Canker sores are ulcers inside the mouth that look like small craters. If you get one, it’s hard to ignore because they hurt and fester. For this reason, it’s important to know how to get rid of them.

The following are treatments that can be applied using conventional household products. They are known to speed up healing and kill the bacterium that causes canker sores. The after effects area is also minimal.

Lipton Tea Bags. Wet a Lipton Tea Bag and apply to the canker sore. The tannic acid in it acts as an astringent that relieves pain.

Listerine. Rinse your mouth with the ‘original’ flavor of Listerine mouthwash, and it will kill the bacteria that irritate your canker sore. This strong antiseptic mouthwash will also speed up the healing process.

Dannon Yogurt. Eat two servings of this yogurt every day until your canker sores clear up. The culture Lactobacillus acidophilus in this treat fights the bacterium that causes canker sores.

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Moisten the end of a Q-tip Swab with water and dip it into a box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. Rub this powder on the canker sore. You can even make a solution to rinse your mouth out with a teaspoon of baking soda and a half of glass of water. This powder will expedite the healing of your sores.

Hydrogen Peroxide. Mix one teaspoon of peroxide in a glass of water and swish it in your mouth. It will disinfect your sores.

Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel. Add one teaspoon of Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera Gel in a glass of water, rinse your mouth and spit it out. The aloe in this product kills bacteria and disinfects your sores.

McCormick Alum. With a Q-tip Cotton Swab, dip the moistened end into McCormick Alum. Rub this powder over your sore. The Alum works dually as a pain reliever and antiseptic that can slow infection.

Phillip’s Milk of Magnesia. Buy a bottle of this product and swish it around your mouth. The Milk of Magnesia will counter-act the foul environment that supports your sores.

Vegemite. Australian’s love this tasty paste. However, it can be used for more than a quick snack. Apply Vegemite to your canker sore, and it will soothe your mouth.