Mouth ulcers cause a lot of pain and discomfort to the user. This can make it very difficult to eat, drink, and speak. Malnutrition and stress are the two main reasons behind the appearance of ulcers in the mouth. You may find a few over-the-counter medication and drugs in the market that can provide you short-term relief from this painful condition.
However, these remedial measures do not offer lasting relief. Natural remedies can help cure mouth ulcers and prevent the ailment altogether. In this article, we will tell you easy and safe remedies to treat mouth ulcers at home.
What are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are also called canker sores. They are small-sized, painful lesions that build in the mouth or at the lower end of the gums. These ulcers can impact men and women of all groups. Those who have a family history of this condition are more prone to developing ulcers in the mouth. It can obstruct your ability to eat and speak.
Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and usually go away within one to two weeks. However, if you get a canker sore that is large or extremely painful, or if it lasts for a long time without healing, then you should seek the advice of a doctor.
The major reason behind these ulcers is when a person is extremely stressed or have been eating a diet that is deficient in nutrition. A course of a multivitamin is beneficial in getting a good amount of relief from pain. Regardless of the cause, there are several home remedies that will help keep mouth ulcers at bay.
What Leads To Mouth Ulcers?
The main reason for the appearance of mouth ulcer is due to the onset or progression of an infection. Let us see a list of factors that can result in bleeding from the gums, and ulcer:
- Viral, fungal, or bacterial infection of the gums and mouth
- Herpes virus infection
- Injury in the mouth
- Oral thrush
- Sports injury
- Mouth injury due to dental work,
- Hard brushing,
- Accidental bite
- Mouth rinses and toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate
- Food sensitivities caused due to allergy foods and acidic foods
- Deficiency of vitamin B-12, folate, iron, and zinc
- An allergic response that leads to mouth bacteria
- Dental braces
- Hormonal changes at the time of menstruation
- Emotional stress
- Lack of sleep
- Biting the cheek or tongue
- Stress
- Intestinal issues
- Autoimmune disorders, like oral cancer and Crohn’s disease.
What Diseases Can Lead To Mouth Cancers?
Mouth ulcers also can be a sign of conditions that are more serious and require medical treatment, such as:
- Celiac disease that makes you unable to digest gluten
- Stomach related disorders that include inflammatory bowel disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Behcet’s disease
- A malfunctioning immune system
- Hiv/aids
Types Of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can happen in the body in various types:
1. Minor
This type of ulcers is small in size. They are round or oval in size. Compared to other heals, it takes less time to heal. Normally, they go away in one or two weeks. They do not cause any scarring. These come in the size of two to eight mm in diameter.
2. Major
This type of canker sores is large in size. It sets deeply into the layers of the skin. The characteristic feature of a major ulcer is that it has an asymmetrical or elevated edge. It takes around six weeks to cure. Major canker sores lead to long-term scarring. They leave scars behind after getting healed.
3. Herpetiform
As the name suggests, this type of ulcer is formed due to the Herpes virus. It resembles small pinheads. They occur in groups of ten to hundreds. It often impacts adults. Major mouth ulcers have irregular edges. They do not cause any scarring. They heal within one to two weeks.
Home Remedies To Treat Mouth Ulcers
Most natural remedies for mouth ulcers are made from ingredients that are commonly available in the kitchen. We have compiled a list of proven home remedies that help provide quick relief from tender sores.
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda is a remarkable natural remedy to treat mouth ulcers. It possesses antibacterial action that helps neutralizes the ulcer acid in the mouth. Its regular application quickly heals it and reduce the pain. Baking soda is a good way to maintain dental hygiene.
Mix a tsp baking soda and tbsp water and form a paste. Apply it to the mouth ulcers. Allow it to dry for some minutes. Gargle and rinse your mouth with water. Do this process three times a day.
2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another easy way to treat mouth ulcers. It has antimicrobial attributes that can effectively lessen the pain and swelling associated with mouth ulcers. Apply a little toothpaste with the help of a finger on the ulcer affected region. Let it stay for some time. Repeat the process two to three times a day.
3. Orange Juice
The deficiency of vitamins helps treat mouth ulcers. Orange is one of the best sources of Vitamin C. It is a good immunity booster. It contains anti-bacterial properties that help fight ailments and infections. There are two ways of using orange juice to heal ulcers. Either you consume orange juice daily or apply the freshly squeezed orange juice to the mouth ulcers. It will give you relief from mouth ulcers.
4. Honey
Honey shows antimicrobial properties. It possesses remarkable wound healing attributes. It will speed up the healing process and clear up all the infections. It also lowers the swelling and irritation in the mouth.
Take a little amount of honey on your finger. Apply it to the ulcer. Keep it for a few hours. Repeat the process every few hours.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is another potent remedy that possesses effective anti-bacterial properties. The high acidic content of the vinegar destroys the germs that lead to ulcers in the mouth. The application of ACV daily on the ulcer accelerates the recovery process.
Dilute 1 tbsp of ACV in half a cup of warm water. Apply it to your mouth ulcers. Rinse your mouth with plain water. Repeat the process twice daily till the ulcer recovers completely.
6. Coconut Milk/Coconut Oil
Coconut is a very beneficial natural ingredient in the treatment of mouth ulcers. It is a good source of medium-chain fatty acids that shows remarkable antimicrobial properties. It is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory compound that is effective in reducing the pain and swelling associated with the mouth ulcer.
Fresh coconut milk has got amazing soothing and pain-relieving properties. It is also effective in treating mouth ulcers.
Gargle with coconut water a few times. Rinse your mouth with clean water. Do it three to four times a day to notice a reduction in pain. Alternatively, you can apply coconut oil to your mouth ulcers a few times a day to reap the same benefits.
7. Alum
Alum, also called fitkari, is another powerful natural agent that can reduce the pain caused due to ulcers in the mouth. This ingredient is touted for its wonderful antimicrobial properties. It is believed to be highly effective in working against microorganisms that are the root cause digestive system in the body.
To use Alum for the treatment of mouth ulcers, you will have to first grind the crystals and apply it to the affected region using cotton. Let it stay for some time. Later, rinse the mouth thoroughly. Repeat these steps two times a day.
Caution: Application of Alum may cause you a tingling sensation in the mouth. So be careful.
8. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage has got anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate the pain associated with mouth ulcers. Prepare cabbage juice by boiling the cabbage in water till the water lowers to half. Drink the boiled cabbage juice thrice a day. It will help you consume solid foods easily.
9. Clove Oil
Clove has eugenol that displays antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying clove oil on the ulcers will fight away the infection and reduce pain in the mouth. Take a few drops of clove oil and apply it using a clean swab of cotton.
10. Salt Water
Gargling with luke-warm salt water will have a soothing effect on the ulcer. The antiseptic properties of salt will help heal ulcers at a rapid pace.
11. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper is an effective remedy for managing pain. It has capsaicin that creates a feeling of numbness. Regular use of the remedy helps subside pain fast and enables you to eat normally. This ingredient is also anti-microbial. It helps in killing microbes at the place of the mouth ulcer.
Apply a layer of powdered cayenne pepper on the ulcer prone region. Allow it to stay for some time. Rinse your mouth with plain water. Do this process two times a day. As cayenne pepper is hot, you would feel a stingy sensation in your mouth.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric is noted for its miraculous antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is useful for topical and internal ways to cure an infection. Its properties will help you get fast relief from ulcers.
To use this remedy, prepare a paste of two tablespoons of turmeric powder and add it to a tablespoon of water. Now apply a layer of this paste on the affected region. Keep it for five minutes and rinse the area. Do it two times a day till the ulcer heals completely.
13. Garlic
Garlic is another well-known ingredient that shows exemplary antimicrobial attributes. It strongly works against a broad range of microorganisms. Garlic has allicin in it that promotes quick healing.
All you need to do is to grind one or two garlic cloves and apply it to the ulcer. Let it stay for some minutes. Rinse it off with fresh water after half an hour. Do it two times a day.
14. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is composed of minerals that exhibit antibacterial properties. It fights away the infection that leads to the mouth ulcer. Gargling with Epsom salt water will clear away infection and help it heal faster.
All you need is to mix two tablespoons of Epsom salt in a half glass of lukewarm water. Mix it well. Gargle with this solution and rinse the mouth with plain water. Repeat the process twice a day for quick relief.
These are the effective home remedies that can cure normal types of mouth ulcers. Some severe types of mouth ulcers may even result in bleeding. In that case, the above remedies may alone not cure the problem. You should consult the doctor immediately.
A combination of home remedies and traditional medications will help improve the condition. Save yourself from overstressing and maintain proper dental hygiene. Follow a balanced diet. With these precautionary measures, you can soon get rid of canker sores.
Useful Tips To Getting Rid Of Mouth Ulcers
Here are a few tips that will help you prevent mouth ulcers:
- Avoid foods that cause irritation to your mouth. These include acidic fruits such as grapefruit, pineapple, lemon, and oranges.
- Abstain from eating spicy and oily foods.
- Avoid drinking tea, carbonated drinks, and coffee.
- If certain foods cause you mouth ulcers, then you may be allergic to those foods. Eliminate those ulcer triggering foods from the diet.
- Choose alkaline or nonacidic vegetables and fruits.
- Include whole grains in your diet.
- As malnutrition is one of the causes of mouth ulcers, eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Take a multivitamin daily.
- For a few days take soluble meals as chewing the food can lead to accidental bites. This can cause bruising and more pain.
- Reduce stress. Do exercises that calm the mind.
- Do dental floss daily and brushing after every meal. It will help maintain oral hygiene. The result will be a reduced occurrence of mouth ulcers. Use toothbrushes that have soft bristles and mouthwashes that are devoid of sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Get proper rest and sleep. This will not just prevent mouth ulcers, but also several other illnesses.
When Should You See A Doctor?
If you develop any of the following:
- The unusually large size of mouth ulcers
- The occurrence of new ulcers in the mouth before the existing ones gets healed
- Sores that continues for over three weeks
- Painless sores
- Mouth ulcers that extend till the lips
- Uncontrollable pain with OTC medication
- Severe problems related to drinking, and eating
- Diarrhea or high fever
Frequently Asked Questions About Mouth Ulcer Treatment
1. How effective is oil pulling in the treatment of mouth ulcers?
Oil pulling is beneficial in people who suffer from mouth ulcers. Swish two tablespoons of luke-warm coconut oil in the mouth for some time. Now spit it out. Thoroughly rinse your mouth using freshwater.
2. What are the signs of a mouth ulcer?
- The presence of an open sore on the lip, or in the mouth
- Pain surrounding the sore region
- Sensitivity in the affected region
- A problem in swallowing the food
3. What should you eat when you have an ulcer?
Several foods can be added to the diet to get quick relief from a mouth ulcer. Eating these foods gives fast relief from any infection and pain.
- Vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, potato, broccoli, and green leafy vegetables
- calcium-rich foods, and Vitamin C foods that include milk, citrus juices, and yogurt
- Fruits that include pumpkins, apples, bananas, grapefruit, and papaya
- Vitamin B-rich foods such as rice milk, soy milk, and eggs
4. What types of foods you should not eat in this condition?
Refraining from certain foods allows your stomach and mouth to recuperate faster:
- Oily foods
- Spicy food
- Tea, carbonated beverages, and coffee
- Acidic foods such as citric fruits
5. How is the diagnosis of mouth cancer is done?
To identify mouth ulcers, the first thing that the doctor will do is to perform a visual examination. If you have a history of recurrent and severe mouth ulcers, then it could be due to any underlying medical condition. Your doctor will also test you for other medical conditions that may contribute to this health condition. On the basis of examination, he will prescribe you the right medication.
Conclusion
Generally, mouth ulcers require a week to ten days to heal completely. With the help of the home remedies above, you can accelerate the healing procedure. A combination of these natural remedies boosts your immune system and gives you lasting relief. If the problem persists, it could be an indication of oral cancer. Do not delay and get medical assistance immediately.
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