Salt Questions · Home, wellness & DIY
Can salt water get rid of canker sores?
Short answer
Salt water won't make a canker sore disappear, but rinsing with it may ease discomfort and keep the area clean while it heals, usually in one to two weeks. Mayo Clinic lists rinsing with salt water among home measures. It may sting at first. See a doctor or dentist for sores that are very large, last longer than two weeks or keep coming back.
Doesn't cure the sore, but may soothe it while it heals
How to rinse
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Swish it around your mouth for 15–30 seconds.
- Spit it out. Repeat a few times a day.
Other things that help
- Avoid spicy, acidic or rough foods while the sore heals.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Over-the-counter numbing gels can relieve pain.
When to get help
Unusually large sores, sores lasting more than two weeks, very painful sores, high fever, or frequent outbreaks.
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Cite this page
For school projects and reports. Teachers often prefer the original sources too: see the list below.
The Salt Almanac. (2026, November 8). Can salt water get rid of canker sores. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/can-salt-water-get-rid-of-canker-sores
“Can salt water get rid of canker sores.” The Salt Almanac, 8 Nov. 2026, saltalmanac.com/answers/can-salt-water-get-rid-of-canker-sores. Accessed [today's date].
“Can salt water get rid of canker sores.” The Salt Almanac. Last modified November 8, 2026. https://saltalmanac.com/answers/can-salt-water-get-rid-of-canker-sores.
Original sources
- Mayo Clinic. Canker sore: diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370620