What Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are small, white, or yellowish open lesions that appear on the inner cheeks, gums, and lips. They are also known as canker sores and can be quite irritating and painful. While they are mostly harmless, they can make eating, drinking, and talking quite difficult. Mouth ulcers are non-contagious and develop due to several factors like anemia, cytotoxic drugs, radiotherapy, etc (1). These mouth ulcers clear up within 2 weeks for most people.However, there may be other causes of mouth ulcers that you should be aware of. Learn about them in the following section
Causes Of Mouth Ulcers
The common causes of mouth ulcers include (1):
Ill-fitting dentures Fractured teeth Trauma due to fillings Blood disorders like leukemia and anemia Microbial diseases like chickenpox and tuberculosis Gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis Use of drugs like nicorandil
Apart from knowing the causes, understanding the symptoms of mouth ulcers can help you identify and manage them effectively. Scroll down to learn about them.
Symptoms Of Mouth Ulcers
The common symptoms of mouth ulcers may include:
Yellow, white, or red sores on the inside of the mouth Redness Burning sensation Irritation on consuming salty, spicy, or acidic foods Pain that worsens when you talk, eat, or drink
If you feel you have a mouth ulcer, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment suggestion. Keep scrolling to learn more.
Diagnosis Of Mouth Ulcers
Your doctor can easily diagnose your mouth ulcers without doing any special tests. All they need is a physical examination to check the size, shape, and number of ulcers. However, if the ulcers persist for more than 2-3 weeks, they may suggest blood tests or biopsy to rule out cancer or other serious conditions (1). Mouth ulcers are usually not a cause of concern and can be managed at home with natural remedies. Scroll down to learn how to get rid of them effectively.
How To Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers
If you are wondering about how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast, the following natural solution might help. Most home remedies for ulcers use ingredients commonly found in the kitchen. Here are the top 15 home remedies that can provide fast relief if you are suffering from a painful mouth ulcer.
Cure That Annoying Ulcer With These Solutions
1. Honey For Ulcers
Honey Apply some honey on the ulcer and let it stay. Keep reapplying every few hours. Honey is antimicrobial in nature and also possesses wound healing properties. It will quicken the natural healing process of the mouth ulcer and keep it infection free. It also reduces the irritation and swelling (2),(3). You may also try using honey to heal canker sores, as it may help with infection control and may also relieve pain and discomfort.
2. Baking Soda For Ulcers
1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon water
Repeat this thrice during the day. Usually, baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is used around the house to clean and deodorize. It also is an excellent home remedy for mouth ulcers. It eases the pain and speeds up the healing process by neutralizing the ulcer acids (4). Its antibacterial action will help you maintain oral hygiene (5). If you are looking to get rid of canker sores effectively, baking soda can be a simple and effective option to consider.
3. Coconut Oil For Mouth Ulcers
Virgin coconut oil Dab a little bit of this oil on the mouth ulcer and leave it on. Repeat this a few times during the day. You can also apply the oil on the ulcer before going to bed. Coconut oil topical treatments reduce ulcers naturally due its extensive antimicrobial components – the medium chain fatty acids (6). It is also an anti-inflammatory compound and an analgesici Pain relieving property of a substance or a medicated drug to soothe various levels of pain (from headaches to injuries). (7). These properties will reduce the inflammation, soreness, and pain you experience because of mouth ulcer.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar For Mouth Ulcers
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup warm water
Repeat this every morning and evening until the mouth ulcer heals. It is known as one of the best home remedies for mouth ulcers. This is due to the acidity of apple cider vinegar that may kill the bacteria causing the mouth ulcers and heal them (8).
5. Alum For Mouth Ulcers
Alum crystals Cotton swab Water
Repeat this twice a day. Alum has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties against microorganisms that cause issues in different parts of the digestive system (9). The alum may sting a little, so be prepared.
6. Salt Water For Ulcers
1 tablespoon salt A glass of lukewarm water
Do the salt water gargle a few times during the day. Alum is an effective natural mouth ulcer treatment. It has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties against microorganisms that cause issues in different parts of the digestive system (10). A blogger shares his experience of using salt for ulcers: “Regardless, I personally [have] had ulcers in my mouth since [I was] young and spamming salt on the region of open raw flesh can send tears trickling down my cheeks. [Even so,] salt is a natural remedy I use every single time and, without fail, my ulcers recover in a couple of days (i).”
7. Toothpaste For Mouth Ulcers
Toothpaste Q-tip
Do this every day until the whiteness of the ulcer disappears. One of the key properties of a good toothpaste is its antimicrobial capacity (11). Applying this on the mouth ulcer will clear out the infection that is causing the ulcer. This mouth ulcers home remedy will sting, so apply some aloe vera gel afterwards.
8. Orange Juice For Ulcers
Fresh orange juice (or fortified) Drink two glasses of orange juice in a day. Repeat this every day until the mouth ulcer heals. The key to this remedy is getting a lot of vitamin C into your body. It has been seen that vitamin C deficiency can result in mouth ulcers. Also, vitamin C boosts your immune system support and helps your body fight all kinds of infections, including mouth ulcers (12).
9. Clove Oil For Ulcers
Clove oil Cotton swab
Apply clove oil twice or thrice a day. Clove oil and its eugenoli Natural aromatic chemical compound found in the essential oil extracted from clove used to relieve pain and gastrointestinal functions. content are extensively used for dealing with oral problems, such as blisters on the tongue and canker sores or aphthous ulcers, quickly and effectively. Its antimicrobial action and healing properties work wonders when it comes to mouth ulcers (13).
10. Cayenne For Ulcers
Cayenne powder Q-tip
You can apply this twice a day. Cayenne pepper is becoming famous as a remedy for pain management. It contains capsaicin, which gives it its hotness. This will numb the pain and also kill any microbes present at the site of the mouth ulcer (14), (15). Caution Cayenne pepper is bound to sting, so be careful when you apply it.
11. Coconut Milk For Ulcers
Coconut milk Gargle with coconut milk for a few minutes and then rinse your mouth with clean water. Do this three to four times during the day. Fresh coconut milk is a wonderful home remedy for mouth ulcers. It has a soothing effect and can help in lessening the pain (16). The pain will subside quickly, allowing you to eat normally.
12. Turmeric For Mouth Ulcers
2 tablespoons turmeric powder 1 tablespoon water
Apply this every day in the morning and evening until the mouth ulcer heals. Turmeric is a well-known antiseptic that is used both topically and internally to treat infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can give you quick relief from the mouth ulcer (17).
13. Garlic For Mouth Ulcers
1 garlic clove Repeat this twice or thrice a day. Like turmeric, garlic is also extensively used to treat infections because of its strong antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms. The allicini Yellow oily liquid in garlic that gives its characteristic odor and helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and prevent cancer. found in garlic is said to be the main component that is responsible for this property (18).
14. Epsom Salt For Mouth Ulcers
2 tablespoons Epsom salt A cup of lukewarm water
It is recommended that you do the Epsom salt gargle twice or thrice a day. Epsom salt contains minerals that have antibacterial action when applied on the mouth ulcer (19).
15. Cabbage Juice For Ulcers
1 raw cabbage Water
Drink three to four glasses in a day. Cabbage juice possesses anti-inflammatory compounds and speeds up the healing process of the mouth ulcers (20). Now that you know how to get rid of mouth ulcers, it’s time you try these remedies. The mouth ulcer remedies listed above are versatile and work for most types of mouth ulcers. Using them diligently will heal the ulcer in no time. Knowing the types of mouth ulcers will help you deal with them better. Listed below are the types:
Types Of Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are a common occurrence in people of all ages. They are usually divided into the following types:
Minor Ulcers – These are small ulcers ranging from 2-8mm in diameter. These ulcers take about 10 to 14 days to clear up, which is shorter when compared to the other types.
Major Ulcers – These ulcers are bigger than the minor ones, and they are also set deeper into the skin. They usually have a raised and/or irregular border. It can take several weeks for these ulcers to clear up. They are also known to leave scars behind once they are healed.
Herpetiform (Herpes) Ulcers – When the ulcers are formed because of the Herpes virus, they are known as Herpetiform ulcers. They look like small pinheads and usually in clusters.
About one in ten persons, according to some experts, are affected by canker sores. According to a study, 85% of individuals with canker sores have the minor variety, which is by far the most prevalent. Only 10% of people have severe canker sores, and only 5% have herpetiform canker sores (21). The remedies mentioned in this article may help you find relief from the symptoms of mouth ulcers. However, it is best to take measures to prevent them altogether. After all, prevention is always better than cure. Scroll down to explore some tips for the same.
Prevention Tips For Mouth Ulcers
Here are some useful tips to prevent the occurrence of mouth ulcers:
Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice and flossing once a day. Be gentle when brushing your teeth. You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush for it. Go for regular dental check-ups and cleanings to prevent any loose dentures or fillings. If you are prone to mouth ulcers, avoid acidic, spicy, and hot foods that can trigger ulcers. Also, avoid chewing on rough-textured and hard foods that may cause trauma inside the mouth and cause ulcers.
Can aloe vera treat mouth ulcers? Check out the infographic below to learn more about the nourishing ingredients that can soothe your ulcers and how you can use them.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team Dr. Michael Kosdon, a cosmetic dentist, says, “Aloe vera is a great natural option for soothing mouth ulcers by speeding up healing and reducing inflammation. Rinsing with aloe vera juice is helpful for ulcers inside the mouth, and applying a topical gel or aloe lip balm can help with ulcers outside the mouth on the lips.” Can curd treat mouth ulcers? Dr. Kosdon says, “Curd is loaded with probiotic bacteria that can help soothe mouth ulcers by fighting off the bacteria that cause them. It also helps reduce inflammation and is very soothing for a mouth ulcer.” What causes bleeding ulcers? When the ulcer is caused due to an infection and the infection has progressed, it can also cause bleeding from the ulcer and the gums. Why are mouth ulcers so painful? Your mouth is densely innervated. Thus, the presence of an ulcer sensitizes these nerves and causes pain. You also use your mouth a lot to speak, eat, or perform unconscious actions like gulping, thus constantly using or moving your muscles and irritating the ulcer. Can ulcers spread by kissing? Generally, no. However, if the ulcer was caused due to a viral or bacterial infection, it may be contagious. Does mouthwash help ulcers? Yes. Look for an antibacterial mouthwash that can prevent any infection during this susceptible period. Does lack of sleep cause mouth ulcers? Possibly. While there is a lack of evidence suggesting a link between the two, a disturbed sleep schedule may add to your stress and hectic lifestyle. This may increase the risk of mouth ulcers. How do you tell if an ulcer is healing? The ulcer shows signs of healing when the pain subsides and new cells start to grow around it. Hope this article helped you. Do let us know if we missed out on anything in the comments section below.
Illustration: How To Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers - 15 Natural Remedies To Try
Mouth ulcers can be painful and uncomfortable. A certified physician explains how to recognize and treat them in this video so you can get rid of canker sores quickly and easily. Check it out!
