How to Heal Mouth Sores Quickly

Mouth sores are uncomfortable, itchy, and even embarrassing. This is something you don’t want to have to deal with. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat mouth sores. Even better, there are ways to stop growth and prevent sores from appearing in the first place.

Table of Contents

Prevention of mouth sores

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9d/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-1-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-1-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Avoid mouth sore triggers. There are many factors that can cause mouth sores and you’d better be careful when cold sores come on. Stress and lack of sleep can also cause mouth sores, so you need to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

Having a cold, fever, or the flu increases your risk of mouth sores because your immune system becomes weaker. ^{[1] X Research Sources} Therefore, you need to make sure to supplement your body with essential vitamins.
Menstruation, pregnancy, and hormone changes can all trigger mouth sores. ^{[1] X Research Source} Of course, there’s no way to prevent these factors, but you can prepare for an impending cold sore.
Stress can trigger mouth sores ^{[1] X Research Source} so try to relax. Take some time out of your day to meditate, take a deep breath, or simply enjoy a warm cup of tea, as long as you feel more relaxed.
Fatigue can trigger mouth sores ^{[1] X Source of research} so you need to get enough sleep. Take a nap when needed. Caffeine may help with fatigue but does not help with mouth sores. Mouth sores are your body’s way of telling you you’re sleep-deprived, so the best thing you can do is go to bed.
Overexposure to the sun can irritate the mouth and cause mouth sores. ^{[1] X Research Source} If your lips are exposed to too much sun, you should apply ice to them for a few minutes, the sooner the better. Also, look for a lipstick or lip balm with sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, and apply it regularly throughout the day.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/46/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/46/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-2-Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-2-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Detect mouth sores before they appear. Recognizing the signs of mouth sores will help you act quickly before a cold sore forms. There are many signs to help you identify (of course, having one of these signs also does not guarantee you have a cold sore, but you still need to be more vigilant):

Pain, stinging, burning, itching, numbness, and pain around the lips mean mouth sores are forming. ^{[2] X Research Source}
Fever and other cold and flu symptoms often accompany mouth sores, which is why mouth sores are also known as “fever blisters”.
Drooling and increased salivation can be signs of an impending cold sore. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Use medicine

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/86/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/86/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-6-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-6-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply cream to relieve pain and fight cold sores. Remember that many topical creams only help relieve symptoms and do not help with the recovery process. ^{[5] X Source of Research} The following topical creams can be tried:

Docosanp (Abreva) is FDA-approved and is available over-the-counter. ^{[6] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Topical Acyclovir and Penciclovir (Denavir) may be prescribed by your doctor. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e7/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e7/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-7-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

See your doctor for an antiviral prescription. Medications help reduce the duration of cold sores and come in different varieties, but you’ll need a prescription from your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe oral medications or creams, but creams usually work best and most quickly.

Maybe try Acyclovir ^{[4] X Research Source} (Xerese, Zovirax). ^{[7] X Research Sources}
There is also Famciclovir ^{[4] X Research Source} (Famvir). ^{[7] X Research Sources}
Or you could try Valacyclovir ^{[4] X Research Source} (Valtrex). ^{[7] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d1/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d1/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-8-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Pain relievers containing Ibuprofen or Tylenp. This medicine does not treat mouth sores but will help relieve discomfort caused by mouth sores. Remember that cold sores can still be contagious even if you don’t feel pain, so it’s still important to be careful. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Using ingredients at home

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e6/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e6/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-9-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-9-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply aloe vera to the irritated lip area. Aloe helps relieve pain and speeds up recovery, making it a great ingredient to help heal mouth sores. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/11/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/11/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use ice or a cold pack to cool the sore area. This will help reduce swelling, redness, and reduce symptoms of mouth sores. Even so, cold compresses will not speed up recovery. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/98/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure- a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/98/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore- Fast-Step-11-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-11-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply Visine to reduce redness. Visine doesn’t actually make cold sores heal faster, but it can make you feel better, so it’s the right choice for cold sore relief. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/1/1e/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-12.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd- Sore-Fast-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/1/1e/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-12.jpg/ v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Apply moisturizing wax. Moisturizing wax helps mouth sores heal faster and protects mouth sores from infection.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d4/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-13.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd- Sore-Fast-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d4/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-13.jpg/ v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Use a cotton swab to wet the mouth sore, then dip the cotton swab in salt or baking soda and apply it to the sore. Leave for a few minutes for the salt to absorb and drain, then rinse. Repeat as many times as needed. Salt can make you feel a little sore.

Understanding mouth sores

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/d/d9/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-14.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd- Sore-Fast-Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/d/d9/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-14.jpg/ v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Understand that mouth sores are caused by many strains of the Herpes simplex virus (HSV). This includes HSV-1 and HSV-2, both of which can affect the face and genitals. ^{[1] X Research Sources} Once infected, the Herpes virus stays with you for life. There’s no way to get rid of them, but you can reduce the frequency with which the virus rages.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/5a/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-15.jpg/v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd- Sore-Fast-Step-15.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/5a/Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-15.jpg/ v4-728px-Cure-a-Cpd-Sore-Fast-Step-15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:” <div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Take care to avoid spreading the HSV virus. This is why you need to identify the signs of mouth sores to avoid infecting others.

Do not share eating or drinking utensils with other people, especially when a cold sore is present.
Do not share towels, razors or toothbrushes.
Do not share lipstick, lip balm, lip balm.
Do not kiss others while you have a cold sore. You can switch to a wind kiss or an Eskimo kiss until the sores clear up.
Oral sex, especially during a cold sore, can spread the HSV virus from the lips to the genitals or vice versa.

Advice

Wash your hands often when you have a cold sore. You shouldn’t touch a cold sore with your hands, but to prevent accidental exposure, you should wash your hands as much as possible.
Strengthening the immune system by taking vitamin supplements and drinking white tea, green tea, etc. will help prevent mouth sores in the first place.
Use a cotton swab to apply lipstick or lip balm instead of applying it directly to your lips.
Look for lipsticks and lip balms with an SPF of at least 15 and wear them often.
Be aware of the signs of impending mouth sores (listed above) to prevent them before they form on your lips and avoid those ugly sores that will embarrass you.
Use a cotton swab to apply aloe vera to the sores. Then, place a small piece of tissue over the sore. Repeat this many times.
Do not touch or lick your lips as this will make the sores take longer to heal.
Use concentrated lemon juice to cure mouth sores quickly.

Warning

Using salt to clean mouth sores can cause irritation.
Do not touch mouth sores. Doing so will slow the healing of mouth sores and increase the risk of virus transmission.
Do not cover mouth sores with makeup. Foundation and concealer only irritate mouth sores.
Salty or acidic foods will make you more uncomfortable when they come into contact with mouth sores. For example, citrus fruits can cause significant burning.
Do not reuse cotton swabs, tissues, face towels, or towels that have been in contact with mouth sores.
Wash and change pillowcases every night during cold sores.
When rinsing mouth sores, be sure to NOT get water in your eyes (under any circumstances). Water from mouth sores, if it gets in your eyes, will carry the HSV virus into your eyes, causing an infection or ulceration of the cornea.
If mouth sores are severe and frequently recur, you should see your doctor or dermatologist.
During a cold sore, do not kiss or have oral sex to avoid spreading the virus.

Steps