We’ve all experienced mouth ulcers in our lives at one point or another. These pesky little lesions can appear anywhere in or around your mouth, including your lips, inner cheeks, palate, tongue, and gums.
Mouth ulcers tend to be extremely painful and uncomfortable. This leads to the inability to eat properly and a constant state of discomfort. These notorious ulcers can appear due to a host of different reasons that include:
- Injuries – Tongue Biting, Crunchy or Sharp Food Items
- Stress
- Food Allergies and Sensitivities
- Vitamin Deficiencies – Vitamin B12, B9, and Iron
- Infections – Bacterial, Viral, or Fungal
- Hormonal Changes
- Iatrogenic Errors by the Dentist
- Dental Braces
- Systemic Disease – Diabetes, Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, IBD
- Autoimmune Diseases – Behcet’s Disease, Lupus
Most mouth ulcers heal independently within 1-2 weeks, depending upon their size and type. However, there are a few natural remedies and tips to help facilitate the healing of mouth ulcers. These tips will provide you with relief and comfort while dealing with notorious mouth ulcers.
Let us now dive straight into the best ways to cure your mouth ulcers naturally and quickly!
Saline Rinses
Warm saline rinses have been an age-old remedy for sores or ulcers in the mouth. All you need to do is mix some salt in lukewarm water and rinse your mouth with it thoroughly. You can repeat this every 3-4 hours.
The salt in the water acts as an antiseptic and draws the moisture out of the ulcer, providing relief and aiding the healing process.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a highly efficient remedy to relieve pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers or tooth pain. Clove oil contains eugenol, an obtundent that numbs nerves to relieve pain.
Moreover, clove oil is known to be anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant, all properties that help cure and heal mouth ulcers quickly and naturally. If you do not have clove oil, chewing on some whole cloves will also do the trick.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is believed to possess profound anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to a mouth ulcer, the coconut oil will help alleviate pain and slow down the disease process of the ulcer to aid in its healing.
Alum Powder
Alum powder is commonly used as a home remedy for tooth decay and gum disease. You can also use it to facilitate the healing of mouth ulcers and canker sores due to its antiseptic and astringent properties. These properties keep the ulcer free of infection and dry it out, which speeds up its healing process.
Mix alum powder with a drop of water to form a paste and apply it on the ulcer for 1-2 minutes before rinsing it off with water. This can be repeated daily until the ulcer is healed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is highly coveted in the health industry for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These properties translate to healing mouth ulcers too. However, this remedy can be a little painful since apple cider vinegar is very acidic and will sting the ulcer.
To reduce the acidity of apple cider vinegar, you can dilute it in some water and thoroughly rinse your mouth with it. This will kill the germs and facilitate the healing of the mouth ulcer. Be sure to rinse your mouth with water after because the acidity of apple cider vinegar can damage the enamel of teeth.
Honey
You might be surprised to see honey on the list, but honey possesses some outstanding antimicrobial qualities that facilitate ulcer healing. It soothes the ulcer and prevents further infection.
Just apply honey on the ulcer and keep repeating this every few hours.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another effective and natural method to heal mouth ulcers. Chemically baking soda is alkaline sodium bicarbonate. When applied in a paste form to the ulcer, the baking soda neutralises the acidic environment of the ulcer and facilitates healing.
To use baking powder, mix it with water till it forms a paste-like consistency and apply it to the ulcer. Let it dry out completely before rinsing it off with water. Repeat this daily till the ulcer is completely healed.
Turmeric
Turmeric possesses profound anti-inflammatory properties that will help heal your mouth ulcer efficiently. Mix water with turmeric to form a paste and apply it on the ulcer twice daily for optimal healing. You’ll notice a significant reduction in inflammation and pain after using turmeric.
Over-The-Counter Medications
There is a wide variety of over-the-counter medications to combat and heal mouth ulcers. These include various topical ointments, gels, and pastes that will relieve pain and speed up the healing process.
Some of these products include:
- Benzocaine
- Fluocinonide
- Hydrogen Peroxide
These pastes utilise anaesthetic, analgesic, and antiseptic ingredients to facilitate healing and numb the pain caused by ulcers.
When to See a Dentist
Most mouth ulcers and sores are usually no cause of significant concern. However, medical intervention might be needed in some instances, and seeing a dentist becomes essential.
Here are some of the red flags you need to look out for and see your dental care provider if you’re experiencing them.
- Ulcers that don’t heal within 2-3 weeks
- Ulcers that start spreading rapidly
- Ulcers that spread beyond the lips and mouth
- Ulcers that are accompanied by a fever
- Ulcers that are bigger than average or increase in size rapidly
- Ulcers that are accompanied by unbearable pain
- Ulcers that aren’t responding to remedies and medications
Looking for a Consult?
If you’re worried about ulcers and sores in or around your mouth and want to get them checked out, look no further than Vue Dental.
Get a consult with Dr Keshavi Patel today by calling us at 512-888-9340 or book an appointment online via our website. We offer all sorts of dental services, so feel free to contact us with any queries about your oral health!