If you've ever had a canker sore, then you know how painful one can be, especially if you wear dental appliances such as dentures or partial bridges. If your appliance continuously rubs against a canker sore, you may be unable to eat, and you may be at risk for developing an infection. Here are some healing home remedies you can try to relieve canker sore pain until you can see your dentist: 

Fresh Basil

Adding fresh basil to your food or eating a leaf or two may be just what you need to soothe a painful canker sore. Not only can basil help relieve pain and inflammation, but it may also help reduce your risk for an infected canker sore because of its potent antimicrobial properties. If you prefer to not eat a fresh basil leaf, simply wash it and place it over your canker sore.

Repeat as often as you like, and before you know it, your discomfort will diminish. Basil not only helps with existing canker sores, but it may also help you from getting them in the future. Basil is thought to play an important role in optimal immune function, and in addition to reducing canker sore risk, basil may also help prevent gum disease and oral fungal infections. Before relying too much on basil to relieve your symptoms, see your dentist to make sure you do not have an underlying condition for repeated canker sore outbreaks. 

Yogurt

Eating yogurt may also help soothe the discomfort of a canker sore. Yogurt contains live bacteria and is a potent probiotic, which can help repopulate your oral cavity with good bacteria and may help promote healing.

Yogurt may also help lower the risk of developing new canker sores. In addition to eating yogurt, you can also place a small amount on your canker sore for a couple of minutes to help soothe irritate oral tissues. If you consume a diet high in citrus fruit, coffee, or chocolate, or if you are unable to manage your stress levels, eating a serving of yogurt every day may help boost your immune function so that you can avoid future canker sores.

If you have a canker sore, especially if it is located where your dental appliance rubs against it, make an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, consider home remedies such as eating basil or yogurt. While home remedies for canker sores or other oral conditions are not to be used as substitutes for regular dental care, they may help relieve your symptoms until you can see your dentist for a checkup and treatment.