Rinse with warm salt water several times a day
Use a baking soda rinse
Apply an over-the-counter numbing gel or ointment
Use a mouthwash made for mouth sores
Avoid spicy, acidic, salty, and crunchy foods
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash
Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Use a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate
Suck on ice chips or hold ice against the sore
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed
Apply milk of magnesia to the sore
Use a protective oral paste or patch
Stay hydrated
Avoid chewing gum and irritating foods
See a dentist or doctor if it lasts more than 2 weeks, is very large, or keeps coming back