Updated: Oct 11, 2020
Have you ever had a hard time eating or even brushing your teeth because you have sores? Well, you’re not the only one.
As a matter of fact, this happens to everyone at a certain period in their life.
This may happen if you accidentally bite your lip or cheek, which is utterly painful, or from hormonal changes.
mouth ulcers are small open wounds or ulcers that develop in the mouth or gums. It is also known as aphthous ulcers.
The term “aphthous” originated from a Greek word “aphthae” which means ulceration. It usually has a white or yellow color and is inflamed.
This condition makes eating or talking a very painful job. It indeed is very irritating and sometimes painful to get mouth ulcers.
People with low supply of vitamins B-3, B-9, or B-12, are likely to be more prone to getting this condition.
Usual symptoms of mouth ulcers are: white or yellow shaped lesion, tingling sensation on affected area, painful and swollen area, and sometimes fever,
It is sometimes confused as a cold sore.
However, unlike a mouth sore, cold sores appear as blisters and form on the outside of your mouth.
But good news is, mouth ulcers usually heal on their own after a few weeks. Aphthous mouth ulcers most commonly begin to appear between the ages of 10-19.
This is usually just a symptom of something such as an injury or having a lack of iron (anemic). mouth ulcers aren’t contagious or extreme to any extent.
Yes it is mild, and rarely severe, but it makes talking and eating difficult at times, making it one of those annoying ailments you can get.
Possible triggers of aphthous ulcers include:
Mouth injury for example from cuts, burns or bites while eating, braces, hard brushing or dentures
Sodium lauryl sulfate — an active ingredient in some toothpastes and mouthwashes; this compound is known to prolong the time needed for ulcers to heal
Acidic and spicy foods
A deficiency of vitamins and/or minerals including zinc, B-12, folate and iron that may present with anemia
An allergic reaction to oral bacteria
Using, as well as quitting, the use of tobacco products
Hormonal change
Having a weakened immune system, due to certain chronic conditions
Bacteria
Here are natural remedies for mouth ulcers:
See Also:
6 Natural Remedies For An Eye Stye
Salt Water Gargle
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a go-to home remedy and unfortunately a very painful one.
Sal and water gargle is a very simple yet effective way to treat sores because it washes away unwanted bacteria that can worsen the sore.
To make this gargle, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water and just gargle the solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Repeat this every few hours as needed.
Honey
Honey is already known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory abilities. But how about for mouth ulcers?
According to a study, honey is effective in reducing mouth sore pain and inflammation.
To have the best effectivity, use Manuka honey instead of regular honey you find in grocery stores.
Manuka honey is better than other types of honey because of its healing properties.
To use this topical treatment, simply just apply the manuka honey directly on the affected sore.
This is better than gargling salt water because this is very edible and easy to do.
Chamomile
This herb is already known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties that’s why it’s been popular in natural remedies.
It is usually used to treat certain conditions such as, common colds, eczema, arthritis symptoms, ulcers, and infections.
Chamomile tea bags can be used as a compress to soothe mouth ulcers.
Apply a wet chamomile tea bag to your mouth sore, and leave it on for a few minutes.
You can also rinse your mouth with freshly brewed chamomile tea. Repeat the treatment three to four times daily.
Sage
This ingredient has been traditionally used to treat mouth inflammation because it kills bacteria and viruses.
It has antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties.
To make sage tea, boil water with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves and steep for at least 5 minutes. Let the tea cool down and gargle it for a couple minutes.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has always been a good remedy for some conditions and that includes mouth ulcers.
It can clean wounds and kill bacteria. This can be a great mouthwash to eliminate your sores. Since apple cider is acidic, use it with precaution.
To make the mouthwash, combine 1 teaspoon of apple cider with a cup of water, then gargle for 1 minute. Repeat the remedy as needed.
Brushing Your Teeth
This has to be the most used remedy because it will really cause you many mouth and teeth problems.
It is a very important daily routine to brush your teeth at least 3 times a day.
Through brushing your teeth regularly, you can greatly avoid having mouth infections, sores, and having your teeth fall out.
If you do have proper hygiene and brush teeth regularly, then you are safe from any bacterial caused conditions in the mouth.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is said to soothe burns, inflammation, and many more. By applying aloe vera on the sore, it may help soothe irritation as well as reduce symptoms from mouth ulcers.
According to a clinical trial study, which included 40 patients, two percent aloe vera gel may decrease the frequency and occurrence of mouth ulcers, and quickly reduce the size of these lesions.
Echinacea
This is known to be a popular ingredient used for natural remedies. It can help treat wounds and strengthen the immune system.
This advantage can greatly help from avoiding mouth ulcers.
To make this tea, add 1 teaspoon of water and 1 teaspoon of echinacea. You may either gargle the mixture for 2 minutes or gargle and swallow since it’s edible.
Repeat this procedure after brushing the teeth.
Milk of Magnesia
This is usually used to relieve constipation. It also contains magnesium hydroxide which can help change the pH balance in the mouth to prevent from getting symptoms of mouth ulcers.
Simply apply a small amount of milk of magnesia to the affected sore and let it stay for a minute. You can repeat this three times daily or as needed.