Mouth ulcers also known as canker sores are small painful sores in the mouth. It may appear under the base of the gums, at the inside cheeks, or on the tongue or lips, consequently making activities like eating, drinking, and talking quite uncomfortable. Though usually mouth ulcers are harmless and such mouth ulcers heal themselves, they cause a lot of discomfort to people. Fortunately, there are several remedies available that can be applied at home to speed up recovery as well as relieve the pain.
About Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are typically round or oval with a white or yellow center and a red border. They are not contagious and usually heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. There are different types of mouth ulcers, but the most common ones are minor ulcers, which are small and heal within a few days, and major ulcers, which are larger and take longer to heal.
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Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Some of the reasons that might cause mouth ulcers include:
1. Trauma or Injury: Accidental biting of the cheek, brushing too hard, or eating something sharp and abrasive causes ulcers.
2. Stress and Anxiety: In some people, emotional tension and lack of sleep cause mouth ulcers.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies: A scarcity of essential nutrients, which include vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and folic acid, may cause ulcers.
4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes in menstruation and pregnancy lead to increased risk of mouth ulcers.
5. Food intolerance: Spicy, sour, or citrus-type foods irritate your mouth lining and trigger ulcers.
6. Medical conditions: Celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and autoimmune diseases can cause mouth ulcers.
How to Cure Mouth Ulcers
1. Honey: Honey is well known for its antibacterial and therapeutic properties. Applying a small amount of honey to the ulcer can help relieve pain and inflammation. For the best results, use it 3-4 times a day.
2. Turmeric Paste: Turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Mix turmeric powder with small portions of water to make a paste, apply on the ulcer, let it sit there for some minutes, and rinse off with warm water. Do this twice a day.
3. Salt Water Mouth Rinse: Salt has antiseptic properties, which can treat mouth ulcers. In a glass of warm water, dissolve a teaspoon of salt and rinse your mouth with it 3 to 4 times a day. It might sting a little, but it’s very effective in reducing pain and speeding up the healing process.
4. Coconut oil: It is one of the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory oils of nature. Use a drop of it on the infected part; this will help eliminate swelling and minimize the chance of infection.
5. Clove oil: Clove oil has been one of the dental pain relievers, being a great mouth ulcer treatment alternative. Eugenol is a local anesthetic and antiseptic that it consists of. Apply a little quantity with the help of a cotton swab to numb pain around mouth sores and improve healing.
6. Baking Soda Paste: Baking soda can help to balance acidity in the mouth, reducing irritation while promoting healing. Make a paste with a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water, then apply it to the ulcer. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing off.
7. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the pain and swelling. You can make a strong chamomile tea, let it cool down, and use that as a mouthwash several times a day.
8. Aloe Vera Gel: Applying fresh aloe vera gel to the ulcer results in the reduction of pain and promotion of healing of the sores in the mouth.
9. Papaya: The patient can either take it orally or apply the fresh pulp of papaya on the ulcer. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which naturally heals and acts as a soothing agent for the irritation caused by mouth ulcers.
10. Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Vitamin C deficiency causes mouth ulcers. Vitamin C improves the immune system, and food, which is easily available from oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, it helps in the healing of mouth ulcers.
Oral Spray for Mouth Ulcers
For those who prefer quick relief, oral sprays can be an effective option. The ingredients may consist of benzocaine or lidocaine, which act as an alternative to anesthetize the area; in return, it helps pain decrease. Besides anesthetizing, some oral sprays may also contain elements that help in healing to avoid infections. Oral sprays are one of the most popular therapies for mouth ulcers since they provide almost immediate relief.
Conclusion
A painful but common condition, mouth ulcers can easily be treated with some natural remedies. Some of the simplest ingredients one might have in the cupboard – including honey, turmeric, salt, and coconut oil – will help alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process. Oral sprays are also good options for quicker relief. For example, if the ulcers last more than two weeks, are extremely painful, or reoccur and heal, you should consult a doctor to rule out an underlying medical disease. Using these simple home remedies will be sure to treat and manage mouth ulcers with efficacy. If this doesn’t fade away, you should always visit the hospital so that it cannot be an issue of health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. For how long do mouth ulcers take to heal?
Mouth ulcers may heal on their own within 1-2 weeks. But if they take a longer period, it is better to see a doctor.
2. Does stress cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, stress and lack of sleep may initiate mouth ulcers in some.
3. How to cure mouth ulcers fast naturally?
Avoid spicy, sour, and hard foods, as these will irritate the ulcer and cause pain. Use simple natural home remedies to cure ulcers.
4. Can I apply toothpaste to mouth ulcers?
Some people topically apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the ulcer and claim that it helps in healing; it does sting and causes a burning sensation. The best is mild toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate.
5. Are mouth ulcers infectious or contagious?
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious and cannot pass to another person.