What Type of Mouthwash is Good for Canker Sores?

Practicing good oral hygiene is very important to help your canker sores heal faster because bacteria can find their way to the ulcer and thrive there, interfering with healing.

One important step to helping your canker sore heal faster is to rinse with an alcohol-free, low-acidity mouthwash. Most commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, and are often acidic. Be sure to check for alcohol content and acidity level when purchasing your mouthwash. Look for a mouthwash that has a pH of 8 or higher.

During your canker sore outbreak, look for a mouthwash that does not contain alcohol. Alcohol is harsh on the ulcer and increases the acidity of your mouth, both of which can delay healing. Many major mouthwash brands carry an alcohol-free choice.

Alternatively, you may want to make your own natural mouthwash that is low in acidity and alcohol-free such as ginger mouthwash, clove mouthwash, or chamomile mouthwash. These natural ingredients have been studied extensively and have well-known positive effects on canker sores. Aside from having antimicrobial effects, these natural ingredients also reduce pain from the oral ulcer.

Sandie Tran, Pharm.D.