Those who have had mouth ulcers know all too well the discomfort and pain that this condition can cause. Eating becomes almost impossible and the little that is tried to be eaten comes down painfully. Stress and nutritional deficiencies play a big role in these ulcers that appear inside the mouth.
The exact causes of mouth ulcers vary from person to person. Some possible causes include:
- Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the body (B12, zinc, iron and folate);
- In response to bacteria present in the mouth;
- Sensitivity to foods such as lemon, pineapple, strawberries or any other acidic food;
- Gluten intolerance can trigger the formation of mouth ulcers;
- Toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate can cause ulcer formation;
There are several medications and drugs available on the market for mouth ulcers that can provide temporary relief from the condition. However, no drug offers a permanent, miracle cure for mouth ulcers. Drug treatment is often time-consuming and does not prevent their recurrence.
12 Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
We have prepared a list of 12 home remedies that help cure mouth ulcers and can also help prevent the disease altogether.
Honey 🍯
We all know that honey has many beneficial properties. However, you may not be aware of the fact that it can also be an effective cure for mouth ulcers. Apply honey on the ulcers and let it sit. After a few minutes, you can swallow and enjoy the honey, this wonder of nature. In the meantime, it is essential that you continue to apply honey to mouth ulcers every 2 to 3 hours.
Honey has antimicrobial properties and can help to quickly heal any open wound. In addition to reducing the appearance of canker sores, honey also protects the area from infection.
Soda Bicarbonate Paste 🍚
Prepare equal amounts of baking soda and water. Mix them together to create a thick paste. Apply this paste to the mouth ulcers and let it dry. Once the mixture is dry, gargle, swish the product around your mouth, and spit it out. This process should be repeated 3 times a day.
Baking soda is actually a chemical compound used in many household cleaning solutions. It also acts as one of the best cures for mouth ulcers as it can significantly reduce the pain. Baking soda neutralizes the acid formed by the ulcer, treating the condition.
Coconut Oil 🥥
Coconut oil is used in a variety of activities all over the world. However, few people are aware of its healing properties when it comes to mouth ulcers. Simply apply a little coconut oil to the surface of the ulcer and let it sit. You can also apply it at night while you sleep. Similar to honey, coconut oil includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to reduce ulcers naturally.
Salt water 🧂
Mix a heaping tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle. Once you’re done, you can gargle again with just water to remove the salty taste from your mouth. This mixture can help soothe the pain and discomfort caused by mouth ulcers. The antiseptic properties of salt are well known.
Toothpaste 🦷
Did you know that toothpaste can also help with mouth ulcers? Any good toothpaste contains antimicrobial properties that can reduce the swelling and pain of mouth ulcers.
Apply the toothpaste using a cotton swab. Make sure to cover the entire area of the ulcer with toothpaste. Leave the toothpaste on for a few minutes before rinsing it off. You can continue applying the toothpaste every day until the whiteness of the ulcer disappears, but be careful, using toothpaste to treat the ulcer can be quite painful. This pain can be relieved by applying aloe vera gel to the area.
Orange juice 🟠
Oranges are a great source of vitamin C and can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers. However, eating a whole orange can be difficult when you suffer from these ulcers. One solution is to drink two glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice every day until your symptoms subside.
Studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency can lead to mouth ulcers and other mouth ulcers. Additionally, vitamin C is known to boost immunity, allowing your body to fight off all types of infections and diseases.
Clove Oil 🌹
Cloves are an essential part of one of the most widely used spice blends in India, Garam Masala. Clove oil is extracted from the flower buds. This extract is used in a wide range of natural remedies, including for toothaches and mouth ulcers. For mouth ulcers, a small piece of cotton wool should be applied directly to the ulcer and the oil should be allowed to absorb into the ulcer tissue.
Remember to rinse your mouth with warm water before applying clove oil to clean the surface of the mouth ulcer area. Clove contains eugenol and antimicrobial properties that help deal with all oral problems. Pain and inflammation are also treated by applying this oil.
Coconut Milk 🥥
Coconut milk is often an excellent solution for relieving the symptoms of mouth ulcers and is very easy to make. You just need to gargle three to four times a day, and you will likely feel a calming effect and also a reduction in the pain emanating from your ulcers.
Turmeric 🏵️
Turmeric is an antiseptic used in almost all Indian dishes. In addition to fighting infections, turmeric is also extremely effective in combating the inflammation and pain caused by mouth ulcers.
Take some turmeric powder and some water. Mix it until it forms a thick paste. Apply this paste to the mouth ulcers every morning and night. Leave it on for a few minutes and then rinse it off thoroughly. You should immediately start to notice a difference.
Garlic 🧄
Although it is commonly used in cooking, garlic can also be very effective in treating mouth ulcers. The compound Allisin in garlic makes it antimicrobial, which helps against a number of infections.
To use garlic, you should cut a clove in half and “massage” the area of the mouth ulcer with the clove for a minute or two. After this, rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove the smell of raw garlic from your breath. You can repeat this process two or even three times a day.
Kale juice 🥬
Boil the cabbage and mash it to make a slightly liquid puree. You should drink this cabbage juice three to four times a day to receive the necessary benefits. Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain, allowing you to consume some solid foods more easily.
Apple Cider Vinegar 🍏
Next time you’re at the grocery store, don’t leave without a bottle of apple cider vinegar. To treat mouth ulcers, mix one tablespoon of the vinegar with half a cup of warm water. Then, rinse your mouth with this solution for one to two minutes. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. You can continue to repeat this procedure every morning and night until the ulcer heals.
⚠️ These are some of the home remedies that will probably treat mouth ulcers. However, there are several types of mouth ulcers, each with a different cause and treatment. Try these tips and see how nature can help you. If you do not notice any improvement or the ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks, you should see a doctor immediately.
➡️ If natural treatment does not prevent the mouth ulcers from returning, you can schedule a treatment with us.
✖️ Foods to avoid if you have mouth ulcers
If you currently have mouth ulcers, you should avoid certain foods and drinks to prevent the condition from getting worse. You can avoid the following foods in order to treat the ulcer as quickly as possible:
- Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes, etc.;
- Spicy foods can cause irritation and should therefore be avoided;
- Also avoid oily foods as they can disturb the ulcer;
- Tea and coffee should be avoided;
The vast majority of mouth ulcers take about 7 to 10 days to completely heal. ⨭For best results, you can combine Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treatment with these home remedies
The best way to prevent mouth ulcers is to manage stress, maintain proper oral hygiene, and eat a balanced diet. By taking these precautions, mouth ulcers can be easily prevented.
Want more information about the treatment for mouth ulcers?
📖 See here the treatments we have for you at SP Clinic Lisbon
🗓️ Schedule an Appointment to Treat Mouth Ulcers in Lisbon
Specialists in Aesthetic and Health treatments in Portugal, consultations are carried out at SP Clinic Lisboa, close to Rato metro station.