What is mouth ulcer?
Soreness of the mouth that causes too much pain is called as a mouth ulcer. It is a white and greyish pit with red halos and appears shallow causing soreness and burning pain. Mouth ulcers are also called as Canker Sores. Ulcers usually appear on the tongue, lips, inside the cheeks, even inside the bottom lip and on the gums. Ulcers may occur one at a time or in clusters. Mouth ulcers are quite common, irritating and painful.
Causes
They can be caused by a number of factors like food triggers/ allergies, constipation, disease in bowels, hereditary factors, hormonal changes, excess acidity, accidental cheek bites, unhygienic dental conditions, stress, herpes simplex infections in particular, skin disease, underlying disease conditions and deficiencies of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, iron, or other nutrients.Mouth ulcers are usually not serious and tend to heal within seven to 10 days. Major and herpetiform ulcers, however, take longer to heal. Major ulcers are usually deeper, and more than 10 mm in diameter. Herpetiform ulcers appear as a cluster of a large number of small ulcers.
Home remedies for treating mouth ulcer
1. Baking Soda
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Baking soda is an alkaline and will neutralize acids that irritate the canker sore. It will also reduce inflammation and remove germs and bacteria. Be aware that it may cause a burning sensation.Rinse your mouth with a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water.Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a thin paste. Dab it on the affected area. Repeat this several times a day.Alternatively, you can simply put baking soda directly on your mouth ulcer.
2. Aloe Vera
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Known as the “first-aid plant,” aloe vera gel can speed healing and offer soothing pain relief. Applying aloe vera gel or juice on the affected area alleviates pain, promotes healing, and works as a natural antiseptic. It also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Research has shown it is useful for dealing with oral health problems such as mouth ulcers, cold sores, gingivitis, and lichen planus.Dry the canker sore area and dab a bit of the aloe vera gel directly on the sore. Repeat as often as necessary.
3. Ice Cube
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Ice is an effective home remedy to numb the pain and reduce the swelling of mouth ulcers. It is particularly helpful when you apply ice on the affected area as soon as you experience symptoms, like a tingling and burning sensation, before the shallow ulceration appears.Drinking cold water throughout the day also helps to reduce pain.
4. Basil
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Basil leaves speed up the healing process for mouth ulcers. Furthermore, they have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.Wash four or five basil leaves and chew them. Drink some water afterwards. Do this several times in a day. It will also cure bad breath.
5. Licorice Root
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Mouth ulcers can be cured with licorice root, as this herb works as a demulcent and forms a protective coating on the mucous membranes that resists irritation and soothes open lesions. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.Soak one tablespoon of crushed licorice root in two cups of water for two to three hours. Use it as a mouth rinse several times a day.Licorice tea is an excellent home remedy to treat and eliminate canker sores. Use one tea bag per cup of boiling water and keep it covered for 10 minutes, then drink.
6. Coconut Milk
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Coconut milk is highly beneficial in soothing the pain of mouth ulcers.Extract milk by grating fresh coconut. Now gargle with this coconut milk for about three to four times a day.Mix a little honey in one tablespoon of coconut milk. Massage the affected area with it. Do this three or four times a day.Massage coconut oil on the affected area.
7. Sea Salt and Hydrogen Peroxide
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Both sea salt and hydrogen peroxide have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Hence, you can use the ingredients separately or in an effective combination to cure mouth ulcers or canker sores. Add two teaspoons each of sea salt and 3% hydrogen peroxide to a glass of warm water. Mix it well. Use it as a mouth rinse. Repeat once or twice a day. Make sure you do not swallow the solution.Make a disinfecting mouth-rinse treatment by combining 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. The baking soda neutralizes acids. Hydrogen peroxide and salt both will help the sore to heal.
8. Lemon and Honey
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Honey can soothe ulcers as it helps retain moisture and accelerates the healing process. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.Cut a lemon and apply it directly on the sore. Apply some honey to it after letting it sit for 10 minutes.Mix a pinch of baking soda, a teaspoon of honey, few drops of lemon juice and little cold water. Apply this twice daily to the sore.Apart from these avoid hot spicy foods and rinse your mouth with salt water for 30 seconds to help your canker sore heal.
