We know those mouth ulcers are very common and they are irritating. They are painful and open sores which are white in color and they are surrounded by an inflamed red border.
Most often, they appear on the floor of the mouth, under the tongue, on the inside of the cheeks and lips.
There are many factors which could lead to mouth ulcers such as deficiencies of Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, iron, stress, accidental cheek bites, excess acidity, hormonal changes, hereditary factors, constipation, and food triggers.
In most cases, mouth ulcers are not serious and they tend to heal within seven to ten days. But if you have major or herpetiform ulcers, then you should know these types of mouth ulcers take longer to heal. We know that the major ulcers are usually deeper and they are more than 10 mm in diameter. The herpetiform ulcers appear as a cluster of a large number of small ulcers. You need to talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies for mouth ulcers. You should not eat acidic or spicy foods. You should use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth. If your mouth ulcers are causing you discomfort and they are affecting your daily habits, then talk with your doctor as soon as possible. [1]
15 Home remedies for mouth ulcers
Contents
Honey
This home remedy soothes the mouth ulcers because it can help to retain moisture and will accelerate the healing process. Also, it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. You should dip a cotton swab in honey and then dab it on the affected area. Also, you can use Vitamin E oil or glycerin in the same way. You should use manuka honey as your natural treatment for mouth sores that are caused by radiation therapy. [2]
Cabbage juice
You should boil one raw cabbage in water until the water quantity reduces to half. You should sip a glass of this juice to get relief from the pain caused by a mouth ulcer. You should drink 3 – 4 glasses of cabbage juice in a day.
Clove oil
Clove oil has eugenol content which is extensively used as a natural treatment for oral problems because it can help to rid of them effectively and quickly. Also, it has healing and antimicrobial properties which can make wonders when it comes to mouth ulcers. You should dip the cotton swab in the clove oil and then you should apply it directly to the mouth ulcer. You should let it stay there until it is absorbed by your skin which will eventually heal your mouth ulcer. It is recommended to rinse your mouth with warm water before you apply the clove oil because it will clean the area of the mouth ulcer. It is recommended to apply clove oil 2 or 3 times per day. [3]
Baking soda
We know that baking soda is also called sodium bicarbonate. It can help to treat mouth ulcers. It is a very effective home remedy for mouth ulcers which are caused by acidic foods or drinks because baking soda can help to neutralize the acid. Also, this natural cure can help to reduce inflammation and it will remove bacteria and germs. You should be aware that this home remedy can cause a burning sensation.
You should mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a thin paste. You should dab it on the affected area. Repeat this natural treatment several times per day. Also, you can put baking soda directly on your mouth ulcer. [4]
Coriander seeds
The old Ayurvedic home remedy for mouth ulcers is an infusion of coriander seeds. It can give relief and it can reduce inflammation. In one cup of water put one teaspoon of coriander seeds and then boil it. You should strain it and then allow it to cool. Â You should swish this home remedy around in your mouth. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per day. [5]
Sea salt and hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide and sea salt have disinfectant, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use the mentioned ingredients separately or in a combination to cure canker sores or mouth ulcers.
You should add 2 teaspoons of sea salt and 2 teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide to one glass of warm water. You should mix it well. You need to use this home remedy as to a mouth rinse. You should repeat it once or twice a day. You should be sure to not swallow this home remedy.
Coconut milk
This is a very effective home remedy for soothing the pain that is caused by mouth ulcers [6]. You should mix a little honey with one tablespoon of coconut milk. You should massage the affected area with this home remedy. You should do this natural treatment 3 or 4 times per day. Also, there is another option and that is to rinse your mouth with fresh coconut milk or massage the coconut oil on the affected area.
Licorice root
You can use licorice root as your natural treatment for mouth ulcers. This herb works as a demulcent and it forms a protective coating on the mucous membranes which resists irritation and they soothe open lesions. Also, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. You should soak one tablespoon of crushed licorice root in 2 cups of water for 2 – 3 hours. You should use it as a mouth rinse several times per day. Also, there is another option and that is to take DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) extract which is available as chewable tablets or you can gargle with DGL dissolved in warm water. [7]
Celery
You should chew a fresh celery stick because it can be very effective in giving you relief from mouth ulcers because it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Also it has Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and folic acid. If you want to have the best results, then you should keep the pulp on the affected area for about ten minutes after you have chewed the celery stalk. It will help you to heal your mouth ulcers but also it can help you to keep your bad breath at bay.
Basil
You can use basil leaves as your natural treatment for mouth ulcers because they can speed up the healing process. Also, they have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. You should wash 4 or 5 basil leaves thoroughly. You should chew them and then sip a little water afterward. You should do this natural treatment two times per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This home remedy can also help to cure bad breath. [8]
Aloe Vera
You can apply Aloe Vera juice or gel on the affected area because it works as a natural antiseptic, promotes healing, and alleviates pain. Also, it has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. There are some studies which are shown that the Aloe Vera is very useful for dealing with oral health problems such as lichen planus, gingivitis, cold sores, and mouth ulcers. [9]
Ice
This is a very effective home remedy which can help to numb the pain that is caused by mouth ulcers. This is a very effective home remedy when you apply it to the affected area as soon as you experience symptoms such as burning and tingling sensation before the shallow ulceration appears.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic which will kill the bacteria that are cause mouth ulcers and it will kill it.
You should mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of warm water and then swish this home remedy around your mouth for about a minute or two. You should rinse your mouth using plain water. You should repeat this natural treatment every morning and evening until your mouth ulcers heal.
Orange juice
Orange juice has Vitamin C and when you have mouth ulcers, then you should get a lot of this vitamin. There are some studies which are said that Vitamin C deficiency can lead to mouth ulcers. Also, this vitamin can boost your immune system and it can help your body to fight against all kinds of infections including mouth ulcers are also included.
You should drink 2 glasses of fresh orange juice per day. You should repeat this natural treatment until the mouth ulcers heal.
Cayenne
One of the most popular home remedies for pain management is the cayenne pepper [10]. It has capsaicin which is giving it its hotness. This can help to numb the pain and also it will kill any microbes which are at the site of the mouth ulcers. You should use your fingertips or a Q – tip to apply a thin layer of cayenne powder to the mouth ulcer. You should let it stay there for a few minutes and then you should rinse it thoroughly using plain water. You can apply this home remedy two times per day. This natural cure is bound to sting, so you need to be careful when you apply it.
References:
[1] Scully C, Shotts R. Mouth ulcers and other causes of orofacial soreness and pain. BMJ. 2000;321(7254):162-165.
[2] El-Haddad SA, Al-Shawaf MD. Effect of honey for treatment of some common oral lesions: Follow up of 50 cases. Journal of Dentistry and Oral Hygiene. 2013;5(6):55-61.
[3] Nuñez L, D’ Aquino M. Microbicide activity of clove essential oil (Eugenia caryophyllata). Brazilian Journal of Microbiology. 2012;43(4):1255-1260.
[4] MacDonald J. Canker sore remedies: baking soda. CMAJ. 2002;166(7):884.
[5] Onder A. Coriander and its phytoconstituents for the beneficial effects. Intech Open. 2018.
[6] Shanbhag VKL. Oil pulling for maintaining oral hygiene – A review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2017;7(1):106-109.
[7] Hassan KAM. Liquorice mouth wash as treatment for mouth ulcer. Pharmanest: An International Journal of Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2013;4(3):335-340.
[8] Vimala G, Gricilda Shoba F. A review on antiulcer activity of few indian medicinal plants. International Journal of Microbiology. 2014.
[9] Mangaiyarkarasi SP, Manigandan T, Elumalai M, et al. Benefits of Aloe vera in dentistry. Journal of Pharmacy & Bioallied Sciences. 2015;7(Suppl 1):S255-S259.
[10] Anand P, Bley K. Topical capsaicin for pain management: therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of the new high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch. British Journal of Anaesthesia. 2011;107(4):490-502.
