Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) occur inside your mouth or on your gums. Although they can be painful and make it difficult to talk or eat, they usually do not cause permanent damage. Most canker sores heal on their own within a few weeks. Many home remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) products can help speed up the healing process, but it is unlikely that any one remedy will heal canker sores overnight. Many home remedies for canker sores have not been well studied, so use them with caution. You can also contact your doctor or dentist’s office if you have any questions.
OTC canker sore treatment
Several OTC treatments can help heal canker sores. These include:
- Anesthetics in the form of gel or cream that contains lidocaine to help with pain and swelling.
- corticosteroids, which can help with pain and healing.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) containing diclofenac are another anti-inflammatory option for pain relief.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consider talking to a doctor before use to see if these options are safe for you.
Mouth rinses for canker sores
A regular mouthwash containing chlorhexidine can help prevent germs from spreading and canker sores from worsening. It may also help avoid further inflammation. However, you will want to avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol as it can irritate the wound. OTC mouthwashes made for mouth sores usually contain lidocaine, an ingredient that can help relieve the pain of canker sores. A doctor may also prescribe a prescription mouthwash containing dexamethasone or lidocaine.
What is the Mouth Ulcer
These small blisters can appear on the gums, lips, tongue, inside of the cheeks, or on the palate. Many factors can cause these, such as minor injuries, hormonal fluctuations, and emotional stress. Most mouth ulcers heal without treatment while some may require treatment. Most cold sores appear as red, yellow, or white sores, and you may experience one or multiple.
These lesions are often painful and can make eating, drinking, and speaking uncomfortable. Mouth ulcers are not contagious or transmitted infections, they are not spread by kissing or sharing food and drinks. Other symptoms could include:
- Swelling around the ulcers.
- Increased pain while brushing your teeth.
- Pain increases when eating spicy, salty, or sour food.
Types of Mouth Ulcers
There are many types of mouth ulcers and sores, although canker sores are common.
Canker Sores
Causes include biting your cheeks, acidic foods, and even stress. Canker sores are usually white or yellow with a red tint around the edges. They may be small, large, or herpetiform.
Oral Lichen Planus
Itchy rashes and pale white lesions inside your mouth are symptoms of oral lichen planus. This is an immune system response.
Leukoplakia
White or brown spots inside the mouth. It develops due to excessive cell growth. This is long-term irritation caused by smoking or chewing tobacco.
Erythroplakia
Caused by smoking or chewing tobacco. People with erythroplakia have red spots behind their lower front teeth or under their tongue.
Oral Thrush
Excessive growth of yeast called Candida albicans causes this fungal infection inside your mouth. This usually happens after antibiotic treatment or when your immune system is not as strong as it should be.
Mouth Cancer
Red or white mouth sores or blisters may be symptoms of oral cancer lesions. These wounds will not heal on their own, need to consult a healthcare provider.
Why do Mouth Ulcers Occur
Mouth ulcers can have many causes, ranging from lifestyle to autoimmune causes:
- Dental work, like filling cavities, can cause minor tissue damage
- Accidentally biting your cheek or tongue
- Allergic reaction to certain bacteria
- Vitamin deficiencies, mostly vitamin B
- Wearing braces or retainers
- Using harsh toothpaste
- Eating too many acidic foods
- Hormonal changes during your period
- Tension
- Lack of sleep
- Increased body temperature
Home Remedies for Canker Sores and Mouth Ulcers
In addition to mouthwash and prescription products, some home remedies may help provide relief from canker sores.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk has amazing soothing properties. Mix a little honey in one spoon of coconut milk and massage the affected area. Repeat this three or four times a day for the best results. Alternatively, you can rinse your mouth with fresh coconut milk.
Coconut Oil
Apply a small amount of coconut oil on the surface of the ulcer and leave it on. You can also use it before sleeping at night. Like honey, coconut oil also has antibacterial properties that aid in the natural healing of ulcers. It is an analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy for mouth ulcers. It also aids in alleviating pain.
Honey
Honey offers many health benefits and can also be used to treat mouth ulcers. Mouth sores can also be healed with organic honey. Apply honey on the ulcer area and leave it like that. Repeat the application every few hours. Honey has antibacterial properties and can help heal any open wounds. Honey helps retain moisture and speeds up the healing process. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Simply dip a cotton swab in honey and apply it to the affected area. You can also apply glycerin or vitamin E oil similarly.
Orange Juice
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers. Drinking two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice daily until the ulcers heal is an excellent treatment for mouth ulcers. Studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency can cause mouth ulcers.
Clove Oil
Cloves are a key ingredient in one of India’s most popular spice blends. Clove oil is beneficial for general oral health. This extract is used to treat a variety of ailments including toothache and mouth ulcers. In case of mouth ulcers, apply the oil directly on the ulcers using a small piece of cotton. Wait for the oil to absorb into the ulcer tissue.
Turmeric Powder
Turmeric is an antibacterial found in almost all Indian dishes. Apart from fighting infection, turmeric is excellent in reducing the inflammation and pain caused by mouth ulcers. The product also has antibacterial properties. Apply turmeric paste on the ulcers every morning and evening. Allow it to rest for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. You should see the difference immediately.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with half a cup of warm water. Put this solution in your mouth and swish it around. Keep repeating for a minute or two. After completing the procedure, make sure to rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. You can repeat this every morning and evening until the ulcer heals. Apple cider vinegar has antibacterial properties that will kill the germs that cause ulcers. This will also accelerate your recovery.
Tulsi
Tulsi is known for its medicinal properties and helps cure inflammation. For quick relief, chew some basil leaves and wash it with some water. This will provide quick relief from mouth sores and also prevent them from recurring.
Saltwater
Gargle with warm salt water 8 to 10 times twice a day. This procedure provides relief from pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers. It also works as an antiseptic.
Oraal Spray
This is one of the best medicines available in the market for mouth ulcers and related mouth problems like- oral mucositis. You should try this spray for fast relief and trustable treatment. This spray is the most recommended spray by doctors and oncologists in the current era. “Oraal Spray” is the finest product for mouth ulcers and mucositis.
Conclusion
Dealing with canker sores can be excruciating and disruptive, impacting our daily routines. These ulcers can stem from various causes, including accidental injuries, nutritional deficiencies, and stress. However, numerous at-home remedies can provide relief within 24 hours. Utilizing coconut milk, honey, and turmeric paste can effectively alleviate pain and expedite healing. Furthermore, maintaining optimal oral hygiene and steering clear of triggers like acidic foods can help prevent recurrent sores. If home remedies fail to offer sufficient relief, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional is crucial, especially if the sore persists or worsens. By promptly addressing canker sores and prioritizing oral health, we can find swift relief and resume enjoying our favorite foods without any interruptions.
