Top 10 Home Remedies To Cure MOUTH ULCERS

Home Remedies To Cure MOUTH ULCERS

Nearly everyone experiences mouth ulcers at some point in their lives and they can be extremely annoying can hinder your ability to eat and speak. Mouth ulcers are usually sores that emerge on the lips, the floor of the mouth or cheeks. A mouth ulcer is the erosion or loss of part of the delicate tissue that lines the inside mucous membrane of the mouth. Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) crops up inside your mouth or on your gums. These ulcers are so painful that they may even kill one's desire to eat. Even though they can be painful and make it difficult to eat or talk, they usually do not cause long-lasting damage. In most cases, mouth ulcers are harmless and heal by themselves within a couple of weeks. Luckily, mouth ulcers can be treated easily and with some simple home remedies that can help in speed up the healing process. Therefore, if you are looking for easy and simple home remedies to get rid of mouth ulcers, gaze no further than your kitchen and use our best set of remedies to end ulcers! 

SYMPTOMS OF MOUTH ULCERS

The symptoms of a mouth ulcer depend on the cause, but may include:

·        One or more aching sores on the mucous membrane of the skin lining the mouth

·        Inflammation around the sores

·        Trouble with chewing or brushing the tooth because of the tenderness

·        Irritation of the sores by spicy, salty or sour foods

·        Loss of desire for food.

·        Difficulty in swallowing food. 

CAUSES OF MOUTH ULCERS

Mouth ulcers can be caused by a wide range of factors including:

·        Injury cause by accidental biting of the inside of your cheek

·        Injury from a toothbrush due to slipping while brushing  

·        Constant rubbing of skin against sharp or misaligned teeth

·        Rubbing of cheeks or lips against dentures or braces

·        Maintain poor oral hygiene

·        Burns caused while eating hot food

·        Burns from strong antiseptics present in substances like mouthwash

·        Oral thrush infection

·        Cold sore - viral infections caused by herpes simplex viral

·        Side-effect to certain medications

·        Skin swelling in the mouth caused due to lichen planus

·        Autoimmune diseases

·        Some gastrointestinal disorder such as Crohn’s disease

·        Oral cancer

·        Stress 

TYPES OF MOUTH ULCERS

Mouth ulcers are very common in people of all ages and are usually divided into the following types:

1.     Minor Ulcers –These ulcers are smaller in diameter ranging from 2-8mm. These ulcers clear up in about 10 to 14 days, which is quicker in compare to the other types.

2.     Major Ulcers – These ulcers are also set deeper into the skin and theyare bigger than the minor ones. They are usually raised above the skin with irregular border. These ulcers can take several weeks to clear up. They generally leave behind scars once they are healed.

3.     Herpetiform (Herpes) Ulcers – Herpetiform ulcers are formed because of the Herpes virus infection. These mouth ulcers areusually in clusters and look like small pinheads. Mouth ulcer due to herpes simplex virus are commonly called Cold sore. These ulcers are contagious.

4.     Aphthous ulcers: Aphthous ulcers generally occur on the inner side of the mouth, base of the gum, back of the palate and tonsil area. They usually do not occur in the lips and are not contagious. These ulcers are usually swallowed and smaller in size. You may develop more than one aphthous ulcer at a time. 

INVESTIGATION OF MOUTH ULCERS

If your mouth ulcers are interfering with your normal day-to-day activities, consult your dentist or an oral medicine specialist.

A careful examination is required to find out the cause of mouth ulcers. Your oral medicine specialist or dentist may suggest some blood tests if they suspect an inflammatory condition or you may have an underlying deficiency (such as an iron or vitamin B deficiency).

If the oral health professional is unable to determine the cause of your mouth ulcers, or if the ulcers are not responding to the normal line of treatments, you may need to undergo a biopsy of the ulcer and some of the adjacent tissue. A biopsy is a medical investigating procedure where a tissue sample excavated for examination and diagnosis. 

HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF MOUTH ULCERS

Irrespective of the cause a mouth ulcer, it can be very annoying. Lucky, there are simple and easy home remedies to get rid of mouth ulcers. Most of these home remedies for mouth ulcers are commonly found kitchen ingredients. If you are suffering from a painful mouth ulcer these home remedies provides fast relief and speed up the healing process.

1. Alum Powder for Mouth Ulcers

Alum powder is a compound of potassium aluminum sulfate often used to preserve food and pickle. Alum has astringent properties, which can help to shrink tissues and dry out canker sores.

To use:

·        Prepare a thick paste by mixing powered of alum with a drop of water.

·        Dab this alum paste onto the canker sore.

·        Leave it for least 1 minute.

·        Thoroughly rinse your mouth.

·        Repeat twice daily until the mouth sore is gone.

Caution:

Be prepared, the alum may sting a little.

2. Salt Water Rinse for Ulcers

Gargle with salt water is probably the most recommended home remedy for ulcers and it is very effective too. Warm water has a soothing effect on the ulcer and salt has antiseptic properties and can help to heal the ulcer faster.

To use:

·        Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of lukewarm water.

·        Gargle thoroughly with this solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

·        Repeat after a few hours or as needed.

3. Baking Soda Rinse for Ulcers

Baking soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, commonly used in houses for cling purpose. This is also is an excellent home remedy for mouth ulcers. Baking soda eases the pain, speeds up the healing process by neutralizing the ulcer acids, and reduces inflammation of the mouth sore.

Due to its antibacterial property, it helps you maintain oral hygiene.

To use:

·        Mix 1 teaspoon of the soda in 1 cup of water.

·        Rinse your mouth with this solution for 15 to 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

·        Repeat this thrice daily.

Although baking soda does not harms you if swallowed, but to avoid doing so.

4. Honey For Ulcers

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties this antibacterial qualities of honey, is very effective remedy for ulcers. As per a 2014 study, honey is effective in reducing mouth sore size, pain, and redness. Honey also reduces the swelling and irritation. It can also help in preventing a secondary infection. Honey provides moisture and prevents the ulcer from becoming dry. Not all honeys have equaled healing ability. You need to take raw honey and apply it on the ulcers. Most honey available in the market is pasteurized at high heat, which it medicinal ability. Raw honey is unpasteurized, unfiltered, less processed and retains its healing properties. Adding some turmeric to honey will speed up the healing process.

To use:

·        Apply raw honey on the ulcer four times a day for better relief.

5. Coconut Oil for Mouth Ulcers

The medium chain fatty acids of coconut oil treat ulcers naturally due its antimicrobial property. Antimicrobial property cures canker sores caused by bacteria and prevents them from spreading. Coconut oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory and an analgesic that reduces the discomfort and pain caused due to the ulcer by reducing the swelling.

To use:

·        Dab a cotton ball in some virgin coconut oil and apply it on your ulcers.

·        Leave it for 10 minutes

·        Repeat this after every few hours.

·        You can also apply coconut oil to ulcers before going to bed for better result.

Does oil pulling cure mouth ulcers?

Oil pulling or oil swishing is a common home remedy that known to help many people who were suffering from mouth ulcers. All you need to do is swish your mouth with two to three tablespoons of coconut oil in for a few minutes and then spit it out. After this, you need to thorough rinsing of the mouth with lukewarm water.

6. Toothpaste for Mouth Ulcers

Toothpaste contains several antimicrobial ingredients. Applying this on the mouth ulcer helps in killing the infection that is causing the ulcer. Toothpaste also has a cooling effect on the ulcer, which prevents the burning sensation that causes discomfort.

To use:

·        Apply the toothpaste on your ulcer using a Q-tip.

·        Leave it on for some time before rinsing your mouth.

·        Repeat this every day until the whiteness of the ulcer disappears.

Caution:

Toothpaste as mouth ulcers home remedy might sting a bit later, so apply some aloe vera gel afterwards for relief.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar for Mouth Ulcers

You may not like the acidic nature and the pungent smell of apple cider vinegar but this one is a powerful home remedy for ulcers. The acidity of apple cider vinegar (ACV) will kill the bacteria causing the mouth ulcers and heal it.

To use:

·        Mix 1 teaspoon of ACV and 1 cup of water.

·        Swish this mixture around your mouth for a few minutes.

·        Spit it out, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water.

·        Repeat  this every morning and evening.

Caution: Using ACV may damage the tooth enamel due to its acidity.  Therefore, it is important to rinse your mouth after using it.

8. Garlic for Mouth Ulcers

Garlic contains allicin, which is compound with a strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. Thus, garlic can help you fight ulcers as well and one of the most commonly used home remedies. 

To use:

·        Cut the garlic clove in half and rub it gently on the mouth ulcer for a minute or two.

·     Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water after 30 to 40 minutes of application.

·        Repeat this twice or thrice daily.

9. Orange Juice for Ulcers

Vitamin C is found to boosts the immune system and helps you to fight all kinds of infections, including that of mouth ulcers. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to mouth sore caused due to infection. The purpose of  drinking orange juice is to provide your body with sufficient vitamin C.

To use:

·        Drink two glasses of orange juice daily

·        Continue this until the ulcer heals

·      After that continue drinking one glass daily, so that the ulcer do not recurred. 

10. Clove Oil for Ulcers

Clove oil contains a natural substance called eugenol, which has antimicrobial property and work wonders when it comes to healing mouth ulcers. For this healing property of clove oil, it is extensively used for quick and effective dealing of wide range of oral problems.

To use:

·     Before applying the clove oil rinse your mouth with warm water as it will clean the area of the ulcer.

·       Dip a cotton swab in the clove oil and apply directly on the mouth ulcer.

·       Leave it on for few minutes in the ulcer area to get absorbed by the skin.   

·       Apply clove oil two or three times a day.

Other home remedy to relive mouth ulcers include:

·        Avoid sour and spicy foods until the ulcers heal.

·        Drink plenty water or fluids.

·        Rinse your mouth regularly with warm, slightly salted water.

·        Keep your mouth clean and maintain proper oral hygiene.

·        Use an alcohol-free, chlorhexidine gluconate containing mouthwash. 

PREVENTION OF MOUTH ULCERS

Preventive action you can adopt to reduce the likelihood of mouth ulcers include:

·        Brush your teeth gently with a soft bristle toothbrush.

·        Taking care that the brush does not slips, to avoid any injury.

·        Eat a balanced and nutritious diet to avoid mouth sore due to nutritional deficiency.

·        Make sure that underlying medical conditions are under control.

What should you to eat during a mouth ulcer?

If you are suffering from a mouth ulcer, several foods can be included in your diet to get quick relief from the pain and infection. Follow this ulcer diet:

1.     Take vegetables like tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, green leafy vegetables and potato.

2.     Include vitamin C and calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and citrus juices.

3.     Fruits such as apples, bananas, papaya, pumpkins, and grapefruit also help in quick healing of ulcer.

4.     Vitamin B-rich foods like rice milk, eggs, and soy milk.

What you should not eat during a mouth ulcer?

You should the following foods and drinks if you are suffering from month ulcer:

A)   Avoid carbonated drinks, coffee, and tea.

B)   Do not consume oily and spicy food.

C)   Avoid foods that can trigger allergy during ulcer. 

WHEN TO CALL A DOCTOR?

Most mouth sores heal on their own within a couple of weeks. These home remedies can help speed up the healing process, but they are no magic bullet. It is unlikely any remedy will heal a canker sore overnight. Many home remedies for mouth sores are not well studied, so use with caution. You can also call your doctor’s office if you have questions. The mouth sore may be due to serious causes include autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, and oral cancer.

Talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following:

1.     The mouth ulcer is larger than normal.

2.     Have multiple sores are different site.

3.     New sores appearances before the old ones have healed.

4.     The sore do not heal within two weeks.

5.     The ulcer spreads to your lips.

6.     The sore causes intense unbearable pain.

7.     The sore makes drinking or eating impossible.

8.     If you also have a fever with the mouth sore.

You should also call your doctor or dentist if a jagged or sharp tooth or a dental tool is the cause for your mouth sores.