eli5: How does salty water help numb mouth ulcers/canker sores?
In: Biology
It doesn’t help numb them, per se. The salt will make it into the sore and stimulate the nerves. The brain will adapt to the stinging by being less sensitive to the pain signals from the sore for a short while.
What salt water actually does is draw water from the sore by osmosis which reduces swelling. It also helps kill any bacteria keeping the sore from closing.
Latest Answers