Home Remedies for Canker Sores
Canker sores are those pesky white ulcers that form inside your mouth. While not dangerous, they can be painful and make things like eating, drinking and talking a lot harder to do. Unlike cold sores that form on the lips and skin around the mouth, canker sores aren’t caused by a virus. In fact, doctors really don’t know what the exact cause of these sores is. The good news is, you can treat them without having to make a trip to the drug store.
The key to pretty much all medical and natural treatments for canker sores is killing the bacteria that cause the sore. There are many at-home treatments that have antiseptic properties without all the side effects and dangers of medication. Here are some:
- Black Tea. Black tea contains an antiseptic called tannin, also present in certain over-the-counter canker sore medications. To get a strong enough dose, moisten the tea bag and apply directly to the sores.
- Hydrogen Peroxide. Mixing a bit with water and rinsing several times a day will help to kill bacteria and help the sore heal faster. You may also try using a regular mouthwash more often, but be wary of the kind that sting - they can be very painful when put on sores.
- Alum. This is a spice you probably have sitting in your kitchen cabinets. While it won’t make the sore heal any faster, it does provide pain relief and will keep the sore from getting worse. It’s best to apply it as soon as you notice the sore.
Besides killing bacteria, giving the sore a protective coating will help keep bacteria out and help it heal. Just like antiseptics, there are materials you probably have in the cabinet that will coat your sores and help them heal faster. Try swishing a liquid antacid around in your mouth like a rinse. This will coat sores with a soothing barrier. A plus side is that these products also have antiseptic properties to help kill the bacteria as it protects.
While doctors really don’t know what causes canker sores, they know there are certain behaviors that can aggravate the condition. In addition to other treatments, changing your behaviors can decrease healing time and even lessen their occurrence. Reducing stress, changing your diet (hot foods and acidic foods like citrus are big offenders), and brushing your teeth less vigorously can all help reduce your canker sores.
You should remember that just like medications, no home remedies will work overnight and there’s none that will work for everyone. However, if you try many different cures, natural or over the counter, and don’t see any improvement or have many severe canker sores, you should see a health professional. Severe or persistent sores may be indicators of a more serious health problem.
Preteen Bedroom Decorating Tips
Years ago, most preteen bedrooms were one dimensional, that is, one color on the walls, perhaps a light or dark carpet, a bed, bureaus, and perhaps a desk with a lamp, and a small overhead light fixture. Today, preteen rooms are exploding with color and themes. Here are some decorating tips for your preteen’s bedroom that are more modern and oriented toward the uniqueness of your teen.
Basically, it’s all about theme, color, furniture, bedding and windows. What is your preteen interested in these days? If you have a teen daughter, she may opt for pastels with white furniture. If you have a teen son, he may go for darker colors and wood furniture.
Today, kids spend a great deal of time in their room. Therefore, it has to be comfortable, yet functional. They need their stereos, desks, TVs, computers, and video game equipment. While furniture is not as important to boys as girls, it may be a good idea to sit down with your child and ask what they would like. Heaven forbid you go out and spend a fortune on furniture and accessories, only to hear them say they hate it after it arrives.
Rules of Engagement:
- You and your preteen should sit down and discuss what type of room he or she would like.
- Pick up swatches and paint chips for your child to look at.
- Buy kids’ magazines that offer advice on decorating a preteen’s room complete with pictures of the latest styles and themes.
- Take a trip to a furniture store to see how the bedrooms are set up for preteens.
- Remember that your preteen is the one who will be occupying the room, therefore, whatever taste he or she has, although you may not like it, it is their choice.
Finally, set a limit on how much you want to spend to redecorate the room. You can always think outside the box and find furniture for your preteen at discount stores, antique shops, or on . You and your husband can improvise as well by building pieces for your preteen’s bedroom.
Decorating your pre-teen’s bedroom is no longer a one-concept idea. You can mix and match furniture styles, use several colors, incorporate metal and wood; the possibilities are endless. While these decorating tips for your preteen’s bedroom do not run the gamut of all possibilities, they can form the foundation for your decorating ideas as you strive to make your preteen happy in their new room.
Yummy Fresh Berry Lemon Loaves
Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
1 cup lite mayonnaise
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
2 teaspoons lemon rind, grated
6 tablespoons lemon juice, divided
2/3 cups water
Assorted fresh berries
Instructions:
Place the cake mix, mayonnaise, eggs and poppy seeds together in a large mixing bowl. Carefully add the lemon juice and water. Using an electric mix beat on low speed until all ingredients are just combined together. Once combined change the mixer speed to medium and mix 3 minutes or until batter is very smooth.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 3 mini loaf pans. Pour batter evenly into each pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each loaf comes out clean. Remove loaves from the pans immediately and place on a wire rack to cool. Slice and serve with assorted fresh berries over the top.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Values):
Calories 254; Fat 13.7g; Protein 2.6g; Carb 3.0g; Fiber 0.1g; Chol 40mg; Iron 0.7mg; Sodium 273mg
