Mouth ulcers are small sores that appear on the gums, lips, inner cheeks of the mouth, and tongues. Mouth ulcers are usually not dangerous, but one that doesn’t go away can be a sign of mouth cancer. Various factors can cause oral ulcers, including injury, bacterial or fungus infections, skin rashes in the mouth, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or hard foods. Also, iron or Vitamin B deficiencies can lead to mouth ulcers.
Avoiding acidic foods, spicy foods, chewing gums, and toothpaste with sodium laurel sulfate will help prevent mouth ulcers to an extent. Taking enough measures will help prevent mouth ulcers from spreading and for the treatments to be effective.
Best Treatment For Mouth Ulcers – Effective Methods!
Let us look at some of the natural ways to treat mouth ulcers.
- Brushing Teeth Gently
Keeping the mouth clean is one way to treat mouth ulcers. Having ulcers will make it hard to eat, drink, or perform oral care. However, it is recommended to use a softer toothbrush and brush gently to prevent mouth ulcers from spreading.
- Rinsing With Saltwater
Rinsing the mouth with salt water has been a traditional remedy for those struggling with mouth ulcers. Rinsing salt water daily will help dry out the sores and kill the bacteria. It also speeds up healing by reducing inflammation in the mouth.
- Mouthwash
Mouthwashes help prevent infection and ease mouth ulcers. It stops the building up of bacteria and protects the mouth from germs.
- Applying Antiseptic To The Ulcers
Antiseptic such as chlorhexidine acts as a disinfectant and helps heal infection. It reduces the number of germs in the mouth and also treats gum diseases.
- Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is rich in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and helps treat mouth ulcers naturally. It can be applied directly to the infected area, and it helps prevent the ulcers from spreading.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is highly known to treat various health issues. It has antibacterial properties, which help clear mouth ulcers naturally.
- Eating Softer Foods
Avoiding hard food and switching to softer foods helps treat mouth ulcers. Mash or pureed foods are best to eat. Also, avoid hot and spicy foods as it triggers more ulcers.
- Honey
Honey is said to be effective against mouth ulcers as it has antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ice
Applying ice to the sore will help dissolve it. It provides temporary relief as it eases the burning pain.
- Protective Pastes
Using protective pastes recommended by the pharmacists helps relieve pain, speed healing, and treat mouth ulcers.
- Clove Oil
Clove oil is considered one of the most effective remedies for mouth ulcers. It provides relief from pain and its antimicrobial properties help treat mouth ulcers.
- Baking Soda
Rinsing with baking soda helps restore the pH balance and reduces inflammation. It works to heal sores and ease pain.
- Orange Juice
Vitamin C is highly known to prevent and treat mouth ulcers. Drinking orange juice or consuming oranges will provide faster relief.
Medicines That Help With Mouth Ulcers
There are many natural ways to treat mouth ulcers, and there are many effective medications, too. Most mouth ulcers heal on their own, but if it doesn’t, the medical experts prescribe medications to ease the discomfort. There are antiseptic gels and mouthwashes like Orajel and Anbesol and steroid ointments like triaminolone. In severe cases, immunosuppressants are recommended.
Also, creams like Bonjela, Iglu, Covonia, Anbesol, and Calgel provide faster relief from pain and soreness. Using chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash can help decrease the duration of ulcers, and antibiotic mouthwashes with tetracycline help reduce pain and the size of the ulcer. If the pain is severe, there are oral painkillers like diclofenac.
How To Prevent Mouth Ulcers:
Even though there are natural remedies and professional treatments for mouth ulcers, we should take enough measures to prevent them on our own. Some factors to keep in mind to prevent mouth ulcers are;
- Avoid eating salty, spicy, or acidic food,
- Do not use chewing gum.
- Brushing gently.
- Having a healthy, well-balanced diet.
- Avoid eating crunchy, rough food items.
- Reduce stress.
- Stop drinking hot or acidic beverages.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to treat mouth ulcers, but we should be vigilant of our lifestyles and food habits to prevent mouth ulcers and other health conditions. Deficiency of iron, Vitamin B, injury, bacterial or viral infection, or certain medications are some of the causes of mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are not a chronic condition, but if it does not heal, it can lead to mouth cancer.
Taking preventative methods helps ease discomfort and reduces the chance of the sores from spreading. A healthy diet and brushing the teeth gently with a soft brush helps avoid getting mouth ulcers. In case, the condition is not bettering and you find natural remedies ineffective, consult the doctor for medical help.
