How to treat Mouth Ulcers naturally

Mouth ulcers can be a distressing situation. Mouth ulcers, called Canker sores, can be a real
nuisance. These small, painful lesions that appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth can make eating,
drinking, and even speaking uncomfortable. While they usually heal within a week or two, several natural
remedies can help alleviate the pain and promote faster healing.

Understanding Mouth Ulcers

Before diving into remedies, it’s essential to understand what mouth ulcers are and what causes them.
These ulcers typically appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and a red border. They can be
triggered by various factors, including:

• Minor injuries: Accidentally biting your cheek, brushing too hard, or using a
  toothbrush with hard bristles can cause mouth ulcers.
• Food sensitivities: Certain acidic or spicy foods can irritate the sensitive tissues in
  the mouth, leading to ulcers.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients, particularly vitamin B12, iron,
  and folate, can contribute to mouth ulcers.
• Stress: Emotional stress or a weakened immune system can make you more susceptible to
  developing mouth ulcers.

Different Types of Ulcer

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or aphthous ulcers, can vary in type and severity. Here are some
different types of mouth ulcers:

• Minor Aphthous Ulcers: These are the most common type of mouth ulcers. They are small,
  round, or oval-shaped sores with a white or yellow center and a red border. They typically heal within
  1-2 weeks without scarring.
• Major Aphthous Ulcers: These are more extensive and profound than minor aphthous
  ulcers. They can be more painful and may take several weeks to heal. They can leave scars once healed.
• Herpetiform Ulcers: These ulcers are characterized by clusters of numerous small sores
  that merge to form larger ulcers. Despite their name, they are not caused by the herpes virus. They can
  be very painful and may take up to a few weeks to heal.
• Traumatic Ulcers: These ulcers are caused by physical trauma or injury to the mouth,
  such as accidentally biting the cheek, sharp edges of dental appliances, or vigorous tooth brushing.
  They are usually shallow and heal within a week or two once the source of trauma is removed.
• Recurrent Oral Ulceration: Some people may experience recurrent episodes of mouth
  ulcers without a clear cause. This condition is known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) or oral
  ulceration. It can vary in severity and frequency.
• Medication-Induced Ulcers: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
  drugs (NSAIDs), chemotherapy drugs, and medicines used to treat osteoporosis, can cause mouth ulcers as
  a side effect.

Natural Remedies to Relieve Mouth Ulcers

During your doctor’s visit for mouth ulcers, the healthcare provider will likely:

• Saltwater Rinse: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe the ulcer and aid
  healing. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds
  before spitting it out.
• Honey: Known for its antibacterial and healing properties, applying raw honey directly
  onto the ulcer a few times a day can speed up healing.
• Coconut Oil Pulling: Swishing a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for about 15
  minutes (oil pulling) can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Applying a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the ulcer can provide a
  soothing effect and aid in healing due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Chamomile Tea Rinse: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Use
  cooled chamomile tea as a mouth rinse several times daily to reduce discomfort and promote healing.
• Vitamin Supplements: If mouth ulcers are frequent, consider taking supplements like
  vitamin B12, iron, or folic acid after consulting with a healthcare professional to address potential
  deficiencies.
• Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of acidic and spicy foods and rough or crunchy items that
  may further irritate the ulcer.
• Turmeric Paste: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can
  help reduce pain and promote healing. Mix turmeric powder with a small amount of water to form a paste,
  then apply it directly to the ulcer.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most mouth ulcers heal without medical intervention, there are instances when it’s essential to consult a
healthcare professional for Mouth Ulcer
Treatment if not cured within few days:

• Persistent ulcers:If the ulcer doesn’t show signs of healing after a couple of weeks or
  recurring frequently, it’s wise to seek medical advice.
• Severe pain: If the pain is unbearable or interferes with your ability to eat or drink,
  consulting a doctor is recommended.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Did you know that genetics may play a role in developing oral ulcers? Studies suggest that individuals
  with a family history of oral ulcers are more prone to experiencing them themselves.
• Did you know that stress can exacerbate the occurrence of oral ulcers? Psychological stressors can
  weaken the body’s immune response, making individuals more susceptible to developing these painful
  lesions.
• While many oral ulcers are attributed to physical trauma or dietary factors, some are caused by viral
  infections. For example, the herpes simplex virus (HSV) can develop cold sores, a type of oral ulcer,
  often recurring in the exact location due to viral latency in nerve cells.

Conclusion

Dealing with mouth ulcers can be discomforting, but these natural remedies can help alleviate the pain and
promote faster healing. Remember, prevention is critical, so maintaining good oral hygiene, managing stress, and
being mindful of what you eat can help reduce the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers. If ulcers persist or
become increasingly problematic, seeking professional medical advice is always advisable.