouth.
Oil pull 2-3 times per day for as long as tolerable (1-3 minutes).
Always spit the mixture out when done, do not swallow.
Rise mouth with water or virgin coconut oil after each treatment.

PREVENTION TIPS:

TOOTHPASTE - Refrain from using toothpaste that contains Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), as this ingredient may increase the occurrences of canker sores. Earth Paste is a great natural alternative.
DIGESTIVE – Do a digestive check. Those with symptoms of IBS, H-pylori and other digestive conditions are known to develop canker sores. Improving overall digestion may reduce the occurrence of sores.
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES – Do a diet check to ensure you are getting in adequate amounts of B vitamins, zinc, folic acid, selenium and lysine (lysine will balance out the high arginine in the Standard American Diet).
PROBIOTICS – Acidophilus is especially beneficial for canker sores. A chewable or powder probiotic mixed into water can be used directly in the mouth to quickly swish & coat, then swallow. A more broad-spectrum probiotic can be used in capsule form to help improve overall digestion.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES – Acidic and or spicy foods, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, chocolate and coffee can trigger canker sores in those who have sensitivities to those food items.