Mouth ulcers may be small, but they should not be left untreated when they appear. Having mouth ulcers is painful, and they make eating difficult. There are plenty of over-the-counter prescriptions that you can use. However, simple home remedies can also help aid in soothing this condition.
What are Mouth Ulcers?
According to Mayo Clinic, mouth ulcers, also called canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues of your mouth or at the base of your gums. Unlike cold sores, this condition is not contagious. But, it could be painful and eating could be tormenting. Fortunately, mouth ulcers heal after about a week.
How Does a Mouth Ulcer Occur?
There are several factors that can cause a mouth ulcer. Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek or an injury from sports or dental work could all be causes. It could also happen when you’re brushing your teeth and the toothbrush harshly slips inside of your mouth damaging your gums. Another reason may also involve food allergies and sensitivities. Trigger foods such as chocolate and coffee are some examples. Acidic foods like strawberries, citrus, and pineapple could also trigger mouth ulcers.
Aside from that, mouth ulcers could be related to stress and lack of sleep. You could also be lacking essential vitamins such as C, B-12, zinc, folate, and iron. Mouth ulcers can also be associated with poor oral hygiene. With poor oral hygiene, bacteria, virus, or fungal infection may grow, causing mouth ulcers. You should also watch out for mouth ulcers as they could be a sign of a more serious condition that may require immediate medical attention.
What Are Home Remedies Can Help Soothe Mouth Ulcers?
Over-the-counter medication such as cream and ointment may help in treating mouth ulcers. However, simple and easy home remedies could also help ease this condition. Here are some best home remedies that you can use.
Honey
Rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey is one of the best home remedies that help with mouth ulcers. This will help reduce the pain, size, and redness of the sore. You can use honey by applying it directly to the infected sore. Keep applying honey every few hours.
Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda is a common household item that can also be used to soothe canker sores. This contains chemicals that reduce inflammation of the sore. To make a baking paste, mix equal amounts of baking soda and water. Stir it until it thickens. Then, apply the paste directly to the infected area and let it dry. After it dries, rinse and gargle with water. You can also use baking soda as a rinse.
Coconut Oil and Milk
Coconut has plenty of health benefits. One of its benefits is to help get rid of mouth ulcers. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may heal this condition. Use coconut oil by applying to the infected area to reduce pain. For coconut milk, you may use this as a gargle to soothe the pain.
Saltwater
The use of salt for healing sores has been widely used for centuries. Rinsing with a mixture of salt and water helps reduce the pain and may heal the wound faster. It is not recommended to put salt directly on the sore.
Toothpaste
Applying a toothpaste with antimicrobial properties can help reduce pain in mouth ulcers. Though, you have to be careful as it could be very painful when applied.
Orange Juice
A lack of essential vitamins in the body could trigger mouth ulcers. Drinking orange juice twice a day may help with mouth ulcers. This could boost the immune system that fights bacteria and viruses.
Clove Oil
Clove oil may also help reduce symptoms of mouth ulcers. This may help provide relief from sores. You can apply clove oil directly to the sore by using cotton. Let it absorb and then, rinse your mouth with warm water.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may help with mouth ulcers. It also has antimicrobial properties. You can use this remedy to make a turmeric paste. Mix turmeric powder with water then, apply it to the sore. Rinse the paste with water after it has dried. You may apply it two times a day.
Garlic
Garlic is a powerful herb that serves plenty of health benefits that may help with different illnesses and ailments. This is also a good remedy for mouth ulcers. You can use a clove of garlic, cut in half, and dab it into the infected area for about a minute. Then, rinse the smelly odor from your mouth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash to help get rid of mouth ulcers. This helps kill the bacteria in the mouth as apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial properties. However, it is recommended to use apple cider with caution as in some cases it can worsen mouth ulcers.
There are many ways that may help to get rid of mouth ulcers. You can use over-the-counter prescriptions like cream and ointments, and you can also consider simple home remedies. Either way, this can help relieve mouth ulcers. This condition is not contagious but mouth ulcers can be caused by serious conditions that need to be checked by doctors.
However, if symptoms persist and the condition of mouth ulcers does not get better after a week, you should consult your doctor immediately.
