Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are painful sores that usually appear on the tongue or lips. These can have many causes but are usually related to eating too many acidic foods. Those who have experienced mouth ulcers know what discomfort and pain this condition can cause. Eating becomes almost impossible, and anything you try to eat causes a lot of pain. Along with malnutrition, stress also plays a big role in these ulcers occurring inside the mouth. The specific reasons for mouth ulcers can differ from one person to another.
When ulcers appear, it’s a good idea to avoid eating acidic foods, especially acidic fruits, first. This will reduce the irritation and your mouth will heal quickly. Those who have experienced mouth ulcers know what discomfort and pain this condition can cause. Eating becomes almost impossible and anything you try to eat goes away very painfully. Along with malnutrition, stress also plays a big role in these ulcers occurring inside the mouth. Some common causes of mouth ulcers include:
- Essential vitamins and minerals are deficient (B12, zinc, iron, and folate) in the body.
- As a response to bacterial or viral infections in the mouth.
- Sensitivity to acid-containing food such as lemon, pineapple, strawberry, or other acidic food.
- Gluten intolerance can trigger the formation of mouth ulcers.
- Toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate may cause ulcers in some people.
- People with autoimmune disorders and hormonal imbalances may experience frequent oral ulcers.
- Some oral cancers may appear as non-healing and sometimes painless ulcers.
Also Read- Say Goodbye to Canker Sores with These Remedies
Types of Ulcers and Symptoms
| Types of Ulcers | Symptoms |
| Minor Aphthous | It has smaller, painful mouth sores. They are typically oval or circular. Those sores will usually heal within two weeks. Do not leave scars after healing is complete. |
| Major Aphthous | Characterized by extremely painful, large sores. They look different and are much deeper than small sores. It might take around six weeks to get better. Major ulcers may leave permanent scars. |
| Herpetiform | These are pinpoint size ulcers, between 1-2mm. They often come in groups of 10 to 100, making irregular shapes. These ulcers typically do not scar. They heal within 1-2 weeks. |
| Traumatic | Ulcers can occur due to injuries from brushing, sharp teeth, dental work, prosthetics, braces, or cheek bites. |
Also Read- 10 Tips for Better Oral Hygiene
5 Natural Remedies for Curing Mouth Ulcers Fast
There are many medicines and drugs available in the market that can provide temporary relief from this condition. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of mouth ulcers. Apart from prescribed treatments, simple home remedies can also help. Here is a list of home remedies that are popular for mouth ulcers.
Honey
Honey can help speed up the healing of ulcers, especially if the ulcers are the result of aphthous stomatitis. It has antiseptic and hydrating properties that help in relieving pain and discomfort.
Honey may also help prevent secondary infections from developing, as it has an acidic pH, as well as flavonoids, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid which have antibacterial properties.
You can apply natural bee honey on mouth sores several times a day to help alleviate discomfort. Anyone allergic to honey, propolis, or pollen should not use it.
Apply honey on the blisters and leave it on. Since the blisters are inside the mouth, you might accidentally swallow the honey along with your saliva. However, you must keep applying honey on the blistered area every few hours.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used for various purposes in most parts of India. As you know, coconut has antimicrobial and antifungal properties made up of lauric acid, capric acid, and other fatty acids. These fatty acids can interfere with the formation of bacterial and fungal cell membranes, reducing their reproduction and growth.
You can apply coconut oil directly to mouth ulcers to soothe the discomfort and keep it from getting worse. Apply some coconut oil on the surface of mouth ulcers. You can also apply it before sleeping at night. Similar to honey, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that help reduce ulcers naturally. This same compound also works as an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving treatment for your mouth ulcers. Applying oil can reduce the pain caused by mouth ulcers.
Apple cider vinegar and Orange Juice
Some scientific studies suggest that apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that may reduce the growth of bacteria. Although some microorganisms are found naturally in our bodies, such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, these can overgrow and cause infection. The presence of these bacteria in mouth ulcers can hinder healing and even worsen symptoms.
To treat mouth ulcers and prevent the condition from worsening, you can mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water and gargle on the sores. But make sure to rinse with plain water and brush your teeth after about 30 minutes of using this mix. Apple cider vinegar is acidic and can damage your teeth if left on for too long.
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, which can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers. However, it may be difficult to consume whole oranges when you are suffering from these ulcers. A great way to treat mouth sores is to drink two glasses of fresh orange juice every day.
Clove Oil
Cloves are an essential part of garam masala, one of the most commonly used spices in India. Clove oil is obtained from the flower bud and is utilized in various natural remedies, such as for toothaches and mouth ulcers. In case of mouth ulcers, take a small piece of cotton and apply the oil directly on the ulcers. Wait until the ulcer tissue absorbs the oil.
Remember to rinse your mouth with warm water before applying clove oil. This will help clean the surface of the ulcer area. Cloves contain eugenol and antimicrobial properties that help deal with all oral problems. By applying this oil, pain, and swelling also get cured.
Chewing cloves can also help canker sores heal faster and provide pain relief within a few minutes. This is because cloves have antiseptic and analgesic properties, which can help keep the canker sore clean, encourage healing, and provide pain relief within minutes.
Saltwater
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps disinfect canker sores and make them heal faster. Salt has antibacterial effects, which remove bacteria from any affected areas. To make a saltwater solution, simply add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Gargle with this solution for a few minutes twice a day.
In a glass of lukewarm water, you should mix one tablespoon of salt. Now gargle thoroughly with this liquid. Once you’re done, you can gargle with plain water to remove the salty taste from your mouth. By using this process you can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers to some extent. Salt is known for its ability to kill germs.
Also Read- How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers: Expert Tips and Tricks
Conclusion
Mouth ulcers are painful sores that make it difficult to eat food. They occur for many reasons, such as eating acidic foods or being stressed. There are different types of ulcers, but they are all painful. To help them heal faster, you can try some natural remedies. Honey, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, clove oil, and salt water can all help. These things have properties that fight bacteria and soothe pain. Remember to be gentle with your mouth, and if the blisters do not heal, it is important to see a doctor.
