How can I brush when it hurts?!

Aw, you poor thing! Are you stressed (that would bring cankers!)? Are you fighting a virus (explains the tongue bumps)? Have you been biting the insides of your mouth? Do you get enough sleep every night?

Well don't worry. Gently treat them with any of the following suggestions, and you'll be feeling better within a week.

Keeping in mind that stress brings canker sores, you might want to try a wonderful homeopathic stress remedy called Hylands Calms Forte. Look into it. i love the stuff! i take 1 tablet for nervous anxiety, or 3 to get to sleep when you're restless.

Excellent over-the-counter tool to try: Kanka. i prefer the one with a brush applicator. It can be found in most drug stores or walmart. i think in time one can build up a tolerance for it, though. the following home remedies work even more effectively.

I've found some help in a book from the 80s/90s that i swear by. It is called The Doctor's Book of Home Remedies, edited by William Gottlieb...... you don't have to try them all to get better. here ya go:

**Alert: stubborn sores should be checked out. if it lasts longer than 2 wks, you may need more serious medication.**

1. products combining glycerine and peroxide are helpful. peroxide releases oxygen and cleans up the bacteria. the glycerine puts on a coating and helps protect the sore. (Gly-Oxide brand name)

2. apply a wet black tea bag to the ulcer. black tea contains tannin, an astringent that can relieve pain.

3. dilute 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide in a glass of water and swish it around in your mouth to disinfect the sore and speed healing. (this has worked wonders for me!!)

4. Alum, from the spice rack, is the active ingredient in a styptic pencil. it's an antiseptic and pain reliever, but it won't completely get rid of your sore.

5. swish mylanta or milk of magnesia around your mouth and allow it to protectively coat the sore.

6. goldenseal root. make a strong tea of it and use it as a mouthwash.

7. AVOID irritation: coffee, spices, citrus fruit, nuts high in the amino acid arginine (esp. walnuts), chocolate, and strawberries. brush your teeth carefully.

8. eat 4 tbsp of unflavored yogurt a day to send in helpful bacteria to fight off the bad bacteria. (note: maybe just take some acidophilus?)

9. here's a weird one: take a little earwax from your ear and apply it to the canker sore. it's said to be a sure cure. it may have some antiseptic value, and it may protect the sore.

10. squeeze vitamin E oil from a capsule onto the sore. repeat several times a day to keep the tissue well-oiled. and at the first tingle of a canker sore, take 500 mg of vit C with bioflavinoids 3 times a day for the next 3 days. (This has helped me!!)

11. you can't underestimate the power of a little dab of Vicks VapoRub. it numbs pain and speeds healing. just be careful because it isn't meant to be edible. I really do mean just use a LITTLE TINY BIT, okay? Don't swallow it and make yourself sick!