Stress, smoking, hormonal changes, and deficiency in vitamins such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and cobalamin (Vitamin B12) are common grounds for getting canker sores. Sometimes, this can also be attributed to viral and bacterial infections and certain medicines that you have or take.

However, being one of the easiest to treat diseases, mouth sores can be treated using home remedy options or through oral medication. Gargle with tomato juice at least three times a day to eliminate your mouth ulcers. If preparing the juice is a hassle, try biting or eating one. You still get the same result. Chewing on guava leaves also provides the same effect. In just a few days, your canker sores are gone and talking will be a breeze again.

Another herb that is known to cure mouth sores is basil leaves. Chew about 5 leaves at least three times a day. Do this together with water and in a short span of time, your canker sores are gone. Another thing about basil leaves is while it is treating your canker sore, you also get fresher breath. Alternatively, gargling with warm water with salt also relieves you of the pain mouth sores bring. Somehow, the salt solution numbs the sores and will make it easier for you to eat and talk.

Sodium bicarbonate is another option. Combine a small amount with water and gargle with it at least three times a day. If you have peppermint oil at home, apply a small amount directly on the white patches and your mouth ulcers will be gone in no time. Canker sores normally heal within two weeks. If it goes beyond that time frame, go see your doctor for further analysis of your canker sore. Your doctor will most probably advise you to apply corticosteroids or paste treatments for the swelling.

It has long been known that a whiter smile is more appealing to people. Teeth whitening has been practiced since ancient times, and may of the more natural ways of whitening teeth are used today, by regulating one’s diet to ensure a clean, bright smile! Certainly, there are ways to whiten your teeth with gels, strips, and pens, but another great tool is food. That’s right, foods can either help or hurt your teeth, depending on how they are eaten and what you’re eating. It is best to not drink coffee, tea, colas or red wine, which are all known to stain teeth and cause some decay of the enamel. Apples and potatoes can cause discoloration, but they also tend to clean off the teeth. Just wash your mouth out after eating apples.

Strawberries can be made into a puree and smothered on the teeth, as strawberries have a natural enzyme that removes tooth stains. Orange peels can be used to remove tooth stains, just by rubbing the inside of a peel against your tooth surfaces. A little lemon juice and salt work very well to remove stains just wash your mouth out with this, or even rock salt and warm water will work at night to remove stains. Baking soda has long been known to work wonders on your smile. It may taste awful, but put some baking soda on your toothbrush, brush with it, and then wash your mouth out. Also, if you are a tobacco user, stop or slow down your tobacco use, as both dipping and smoking can cause tooth discoloration. Avoid mouthwash, as it sometimes will stain teeth. Finally, remember that an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. Going to the dentist once or twice a year for a cleaning and checkup will do your smile wonders.