It is hard to live with a painful mouth that has ulcers and causes discomfort while eating and talking. It is not easy to handle such painful situations when you speak coherently due to the presence of ulcers. Mouth ulcers are painful sores which get developed in our mouth. They are oval or round in shape. They are inflamed around the edge and are yellow, white, gray and reddish in color. They are hard to resist as they always keeping on showing their presence by the pain they give to our mouth. But it is easy to treat this problem with the home remedies for mouth ulcers.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers:
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Here are some common causes of mouth ulcers. There are major factors that cause mouth ulcers. Some of them are as follows:
- Taking lot of stress regularly
- Insomnia
- Trauma
- Unhealthy dental conditions.
- Deficiency of various nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, and iron.
- Herpes simplex infections and food allergies.
- Bites in the cheek and mouth.
- The certain hormonal imbalance in the body, especially during the time of menstruation.
- Due to skin and bowel diseases.
Types of Mouth Ulcers:
Mouth ulcers are basically of three types. They are divided into three categories depending on their severity.
1.) Minor Ulcers:
Minor ulcers are the most common type. These ulcers (aphthous stomatitis) occur in 80% of the cases. The healing process took at least 7-10 days. Minor ulcers are around 2-8mm in diameter. They usually take 10 days to 2 weeks to clear up completely from your skin.
2.) Major Ulcers:
They are also known as large ulcers. These type of ulcers happen in almost 10% of the cases. They are also referred as major aphthous ulceration. Generally, they combine with adjacent ulcers and forms an ulcer which is larger in size. They give a painful sensation in the mouth and lips. Major ulcers are bigger in size and they are quite deeper. They often have a raised or irregular border. These ulcers need quite a long time to heal completely. They took several weeks to heal. In addition, they leave a scar in the mouth after getting healed.
3.) Herpetiform Ulcers:
This type of ulcers causes severe pain. They are formed as a result of herpes simplex infection. In this case, you will observe the frequent reappearance of lesions. It infects women more than men. They usually occur in clusters of 100 little aching ulcers. This is a very severe type of ulcer that is formed in a shape of a cluster having dozens of smaller sores which have a size of pinheads.
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers Treatment:
Here are few important and effective home remedies for mouth ulcers treatment. You may use these natural treatments at your home to get rid of mouth ulcer naturally.
1.) Use Honey for Mouth Ulcers Treatment:
Honey helps in retaining moisture and provides the soothing effect on mouth ulcers. It accelerates the healing process as it contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
- Dip a cotton in honey and apply it on the ulcers directly.
- You can also use glycerin and vitamin E oil for the same purpose as it carries the same properties of honey.
- For mouth sores, use Manuka honey as a remedy.
2.) Start Using Sea Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide:
Both of them contain anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and disinfectant properties. Hence, you may use both of these ingredients separately or as a mixture to get rid of mouth ulcers. To prepare this mixture, just follow the following steps:
- Add two teaspoons of sea salt and 3% hydrogen peroxide in warm water.
- Prepare a solution by mixing it well.
- Use this solution as a mouthwash.
- Repeat this process once or twice a day.
- Make sure you don’t sup up this solution during the process of mouth washing. It is one of the most effective home remedies for mouth ulcers.
3.) Coconut Milk to Treat Mouth Ulcers:
It is one of the most beneficial home remedies for mouth ulcers. It is one of the best cure to get relief from the painful sensation of mouth ulcers. To prepare the mixture, simply follow these steps:
- Take a little honey.
- Stir it with one tablespoon of coconut milk.
- Massage this solution on the affected area on a regular basis for 2-3 times a day.
- You can rinse your mouth with coconut milk.
- You may even apply it directly to give a massage on the affected area.
4.) Coriander Seeds to Cure Mouth Ulcers:
To get relief from inflammation, coriander seeds is considered to be one of the best ayurvedic or natural home remedies for mouth ulcers.
- Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in water.
- After boiling, leave this solution to cool down.
- Swoosh it in your mouth.
- Use this solution for mouth washing.
- Repeat this process for 3-4 times a day.
5.) Licorice Root to Treat Mouth Ulcers:
Licorice Root is considered to be one of the best home remedies for mouth ulcers. This herb works as a soothing agent. It develops a preventive coating on the mucous membranes that prevents irritation and moisturizes the open lesions. Licorice root also contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Dip one tablespoon of crushed licorice root in two cups of water.
- Keep this mixture for two to three hours.
- Use it to wash your mouth 3-4 times a day.
- It is one of the best home remedies for mouth ulcers that keeps your mouth clean and cure the problem of mouth ulcers easily.
6.) Baking Soda for Mouth Ulcers Treatment:
Baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline base. It helps in neutralizing the acid caused due to the acidic foods and drinks as it contains the alkaline properties. It also decreases the inflammation and remove the germs from the infected area. But, keep in mind that it may cause burning sensation when you apply it. To prepare the solution:
- Mix one spoon of baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Prepare a thin paste.
- Apply it on the affected area at least once in a day to get rid of mouth ulcers.
7.) Apply Cooling Agents for Mouth Ulcers:
One of the factors that cause mouth ulcer is the excessive heat in our body. It is useful to apply the natural products that provide the cooling effect to it. Go for ghee, buttermilk, and castor oil as they are one of the best cooling agents. Apply ghee and castor oil on the ulcerated area, they contain amazing cooling property. You may even drink buttermilk to ease the pain and experience the cooling effect on mouth ulcers.
8.) Use Aloe-Vera to Treat Mouth Ulcers:
Applying Aloe-Vera on the ulcerated area as it helps in reducing pain. Also, it helps in speeding up the healing process. It is one of the best home remedies for mouth ulcers that contain antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is one of the best herbal products that nature gifted us. It even treats several oral health related problems.
9.) Basil to Cure Mouth Ulcers:
It is one of the most effective home remedies for mouth ulcers. The best part of these herbal leaves are that it contains anti-fungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. It boosts the healing process and provide relief in mouth ulcers. Consume it twice a day, once in the morning and then in the evening with water to cure them. In India, you will find the plant of basil in almost all type of houses. It is an amazing herbal remedy for several diseases and it even purify the air naturally.
10.) Ice for Mouth Ulcers Treatment:
Ice helps in numbing the pain of the mouth ulcers. It is one of the useful home remedies for mouth ulcers. Just apply ice on the ulcerated area as soon as you experience slightest signs & symptoms like burning sensation in the infected area. It is better to apply it before an ulcer gets swollen. It provides the soothing effect on the painful ulcers. It even prevents painful sensation due to the presence of ulcers.
Preventive Measures:
Apply all these home remedies for mouth ulcers to boost your healing process. All these remedies are one of the best cure for them. But, you need to take preventive measures as well. All these remedies will only work when you will keep your body fit internally. So, stop eating acidic drinks and foods. Also, use the soft and mild toothbrush and paste for your teeth to get rid of mouth ulcers.
Improving Comfort and Healing for Mouth Ulcer Treatment
1.) Suck on Ice Chips
You can apply ice which can cure swelling and numb the pain of canker sore. If possible, you can use your tongue to hold a chip directly against the sore until it dissolves.
You need to keep the ice chips in a coffee thermos or a Styrofoam cup to prevent rapid melting and apply that throughout the day.
If you feel that the ice chips are cold for you then drink atleast a cool water throughout the day. You just need to sit in your mouth and gently swish against your sore before swallowing it.
2.) Stay Away from Acidic and Spicy Foods
You have to stay away from acidic, spicy and abrasive foods which can irritate your sore throat to relieve mouth ulcer. It will cause you more pain and may help in healing. You can eat bland and soft foods which can clear your heal.
You really need to avoid the carbonated drinks, citrus foods and hard foods like toasted bread and anything with lots of spice and salt.
3.) Gentle While Brushing Your Teeth
You need to be gentle while brushing your teeth as scraping and slipping can hurt your mouth ulcer which is very painful for your mouth ulcer. Better to use tooth brush with soft bristles and also try to avoid touching the mouth ulcer. There is lots of toothpaste available in the market which helps in mouth ulcer. You can buy toothpaste for your sensitive teeth like Sensodyne Pronamel or Biotin to use until you get some relief.
4.) Go for Counter Pain Killer
If the pain is more and you really get rid of your mouth ulcer soon as you would like, you can at least try to improve your comfort. You can go for counter the pain killer like ibuprofen or use an OTC numbing gel. These are available at your local pharmacy. If you have medical conditions or any other medication, you can talk to the pharmacist or your doctor before choosing a medication. Don’t go for the aspirin, if you are under 16. Make sure, you don’t give to child.
5.) Suck Zinc Lozenges
You can obtain zinc lozenges from your local drug store or pharmacy. Though, these haven’t been proven to helpful. Many People find that ease discomfort and speeding up healing. You can use as it mentioned on the package.
6.) Go for Vitamin Supplements
You can take Vitamin B and C which may help to heal mouth ulcers as it is shown in the research. You can buy vitamin supplement from drugstore or pharmacy but before purchasing it, you need to consult with a doctor. And take the medication according to direct by doctor.
7.) Buy Supplement Lysine
Lysine, an amino acid and could potentially heal your mouth ulcers. This need more research, however. You can ask to your doctor or pharmacist if there is any of the reason then you need to avoid the lysine.
8.) Go for Echinacea
Echinacea is herbs that can you can easily found in the supplement form at your local pharmacy or any drugstore. It can act as an immune system, which help in healing of canker sores. You just have to consult with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it is a safe for you to use Echinacea.
Go for Medical Treatment to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcer
1.) Consult with Your doctor, if Mouth Ulcer is Very Painful
You just have to consult with your doctor if you mouth ulcer is very painful or large. As in the most cases, the mouth ulcer heals by its own in a week or in two weeks. You really need a medical treatment if your mouth ulcer is very large or painful and if not healing within a week. If your sore is not healing and spreading with a fever then immediately consult to your doctor. You can see the doctor or you can consult with your dentist. There are many treatments and medications that really help. Your doctor or dentist can help you to get rid of mouth ulcer.
2.) Try a Tropical Pain Medication
You can get some pain medications over the counter, but you really need to require a prescription. The best way is to ask from your health care provider which medication is best for you to use. There are many of the paste available like creams, liquids, and gel in the market to get rid of the pain and also help in speeding the mouth ulcer. You can use the products which contains these ingredients like Fluocinede, Benzocaine, and Hydrogen Peroxide.
3.) Request a Medication Mouth Rinse
If you are having multiple Ulcers then you need to rinse your mouth with mouth rinse which will be easier than applying gel to each individual sore. You can ask your doctor or dentist about getting a mouth rinse containing dexamethasone or lidocaine. These can relief you from the pain and dexamethasone which can also reduce and inflammation.
4.) Get Medical Prescription if your Sores Won’t Heal
You just need an oral medication if your ulcer doesn’t heal with other treatment. You just have to consult with a doctor about your options and let them know about your health history and medications that you can take. There are some medications for other ailments can be used to treat stubborn mouth ulcer such as sucralfate and colchincine.
Your doctor will prescribe oral cortisol steroids if you have major ulcer problem that is not healing by its own. Inform the doctor if you have pregnancy or breastfeeding or if you have auto immune diseases because you need a different treatment.
5.) Medical Cauterized
Your doctor may cauterize your ulcer with a chemical or instrument. It destroy the damaged tissue and also help in get rid of pain. It improves the healing. You need to consult the doctor to know if it is a right option for your or not. You can also go for the supplements to prevent recurrence. Your doctor will also tell you if you have any deficiency in any nutrient by taking a blood sample.