Rinse with warm salt water several times a day
Rinse with baking soda and water
Use an over-the-counter numbing gel or oral pain reliever
Apply a protective oral paste or patch
Avoid spicy, acidic, salty, and crunchy foods
Drink cool water and stay hydrated
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash
Suck on ice chips or hold ice against the sore briefly
Use a topical corticosteroid if prescribed by a dentist or doctor
Take over-the-counter pain medicine if needed and safe for you
See a dentist or doctor if it lasts more than 2 weeks, is very large, or keeps coming back