Also known as canker sores, mouth ulcers are generally small, painful lesions that develop at the base of your gums or in your mouth. They make talking, drinking, and eating uncomfortable for an individual.
Read about mouth ulcer treatment at home, natural treatment for mouth ulcers, and much more.
Mouth Ulcer Home Remedies
Here are some effective mouth ulcer home remedies that can give you fast results.
1. Coconut Oil
Yes, coconut oil. The oil that is used in a wide variety of ways across India is also a reliable home remedy for mouth ulcers. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and aids in reducing the swelling caused due to canker sores. Moreover, its analgesic property also helps ease the pain.
How to Use It:
- Take a piece of cotton and soak it in extra virgin coconut oil.
- Apply it to the affected area before going to bed.
- Allow it to stay overnight.
2. Saltwater
Saltwater has been used since time immemorial to treat mouth ulcers. The reason - saltwater helps in drying out canker sores.
The sodium chloride in saltwater takes the water from the surrounding healthy tissues in your mouth and redirects it to the mouth sore. Moreover, the antiseptic properties of salt also come in handy here.
How to Use It:
- Mix one teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.
- Swish this solution in your mouth or gargle it for about 30 seconds.
- Once finished, spit the solution out.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
The acidic nature of ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar helps combat the germs causing mouth ulcers. The acid available in ACV can kill ulcer-causing bacteria.
How to Use It:
- Take three teaspoons of ACV and mix with half a cup of water.
- Gargle the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds.
- Rinse your mouth well.
- Repeat this activity twice daily for relief.
4. Garlic
In addition to adding a flavour to curries and dals, garlic also acts as an excellent remedy for mouth ulcers. It contains a powerful compound called allicin that helps alleviate the pain and reduces the size of mouth ulcers.
How to Use It:
- Take a piece of garlic and gently rub it on the affected region.
- Do this for a minute or two.
- After this, rinse your mouth to remove the raw garlic odour.
5. Orange Juice
An impeccable source of vitamin A, orange juice can help aid and prevent mouth ulcers. Moreover, vitamin C in oranges also boosts the immunity of individuals, allowing their bodies to fight against numerous diseases and viruses.
How to Use it: Consume two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice every day.
6. Honey
Honey is known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good remedy for mouth ulcers. It provides the much-needed moisture to your mouth and prevents it from drying. Moreover, it also reduces the itching and irritation in the mouth due to ulcers.
How to Use it: Apply some honey to the affected spot after every three to four hours.
7. Turmeric Powder
Commonly used in various Indian dishes, turmeric is an antiseptic. It contains antimicrobials which make this ingredient effective against mouth ulcers.
How to Use It:
- Mix a little bit of turmeric powder with water to form a paste.
- Apply this paste to the ulcers every morning and evening.
8. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage juice contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain in your mouth. It makes the consumption of solid foods easier. It also strengthens the stomach lining and heals the ulcer.
How to Use It:
- Boil a raw cabbage.
- Once it is sufficiently boiled, puree it.
- Drink the juice three to four times each day.
9. Alum Powder
Alum powder is a food additive used to help keep pickled fruits and vegetables fresh. It is commonly found as an ingredient in baking powder. Research has shown that it can decrease the size of mouth ulcers.
By acting as an astringent, the alum draws the liquid out and contracts the tissues to seal the wound faster.
How to Use It:
- Take a pea-sized drop of alum powder and mix it with water.
- Apply the mixture to the mouth ulcer and let it sit for at least one minute.
- Rinse it with water and do this every day.
10. Milk of Magnesia
It is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide and is frequently used to relieve constipation. Why is it an effective home remedy for ulcers? It neutralises the acid and coats the ulcer. As a result, it provides immense comfort to your mouth.
How to Use It:
- Take a cotton swab and dip it in the milk of magnesia.
- Apply it to the affected area.
- Repeat this three to four times a day.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
It is an antiseptic that helps keep your mouth free of bacteria. As a result, your mouth ulcer heals better.
How to Use It:
- Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in equal amounts.
- Use a cotton swab to dab the solution on your mouth ulcer.
- Do not swallow the solution in any case.
12. Natural Yoghurt
Consuming natural yoghurt with a serving of probiotics helps improve your gastrointestinal flora and bowel movement. It helps strengthen your body’s natural defences and heals mouth ulcers faster.
How to Use it: Mix desired quantity of yoghurt and probiotics in a bowl and consume.
13. Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds are known to reduce heat in the body. As a result, they can be beneficial in providing relief from mouth ulcers.
How to Use it: Mix a few poppy seeds in sugar and consume. Do it once every day.
14. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties that make it a superior remedy for mouth ulcers. Moreover, it also has antiseptic properties that can help provide instant relief.
How to Use it: Take some naturally extracted aloe vera juice and apply it to the ulcer.
15. Chamomile Compress
Chamomile is famous for easing pain and healing wounds. It contains two compounds called levomenol and azulene. To soothe a mouth ulcer, you can use a chamomile tea bag.
How to Use It:
- Take a chamomile tea bag
- Apply it to your mouth ulcer
- Leave it on for a few minutes
- Rinse your mouth
- You can repeat this process three to four times a day.
How to Cure Mouth Ulcers Fast Naturally - Is it Possible?
It is indeed possible to cure mouth ulcers fast naturally. Read on to know the techniques to cure mouth ulcers.
1. Chewing on Cloves
Cloves have antiseptic and analgesic properties that help keep the mouth ulcer clean. Moreover, they encourage healing and relieve pain. Chewing cloves can help release the pain faster and boost the healing process.
2. Black Tea Compress
Black tea contains tannins, an astringent substance that help remove residue and dust. You can apply a teabag directly on the canker to help with the healing process.
How fast do Mouth Ulcers get Cured?
In most cases, mouth ulcers cure themselves. It usually takes around 10 to 14 days.
Can a Change in Diet Plans Prevent Mouth Ulcers?
Yes. Mouth ulcer treatment at home or mouth ulcer home remedies must include a change in the diet plans. For starters, one must avoid oily and spicy food. Meals that have lots of green vegetables in them can help immensely.
Junk food must be avoided entirely. All in all, if you’re looking to cure mouth ulcers, wholesome, home-cooked food is what you need.
How do I Beat Stress to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers?
Anxiety and stress can result in the constant occurrence of mouth ulcers. In order to beat stress, some things can come in handy. For starters, you can start exercising each day.
Practising basic yoga poses at home can also be super beneficial. Moreover, eating healthy is exceedingly vital to beat stress to get rid of mouth ulcers. Stress-busting Apps like Self-Help Anxiety Management and Headspace can also come in handy.
Foods to Avoid if You Have Mouth Ulcer
Individuals who already have a mouth ulcer must avoid particular food and drinks. They can deteriorate your condition even further. Here are some food types that you should avoid at all costs.
- Spicy food
- Oily food
- Coffee and Tea
- Acidic food like citrus fruits, pineapple, etc.
What Causes Mouth Ulcer
There is no definitive cause of mouth ulcers. However, specific triggers and factors have been identified by professionals, which are as follows:
- Dental braces
- Lack of sleep
- Emotional stress
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Lack of essential vitamins
- Mouth rinses containing sodium lauryl sulphate
- Minor mouth injury from dental work
- Allergic reaction to mouth bacteria
- Hormonal changes during menstruation
Mouth ulcers can also be a sign of conditions that require medical treatment and are more severe like:
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Celiac Disease
- Behcet’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers
Particular symptoms are associated with mouth ulcers. Keep reading to know what these are.
- High fever
- Diarrhoea
- A severe problem in eating or drinking
- Painless sores
- Sores that persist for more than three weeks
- New mouth ulcers before the old ones heal
- Pain that one can’t control with natural medicine
- Unusually large mouth ulcers
How Long Mouth Ulcers Last?
Mouth ulcers generally last for 10 to 14 days. In most cases, mouth ulcers heal on their own. All the home remedies mentioned above can make the sores more bearable until they resolve.
When to See a Dentist
If you have a mouth ulcer that doesn’t respond to treatments and home remedies, it might be time to see a dentist. You should see a dentist if you have:
- An ulcer that seems to be getting worse
- Ulcer on the lips
- Fever
- An ulcer that has lasted for over 14 days
- An ulcer that is unusually large in size
- Excessive pain that you can’t control at home
Early evaluation from the dentist is always recommended. It not only eases your mouth ulcer discomfort but also removes a budding infection if present.
Conclusion
Mouth ulcers are large, benign sores that appear at the base of your gum or inside your mouth. Most mouth ulcers aren’t a cause of concern.
However, if they persist for over two weeks or cause other conditions in your body, it’s best to consult a medical professional. All the natural remedies for mouth ulcers and precautions can help you immensely when dealing with mouth ulcers.
References
- Hayden McRobbie, August 2004; The relationship between smoking cessation and mouth ulcers - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15370162/
- NHS, Mouth ulcers - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-ulcers/
- Cleveland clinic, Canker Sores - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10945-canker-sores
