Mouth ulcers also known as canker sores are painful and irritating that occur in the mouth and gums. Most mouth sores are harmless but can cause uneasiness and discomfort making it hard even to eat, drink or brush the teeth. Also Read: Canker Sores: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment
Mouth ulcers appear as sores on the soft tissues of the mouth including lips, cheeks, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth. However, it is not a severe condition, but still, a person suffering from it may experience intense pain and show disinterest towards food.
There are no specific causes for mouth ulcers, but some of the factors that may trigger include:
- Accidental biting of the cheek or tongue, minor injury or hard brushing
- Mouth rinses and toothpaste which contains certain chemicals
- Acidic food or other food triggers like coffee and chocolate
- Nutritional deficiency especially B12, folate, zinc and iron
- Dental braces
- Stress and hormonal changes or any infection
- Certain medications like beta-blockers and pain killers
Eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding food triggers, proper dental hygiene and taking a multivitamin may help to get rid of mouth ulcers. There are a few simple and effective home remedies that work well in providing quick relief from mouth ulcers.
1. Honey
The goodness of potent anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey work amazingly well to heal mouth ulcers. Honey, when applied on the affected region, moisturizes the skin and prevents it from becoming dry and reduces the itching and irritation. Apply a few drops of honey and allow it to stay for a few hours and rinse off, honey lowers scarring and fasten the healing process. Also Read: Healing Benefits Of Honey For Skin Health And Beauty
2. Coconut Oil
Thanks to the impressive anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil aids in lessening the inflammation and reducing the swelling caused due to canker sores. The analgesic property helps to ease the pain. Soak a piece of cotton with virgin coconut oil and apply it on the affected region before going to bed and allow it to stay overnight.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is a time-tested natural remedy that helps in healing mouth sores. The acidic nature of ACV combats the germs causing canker sores. Take 3 teaspoons of ACV mix with half a cup of water and gargle the solution in the mouth for 30 seconds and rinse well. Repeat this twice daily for a week to get instant relief from mouth ulcers.
4. Saltwater
Saltwater tops the list and used since times immemorial for curing mouth ulcers. Saltwater gargling helps in drying out canker sores. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of saltwater with half a cup of warm water and swirl the mixture in the mouth for a few seconds and repeat this several times in a day for quickly healing ulcers.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a proven natural remedy that is valuable in curing canker cores. The powerful compound allicin in garlic is effective in alleviating the pain and reducing the size of the mouth ulcer. Gently rub a small piece of garlic on the affected region for 3-5 minutes and flush the mouth after 20 minutes.
Dietary Management For Mouth Ulcers
Eating a normal diet might be painful with mouth ulcers, as spicy food is not well tolerated. Certain types of food will irritate tender mouth, which makes chewing and swallowing difficult. By choosing the right kind of foods and taking good care of your mouth, teeth and gums, you can make eating easier and heal ulcer rapidly.
Milk-based food preparations are easy to take, as they do not irritate the mouth lining. Incorporate in your diet bland food such as moong dal, idli, upma, kichadi, bread, paneer, soft vegetables and fruits and boiled eggs that are soothing to eat. Ensure that the temperature of the food is not be very hot or cold, as both may irritate and worsen the pain. Use a straw to drink liquids, which can assist bypass canker sores and have small bites and chew each bite carefully and thoroughly, when eating.
Try to include some of these foods that are easy to chew and swallow which include:
- Dairy and dairy products like curd, yoghurt and cheese
- Bananas, applesauce, and papaya. Also have water-rich fruits like peaches, peach, watermelon, cantaloupe and nectarines, but avoid fruit that contains tiny seeds such as berries
- Mashed potatoes, sweet potato and other boiled and pureed vegetables
- Custard, puddings , smoothies and shakes
- Boiled and scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal, porridges and other cereals with extra milk or water.
- Semi-liquid items such as soy milk, rice milk, juice, broth, soup, jelly or yoghurt
- Boiled lean meat
Additional Remedies
Ice Cube
Applying a small ice cube on canker sores soothes them quickly. Wrap an ice cube in a clean towel and place it carefully on the sore. Not only will the cold numb the sensation, but it will also calm the inflammation. This is very helpful when there are painful canker sores around the lips.
Aloe Vera Gel
Known to be an effective cooling agent, aloe vera gel is laden with anti-inflammatory properties and can tackle mouth ulcers caused due to body heat. Apply gel from the plant directly to canker sores and leave it on them for some time.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste consists of potent antimicrobial properties that can fight infection-causing bacteria. Apply little toothpaste to the affected area of the ulcer. It may itch a bit but will speed up the healing process.
Tulsi Leaves
Rich in antibacterial properties, tulsi works to heal mouth sores effectively. Chew some fresh tulsi leaves and rinse your mouth with tulsi-infused water twice a day for pain relief from mouth ulcers.
Liquorice Powder
Liquorice powder is a wonderful ingredient that helps to cleanse the stomach and flushes out toxins that can be one of the causes of canker sores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Fastest Way To Cure A Mouth Ulcer?
A warm saltwater solution is the most common home remedy for disinfecting a mouth ulcer and helping it to heal faster. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to half a cup of warm water and place it in your mouth for at least three to four minutes.
Can Curd Cure Mouth Ulcers?
Plain yogurt or curd is an effective remedy for treating mouth ulcers as it helps in soothing mouth ulcers, and combating harmful pathogens responsible for this condition.
Can Ghee Reduce Mouth Ulcers?
Applying homemade ghee can help to relieve the pain and stinging. To soothe the pain, apply ghee on the affected area and gargle after about ten minutes.
What Is The Best Food For Mouth Ulcers?
Choose foods that are soft, well-cooked, cold, or pureed. Avoid spicy, hot, salty, acidic, crunchy foods and caffeine or alcohol.
What Are The Natural Remedies To Cure Mouth Ulcers?
Honey, baking soda, coconut oil, turmeric, and clove oil are easy home remedies for mouth ulcers. The topical application of these remedies can cure mouth ulcers and soothe discomforting pain.
References:
Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain
1 Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University College London, University of London, 256, Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8LD, UK
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071433/
