Mouth ulcers are sores that appear in your mouth and can be very painful. Though they are painful and uncomfortable, they're mostly harmless and usually clear up by themselves in a week or two. There are many things that can lead to mouth sores, starting from minor everyday causes to some serious illnesses. A mouth sore might usually develop if you bite your cheek, tongue, or lip, burn your mouth, have an irritation from a sharp object (such as braces, retainer, or dentures). Sometimes if you brush your teeth too hard or use a firm toothbrush then too a mouth sore could occur. Other reasons for mouth sores include chewing tobacco and infections such as the herpes simplex virus.
These sores are not contagious. You could be more prone to them because of some of these reasons - you may have a weakened immune system due to some illness or stress, you might be experiencing hormonal changes, you could have a vitamin deficiency (especially of B-12 and folate) or you may have intestinal issues (such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease)
Seldom are these mouth sores usually the result of, or a reaction to a few things such as, prescription medications, radiation or chemotherapy, bleeding disorders, autoimmune disorders, cancer, viral or bacterial or fungal infection, and weakened immune system due to a recent organ transplant or AIDS.
In many cases, minor mouth sores tend to go away naturally within a span of 10 to 14 days, but they can also last up to six weeks! Some simple home remedies can help in reducing the pain caused by the sores and simultaneously speed up the healing process. You should try to avoid hot, spicy, citrus-based, salty and high-sugar foods along with avoiding tobacco and alcohol when you have a mouth sore. Instead, try gargle with salt water; eat ice pops, ice, or other cold foods to ease the pain. You can also try taking anti-pain medications if you're experiencing unbearable pain. Remember, picking at the sore or blister or squeezing it will only worsen the pain. You can ask a chemist about some pastes, ointments or mouthwash that may be helpful for mouth sores.
Here are a few effective home remedies for mouth ulcers.
Eucalyptus essential oil and peppermint oil both possess anti-inflammatory properties. They also work as anti-microbial agents helping in reducing any chance of infection. There oils' are also astringent in nature, therefore they help to tighten the tissues around the sore, relieving from further discomfort caused by potential fluid buildup or swelling. The cooling properties of peppermint and eucalyptus oils can also assist in numbing the nerve endings that cause extreme pain.
Here's what you can do
Take 2 tablespoons of olive or grape seed oil, 10 to 12 drops of peppermint essential oil, 7 to 8 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and a spray bottle or glass mister bottle.
Now, pour the olive or grape seed oil into the spray bottle, and add the essential oils to it. Close the bottle and shake it well so that the oils mix together perfectly. Spray some of the solutions directly onto your mouth sore (as much as needed for pain relief). Shake well each time before use.
Chamomile is one of the several daisy-like plants that are commonly used for inducing sleep, help with digestion and promote relaxation. A chemical compound (called levomenol or bisabolol) found naturally in German chamomile, has shown to be helpful in reducing inflammation and also has antiseptic properties. Both of these properties help reduce the pain of your mouth sores and also help speed up the healing process.
Here's what you can do
Take 1 tea bag of chamomile tea, or a tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers wrapped in cheesecloth and some fresh water.
Now, if you're using a chamomile tea bag the soak it in water for a minute or so and if you're using dried chamomile flowers then soak it in water for 3 to 4. After soaking the bag (or dried flowers) place it directly against your sore for 5 to7 minutes daily at least two times to promote speedy healing and help relieve discomfort.
Sage is a herb that belongs to the mint family. It is widely used in the culinary world and has also been used in home remedies and homeopathic medicines for years. Sage was used by the Native Americans to help cleanse the mouth and to cure the painful ulcers that we also know as canker sores, long before modern medicine discovered its benefits.
Here's what you can do
Take a handful of fresh sage or 2 teaspoons dried sage and 150 to 250 ml of fresh water.
Now, if you are using dried sage, first, boil the water and let the herb infuse for about 10 minutes. Use the water and herb solution as mouthwash and swish it in your mouth for about one minute and then spit it out. Rinse with plain cold water afterward.
Another method to use sage leaves for treating mouth ulcers is - place the sage leaves in an airtight container or an airtight glass jar in a cool dark place and allow it to infuse for an entire day. Strain the liquid and swish the liquid in your mouth for about a minute. You can also make a paste of the soft, moist leaves which are strained out and then place the pulpy paste directly over your sore for 5 to 6 minutes and finish off by rinsing with plain cold water.
Coconut oil works as a great healer. It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and many people also find it incredibly tasty (I'm not one of them). Coconut oil is almost a foolproof method when it comes to getting rid of mouth sores or mouth ulcers.
All you need is a bit of Coconut oil.
Now, using a cotton swab or with clean hands, dab a liberal amount of coconut oil onto your sore. Try to get a thick layer or a clump on the sore because coconut oil melts rapidly, if you apply a thin layer then it will just slide right off. If you think that you really cannot get it to stick to the sore then melt a tablespoon down with half a teaspoon or so of beeswax to thicken it and then apply on your sore.
Clove oil contains eugenol which makes it an effective painkiller and has been used by dentists since decades to bring relief to patients. Eugenol is used today but in a pure extracted form, and clove oil remains highly beneficial for treating oral pain ranging from toothaches to mouth sores.
Here's what you can do
Take half a teaspoon of olive oil, 4 to 5 drops of clove essential oil, a couple of cotton balls and warm water or salt water.
Now, swish and swirl warm water (or salt water) in your mouth to get the area clean, so that the clove oil could really sink in and effectively do its job. Mix the olive oil and clove oil nicely and soak a cotton ball in the mix. Directly apply the cotton ball to the sore for about 5 to 8 minutes for receiving numbing relief.
Raw organic honey makes an amazingly soothing coating for a painful mouth sore. Thanks to its antibacterial, and likely anti-inflammatory properties.
Here's what you can do
Take a tiny dab of organic raw honey and some warm water.
Now, swish and swirl some warm water in your mouth, then apply a thick dab of organic raw honey directly onto the sore. Repeat this process for 2 to 3 times every day and at least one time before night. It seems to perform best when left alone when you are not bothering it by eating or talking.
Aloe vera is one of the best plants that you can use for its soothing benefits. The gel from this incredible plant exerts mighty powers when it comes to soothing, not just sunburns but mouth sores as well. Make sure that you use natural gel and not the green one.
Here's what you can do
Take one teaspoon of aloe vera gel and one tablespoon (or two to three teaspoons) of water.
Now, stir the gel into the water and mix it nicely. Swish and swirl it gently concentrating over the sore at least three times day to facilitate healing and ease the pain.
Yummy, right? Yogurt is produced by bacterial fermentation, which means using yeast or bacteria to convert carbohydrates into organic acids. The result of which is a tangy bacteria-rich substance that is enjoyed by us. Eating yogurt daily may be one of the best home remedies for mouth sores. It is a simple and healthy remedy that can help because it balances out the bacteria in your mouth, because if it was out of balance, it could contribute to or even cause a mouth sore.
Here's what you can do
Get plain yogurt (with live cultures). Make sure that the label on the yogurt affirms that it contains live cultures. Also, make sure that you get plain yogurt and not the flavored kind.
Now, if you don't like yogurt then eat at the very minimum one tablespoon at least three times daily. And if you like the taste of yogurt then you should eat around a cup. You can also add a little bit of organic raw honey for an extra healing boost and better taste!
Osmosis takes place when salt content around the cells is greater on the outside than the inside. When the water is drawn out, the painful puffiness that excess fluid causes is diminished. If you have a mouth sore that is very puffed, that keeps rubbing or that you keep biting, then gargling with salt water can help you greatly. This is precisely why salt water gargles help when you have a sore throat. As it reduces the painful swelling of the cells in the mucous membrane at the back of your throat. The warm water also induces a general sense of soothing relief assisting the salt that may help in keeping the area clean.
Here's what you can do
Take a quarter cup of warm salt water and half a teaspoon of salt.
Now, mix the salt into warm water and swish and swirl it around in your mouth at least three times daily until your mouth sore is gone.
An infusion of coriander seeds in water is an Ayurvedic remedy that helps in bring considerable relief from mouth sores and reduce inflammation.
Here's what you can do
Take one teaspoon of coriander seeds and a cup of water.
Now, boil the seeds in water and strain it. Now allow the water to cool. Swish it nicely around in your mouth and do this about three or four times every day.
Baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate), helps in treating mouth ulcers. It is especially beneficial for the sores which are caused by acidic foods or drinks because baking soda helps in neutralizing acid. It will also work effectively in reducing inflammation and removing germs and bacteria. Keep in mind that it may initially cause a burning sensation.
Here's what you can do
Take one teaspoon of baking soda and a little water, about tow teaspoons. Now mix water and baking soda to make a thin paste. Dab the mix on the affected area. Repeat this process several times a day for better results. Another option is that you can directly put baking soda in your mouth sore. It cannot get simpler than that!
Sadly, the answer is no. There isn't an absolute way to prevent all mouth sores. But, there are certain steps that you can take to avoid getting mouth sores. You should try to avoid having very hot foods and drinks, try to chew slowly so that you don't accidentally cut your cheek or tongue, use a soft toothbrush, drink plenty of water, try to avoid alcohol & tobacco and finally, try to practice regular dental hygiene.
Hi! I’m Gunjan, a self-proclaimed tea fanatic and intrigued with alternative ways to lead a healthy life. I firmly believe that we should take care of our bodies because it’s the only place we live in.
