Mouth Ulcers: Types, Causes & Treatment

Home remedies for mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers or canker sores can be extremely painful and irritating. Their small cuts, sore, and swollen inside the mouth can even cause discomfort while eating, drinking, or even speaking. These usually heal on their own within a week or two but there are several home remedies for mouth ulcers that help relieve the pain and promote quicker healing. In this guide, we will explore some easy to prepare and effective home remedies for canker sore treatment.

1. Saltwater gargle

Gargling saltwater is one of the easiest and most effective home remedies for canker sores. Salt has natural antiseptic properties, which help reduce swelling as well as prevent infections. To gargle with salt water;

1. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of lukewarm water.

2. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds.

3. Spit it out and repeat the process three times in a day.

2. Honey

Honey is well known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying honey to the canker sore especially among children is useful in relieving the pain and helps the sore heal faster. Use raw pure honey for best results.

1. Take a small amount of honey either on cotton wool bud or on your clean finger.

2. Place it directly on the canker sore.

3. Repeat this exercise three to four times in a day.

3. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains antimicrobial properties which in a way helps reduce the size of a canker sore and helps prevent secondary infections.

1. Take a small amount of coconut oil on a cotton wool bud or your clean finger.

2. Place directly over the canker sore.

3. Repeat this process several times in a day.

4. **Aloe Vera**

Aloe vera is well known for its soothing and healing properties. It may also help in alleviating pain and inflammation caused by mouth ulcers.

1. Cut an aloe vera leaf fresh and extract its gel from inside.

2. Apply the gel to the blister directly.

3. Repeat two to three times a day.

5. **Baking soda Paste**

Baking soda can neutralize the effects of acids and ease some swellings. It also help in killing the bacteria which may cause the infection.

1. Take one tablespoon of baking soda and mix it with few drops of water to make a thick paste.

2. Applythis paste directly on the blister.

3. Keep it for few minutes and then rinse mouth with water.

4. Repeat this procedure twice in a day.

6. **Dairy Of Magnesia**

Milk of magnesia is capable of inhibiting acids and may coat the ulcer to provide relief from pain and help in speeding up the healing process.

1. Take a cotton ball and soak in magnesia milk.

2. Then, apply it directly on the ulcer.

3. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day.

7. **Clove Oil**

Clove oil contains eugenol, which is a potent antiseptic and analgesic agent.

1. Add a few drops of clove oil to a carrier oil (like coconut oil).

2. Use it to gently apply over the blister with the help of a cotton ball.

3. Repeat the process two to three times a day.

8. **Yogurt**

Yogurt with live probiotics can help in maintaining a balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth that can prevent or aid in the treatment of mouth ulcers.

1. Consume one cup of plain yogurt in a day.

2. Make sure the yogurt contains live probiotic cultures for maximum efficacy.

9. **Licorice Root**

Licorice root possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may soothe and heal oral canker sores.

1. Soak the licorice root in water for a couple of hours.

2. Swish your mouth with water which has soaked licorice root.

3. Perform this procedure twice a day.

10. **Ice cubes**

Sucking on chunks of ice may help numb the pain caused by mouth ulcers and reduce the associated inflammation.

1. Take an ice cube and press it over the blister.

2. Keep it there till it melts and this process is to be repeated as many times as desired for relief from pain. 

Additional Tips To Avoid Mouth Ulcers

– **Maintain good oral hygiene**: Brush and floss daily to help keep the mouth clean.

– **Avoid irritating food**: Spicy, acidic or rough textured food can trigger mouth ulcers.

– **Drink plenty of fluids**: Drink enough water to keep the mouth moist.

– **Stress management**: Stress can also encourage the development of mouth ulcers so engage in stress relieving approaches such as yoga and meditation. 

– **Use a toothbrush with soft bristles**: This may help in reducing irritation inside the mouth.

When to see a doctor

Seek advice if the ulcers last more than 2 weeks, recur, or are unusually large.

Persistent ulcers that occur many times, sometimes requiring medical attention, may be a sign of other health problems.

Research

Mouth ulcers are painful, but they can be managed very well with these simple home remedies. By utilizing these natural cures, it is possible to relieve discomfort and enhance the healing process. Please remember, if your ulcers last for more than two weeks, or if you feel severe pain or any other symptoms, you should seek medical advice.

So, by following these simple and effective home remedies, you can get rid of the pain and discomfort of mouth sores and enjoy a healthy and more comfortable mouth.

If you have any other health-related issues or require further advice, feel free to ask!

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