What is Mouth Ulcer?
Mouth ulcers or canker sores are painful lesions inside the mouth, at the base of the gums or inside the cheeks or the lips. Scientifically explaining, it is the loss of tissue lining in the mouth. Mouth ulcers are non-contagious and disappear in around a week or two. However, if the ulcer does not go away or starts healing ever after two weeks, it might get intolerably painful.
In case of such a circumstance, we suggest you visit a dentist. The pain increases excruciatingly while eating, drinking, talking making all the relevant mouth exercises uncomfortable and difficult.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Most people, especially women and children, who have a family history of mouth ulcers are prone to develop it. It may be caused by trauma or injury while brushing the teeth, sports injury, accidents or dental work; bacterial or fungal infections; stress and hormonal changes; intake of acidic food and drinks; or lack of vitamins such as B-12, iron, zinc and folate.
How to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers usually disappear over time even without any necessary treatment. However, if it grows to be extremely painful, then there are several remedies for mouth ulcer that you can follow to treat the sores:
- Rinsing the mouth with salt and baking soda
- Pain relief oral ointments like Orajel or Anbesol can be applied
- Application of ice or freezing cold water
- Placement of old tea bags on the sores
- Application of milk of magnesia
- Drinking chamomile tea
Can Mouth Ulcers be avoided?
Yes, mouth ulcers can definitely be avoided even though people with a family history are prone to it. You must include the following in your daily lifestyle to prevent mouth ulcers:
- Consumption of a healthy and balanced diet
- Reducing the consumption of spicy and acidic food and beverages
- Gentle brushing of the teeth and gums
- Drinking a minimum of 6 glasses of water in a day
- Reduction of stress
- Sleeping for at least 6 hours a day
What are the different kinds of Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are uncomfortable and painful and can be of various types. However, the most common kinds of mouth ulcers are:
- Canker sores
- Cold sores
- Candidiasis
- Leukoplakia
Home Remedies of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers can be treated with oral ointments for fast relief. However, not many people trust the application of chemicals on internal organs. For such people, there are many natural remedies to cure mouth ulcers. Here’s are a few natural ways to cure mouth ulcers (these are cheap ingredients that are either readily available in your kitchen or you can get hold of them easily without spending another big note):
1. Turmeric powder
Turmeric is known for its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. It fights against fungal infection and helps in reducing inflammation and pain from the ulcers.
Turmeric powderMake a thick paste out of turmeric powder and water and apply it on the ulcer twice a day. Leave it on the spot for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth clean. You should notice immediate differences after the application of the turmeric paste.
2. Honey
Honey contains many beneficial properties that aid the human immunity system. But what most people are not aware of is the fact that it has certain properties that help in eradicating mouth ulcers effectively. Apply honey on the sore and let it sit for some time.
HoneyMake sure not to ingest or lick off the honey with your saliva even though the ulcer is inside the mouth. It is of utmost importance to keep the applied honey intact for a few hours. To make sure the honey is always touching the ulcer, keep applying it every few hours.
The antimicrobial properties of honey help in repairing any open wound quickly. Honey also protects the wounded area from infections.
3. Baking soda paste
Mix equal amounts of baking soda and water and make a thick paste. Apply the mixture on the mouth ulcer and let it dry out. Once the baking soda and water mixture dries out, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and make sure to gurgle as well.
Repeat the procedure thrice a day. The baking soda and water mixture is usually used in home-cleaning solutions. However, it also cures mouth ulcer faster and reduces the pain significantly. It neutralizes the acidity of the ulcer, eventually treating the wound.
4. Saltwater
Take a tablespoon of salt and mix it in a glass of warm water. Gurgle thoroughly with this saltwater mixture. Once done, you may gurgle further with plain water to remove the salty aftertaste from the mouth.
This procedure is used to soothe the pain and discomfort you might experience during mouth ulcer. The antiseptic properties of salt further disinfect the sore ulcer and calm the area.
5. Toothpaste
Any good toothpaste contains antimicrobial properties in its composition that are capable of reducing the swell and pain of the mouth ulcers. Using a Q-tip, apply the toothpaste on the ulcer. Make sure you cover the entire region affected by the ulcer. Leave it on the area for a few minutes before rinsing it off. Repeat the process regularly until the whiteness of the sore disappears.
Note: Applying toothpaste on the sore can be pretty painful. This pain can be reduced through the application of aloe vera gel on the spot.
6. Garlic
Garlic contains a certain kind of compound known as the Allisin compound. This compound is responsible for the antimicrobial properties in garlic, which prevents infection. Cut a clove of garlic in halves and dab it gently on the ulcer spot for at least 2 minutes. Once done, rinse your mouth with plain water to get rid of the strong garlic odour. Repeat this process for two to three times a day.
7. Orange juice
A great source of Vitamin C, orange has certain properties that are capable of preventing and aiding mouth ulcers. Eating an entire clove of orange might prove to be uncomfortable and painful while suffering from mouth ulcer, so we suggest drinking a glass or two of freshly squeezed orange juice every day until it disappears. Orange juice boosts the immunity of a person and enables the body to fight against infections and diseases.
Orange juiceKeep in mind not to use store-bought orange juice. The preservatives may cause a burning sensation on the ulcer.
8. Coconut oil
Many people are not aware of the healing properties of coconut oil and help in curing mouth ulcers naturally. Application of coconut oil on the surface of the ulcer before going to bed at night work wonders on the sore. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help it reduce naturally, reducing the sore as well as the associated pain.
Also read; What Can You Do To Prevent Mouth Problems
