Mouth Ulcers can be very painful and annoying. It can hinder your day to day activities like talking, chewing, swallowing and laughing. Mouth ulcers or canker sores are an indication of any nutrient deficiency or health issues. Here in this article we are going to discuss about the type, causes and home remedies for treating mouth ulcers.
What Is Mouth Ulcer or Canker Sores ?
Mouth Ulcer or Canker Sores are also known as aphthous ulcer. These are painful blister which occur on mouth, generally on the inside of your lips, cheeks, on gums and side of tongue They are usually white or yellow in center surrounded by a ring of inflamed soft tissue. Mouth Ulcer are mostly found in people who are undergoing stressful life.
Types of Canker Sores
Depending upon the severity of canker sores, it can be classified into 3 types:
1. Minor Ulcers
This is the most common type of ulcer. Common symptoms:
- Usually small and oval shaped
- White or yellow colored
- Heal without scarring in one or two weeks.
2. Major Ulcers
This type of mouth ulcer is not very common. Symptoms of major ulcer:
- Slightly, larger and deeper than minor canker sore.
- It is usually large and round with defined borders.
- Extremely painful and can take up to 6 weeks for healing.
3. Herpetiform (Herpes) Ulcers
This type of mouth ulcer is very uncommon and is often seen in young or middle aged adult. It is called herpetiform ulcer because it mostly occurs in cluster similar to that of cold sore. Common symptoms:
- Herpetiform ulcers are typically small and irregular shaped ulcers which mostly occur in clusters up to 100 in number.
- Have irregular edges.
- Heals without scarring in one or two weeks.
Causes of Mouth Ulcer
The exact cause of mouth ulcer is not known, though a combination of factors triggers its outbreak. Below we have listed the possible causes of mouth ulcer:
1. Vitamin Deficiencies
It is very important to have a balanced and healthy diet so that all the vital organs of your body function properly. If your diet is poor in Vitamins (especially Vitamin B 12) and minerals like zinc, iron, folic acid. Apply mouth gel which contain Vitamin B 12 can help relieve the problem.
2. Stress
Leading a stressful life can affect your health also. Too much of emotional stress can weaken your body’s immune system. Digestive problems can lead to acid reflux which can also be a reason for mouth ulcers.
3. Minor Injuries
Canker sore is also caused due to minor injuries on the soft tissues of the mouth. Brushing your teeth with hard bristles can harm your gums as well as the soft outer tissues inside your mouth. Braces or poorly fitted dentures may rub against your gums and mouth and cause an outbreak of canker sores.
4. Allergies
If you have any kind of allergy to a particular food then it can also trigger the outbreak of mouth ulcer, as consuming allergic food can upset the immune response of mouth.
Superb Home Remedies to Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth Ulcers can be very pain and can cause a lot of discomfort. Below mentioned are some home remedies which will definitely help you to get rid of mouth sores/ ulcers:
1. Salt Water Gargles
A very simple and easy home remedy to get rid of mouth ulcers is gargling with salt water. Take a cup of water and add 1 teaspoon of salt to it and swish around the mouth. Salt has got antiseptic properties which helps the healing process.
2. Baking Soda Rinse
Baking Soda is alkaline in nature and it helps to neutralize the acids in your mouth. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of water and swish around the mouth. Do this 2-3 times a day for immediate relief from mouth ulcers.
3. Basil Leaves
Chewing basil ( tulsi) leaves along with water 3-4 times a day will help you to get relief from mouth ulcers. Tulsi has got anti-inflammatory and antiseptic property which speeds up the healing process.
4. Sage
Sage is an effective herb in treating mouth ulcer as it has got astringent property.Boil one cup of water and allow the sage infusion to stay for 10 minutes. Swish with this water for 1-2 minutes and then rinse with cold water.
5. Honey
Honey is also an effective home remedy for treating mouth ulcers. Honey has got healing property as it retains the moisture and has a soothing effect on mouth ulcers. Honey also exhibits antibacterial property and rich in antioxidants which accelerates its healing process.
6. Aloe Vera Juice
Applying aloe vera juice or gel helps to reduce pain and accelerates the healing process. Aloe vera has got antiseptic and antimicrobial property which gives you relief from canker sores.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has got many health benefits. It is rich in acetic acid. Apple cider vinegar helps to fight bad bacteria thus improving oral health. Balancing oral microbiome helps to cure canker sores. You can make a mouthwash at home with apple cider vinegar. Dilute 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar into 1 glass of water and swish around your mouth. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is very effective in treating mouth ulcers. It anti inflammatory property helps to reduce the swelling and pain caused due to ulcers. Coconut oil shows antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity, which helps to the pathogens and speeds up the healing process. For immediate relief put few drops of coconut oil on cotton ball and apply it on the sore and hold it for few minutes. Medium chain fatty acid is absorbed quickly by the skin and helps reduce the pain and starts the healing process.
9. Garlic
Garlic is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal property and is very effective in treating mouth ulcers. All you need to do is rub a clove of garlic on the affected area gently for 2-3 minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after 30 minutes.
10. Probiotic Yogurt
Probiotic yogurt is rich in good bacteria which help to increase your oral health , thus helps to treat canker sores. These gut friendly bacteria help to improve your digestive and intestinal system, thus improving your oral health. Yogurt also helps to get relief from the pain as it has got a soothing effect.
11. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is another herb which has got anti inflammatory property and accelerates the healing process. Make a strong decoction of chamomile tea and swish it around your mouth for 3-4 minutes. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day for relief from canker sores. Flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin and quercetin present in the chamomile gives it anti inflammatory property.
12. Clove Oil
Clove Oil is an excellent home remedy for treating mouth ulcers. The active ingredient eugenol, which is a pain killer, helps to effectively treat toothaches. Clove oil can be directly applied on canker sore for immediate relief or you can also make a mouth rinse with clove oil. First of all swish your mouth with salt water and then put 1-2 drops of olive oil and top it with few drops of clove oil on a cotton swab and dab it on the sores. Keep this cotton ball for 10 minutes on the affected part. It will give relief from pain and numb the area.
13. Tomatoes
Eating raw tomatoes can really help to treat mouth ulcers or you can swish with tomato juice. Repeat this process 3-4 times a day.
14. Fenugreek Leaves
Fenugreek leaves are used for garnishing in many Indian cuisines. Fenugreek has many other health benefits also. It is a antibacterial as well as anti inflammatory property. Fenugreek helps to boost your immune system. It is rich in Vitamin and minerals. You can directly apply the paste of fenugreek leaves on the affected area , alternatively you can add fenugreek seeds to water and swish it around your mouth for few minutes.
15. Toothpaste
Toothpaste has a cool effect on ulcer and helps to get relief from the burning sensation. Antimicrobial property of toothpaste helps to fight the infection causing ulcer. You can apply aloe vera gel if it stings. Apply toothpaste on the affected part with a Q tip and let it remain for few minutes and then rinse it off.
16. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is well known for its antiseptic and wound healing properties. Turmeric is rich in antioxidant -curcumin which is known to have antibacterial, anti inflammatory and pain relieving property. Make a thick paste of turmeric and water and apply this paste of the affected part and wait for 20 min before washing off.
17. Alum
Alum or hydrated potassium aluminium sulphate commonly known as fitkari is very effective in treating canker sores. Take a pinch of alum and mix it with water and make a smooth paste. Apply this mixture on your sores and hold it for 2-3 minutes and then rinse off. You will get relief in the first application itself.
18. Orange Juice
Mouth ulcers are sometimes caused due to the deficiency of various Vitamins like Vitamin C. Orange is rich in Vitamin C and is helpful in treating ulcer. Drink 2 glasses of orange juice everyday until sores are completely healed.
19. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage juice has anti inflammatory properties, which helps to treat canker sores effectively. Healing property of cabbage is due to the presence of amino acid glutamine which soothes the inflamed outer layer of the skin. It helps reduce the swelling and pain related of ulcers. Consume a glass of cabbage juice daily until mouth ulcer is completely gone.
20. Raw Onions
Raw onion is very effective for treating mouth ulcers. Onions are high in sulphur which helps to heal sores. Gently rub a small piece of raw onion of the affected area OR you can extract its juice and swish the juice for few minutes and then rinse off.
Simple & Effective Tips to Help You Prevent Sore Mouth Ulcers
We have listed some simple and easy tips to help prevent mouth ulcer:
- Avoid spicy food.
- Avoid very hot beverages.
- Drink lots of water.
- Maintain good oral health, ensure that the bristles of your toothbrush are soft.
- Eat well balanced and nutritious food.
- Always rinse your mouth with warm water with a pinch of salt added to it.
- Exercise regularly to avoid stress and strain as it is also one of the major cause of canker sore.
- Have a good sleep.
These simple and easy steps will help prevent mouth ulcer as prevention is always better than cure.
So, now you are aware of the types, cause, some simple and effective remedies for treating mouth ulcers. Usually, your mouth ulcer should completely heal within 5-7 days, but if it continues you should immediately consult a doctor.
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