Did you brush a bit aggressively? Or have you been constantly biting your lips? Perhaps you mistakenly had citric or acidic food and hence developed these oval-shaped shallow sores. Officially known as canker sores, these mouth ulcers, though harmless, can be extremely painful and cause immense discomfort. Though there are many OTC medications to cure the same, in this article, you will learn how to cure mouth ulcers naturally.
That’s not all! You will also get an insight into its various types, symptoms, and reasons, how to prevent them in the future, and when you must connect with the doctor. Rest assured, this know-to guide will completely acquaint you with the details –
Table of Contents
How to cure mouth ulcers naturally?
In this section, you will get a detailed idea of the natural ways by which you can cure mouth ulcers. Let’s figure the same out –
1. Applying honey
Why?
Honey is known for its healing and anti-microbial qualities. It quickens the pace of reduction of the infection.
How to use it?
For this, you must use either the organic or the Manuka variety. Simply apply the honey to the lesion and let it be. Reapply 2-3 times per day.
2. Rinse with salt water or baking soda
Why?
As you already know – salt is a strong anti-microbial agent and is used in multiple cases to ease a variety of oral issues. On the other hand, baking soda is an equally viable alternative in dealing with sores.
How to use it?
If you are using baking soda, combine 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of water to form a paste. Use it on the lesion thrice a day. Gargle with salt water to notice significant improvement.
3. Use either coconut oil or milk or both
Why?
Virgin coconut oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, reducing soreness. Coconut milk, on the other hand, is a kitchen hack used for numerous conditions.
How to use it?
If you are using coconut oil or milk, or even both in intervals – then dab some of either of the components and leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing it off.
4. Chew some cloves
Why?
Clove has been on the list for dealing with oral problems for over a century now. It has noted healing and anti-microbial properties.
How to use it?
If you are chewing it, 2-3 cloves per day is good enough. If you are applying clove oil then you must dab it on and leave it like that. There is no need to rinse it.
5. Alum helps to reduce the sores
Why?
You might be aware that alum, with its content of potassium aluminium sulfate, has astringent properties that help to store pickles and vegetables for a long time. Taking that into account, it helps ease canker sores as well.
How to use it?
You can blend 1 teaspoon of alum powder with 1.5 teaspoons of water to create a thick paste. Apply this on the sores for 1 minute and rinse it off well. Do this thrice daily until the sore is completely gone.
6. Apple cider vinegar is of great help
Why?
If you are wondering about the ranking of apple cider vinegar on this listicle noting ways on how to cure mouth ulcers naturally – then here it comes. Though some people may be allergic to the same, it being acidic in nature reduces the growth rate of bacteria.
How to use it?
Blend 1/2 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and rinse your mouth with this concoction. Do it twice a day daily for a week to notice a marked difference.
7. Cayenne pepper is of great help
Why?
You might be wondering how cayenne pepper has made it to this list! Here’s to notifying you that – cayenne pepper, with its ingredient of capsaicin, is one of the notable anti-microbial agents.
How to use it?
Take a little bit of pepper on the end of a cotton swab and apply it to the ulcer. Let it stay for 2-3 minutes, and rinse off your mouth.
8. Use a bit of garlic
Why?
For the uninformed, garlic has always been on the list of anti-microbial agents, given its evidence of dealing with microorganisms effectively.
How to use it?
Take a clove of garlic and cut it in half. After that, rub it constantly on the ulcer for 2-3 minutes and leave it. After half an hour, wash your mouth well. Do this twice a day for desired results.
9. Turmeric is an all-weather remedy
Why?
If you are searching for how to cure mouth ulcers naturally and wondering why turmeric has not been included in the list, here it comes. As an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial agent, this is one of the most-opted treatments.
How to use it?
Take a strip or two of organic raw turmeric and combine it with water to create a thick paste. Apply this twice and rinse off after 2-3 minutes.
10. Try out chamomile compress
Why?
For the unversed, chamomile has both anti-bacterial and healing properties in itself, thanks to its composition of levomenol and azulene. Therefore, its compression helps to alleviate the pain considerably.
How to use it?
You will have to steep a bag of chamomile tea in 1 cup of boiling water. Once the tea bag has cooled down, you can apply it to the sore. As far as the tea is concerned – you can gargle with it twice (1 cup is enough for 2 times) for additional relief. Ensure that you use a different tea bag over again.
11. You may use hydrogen peroxide solution
Why?
It is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial in nature. Hence, it reduces the pain and eliminates the bacteria.
How to use it?
You have to dilute this chemical component and use it on the ulcers. Combine 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1/2 cup water. Dip a cotton ball into this solution and put it directly on your canker sore.
Additional remedies –
Since you have already figured out how to cure mouth ulcers naturally and certainly have tried doing a handful of them, let’s give you an insight into a host of additional remedies that can go with any of the natural strategies mentioned above –
Aloe vera gel works as an anti-inflammatory, cooling agent that helps to ease down the body heat, thereby speeding up the healing process.
You can always rub ice cubes on the canker sores to ease the pain and reduce the inflammation. Always wrap them in a small towel before you apply.
You can directly apply propolis extract drops on mouth ulcers 4-5 drops per day.
As an anti-bacterial agent, tulsi leaves work wonders when chewed. Rinse your mouth well and see the change.
What are the primary types?
Not many are aware, but there are categorically three types of mouth ulcers that you need to know about.
- It may be a minor harmless ulcer, though a little painful. It could generally take up to 2 weeks for healing.
- In case it is an irregularly shaped and more painful ulcer, then they may be counted in the group of major ulcers and take close to a month to heal. They also leave a scar behind.
- If you notice a pin-pointed ulcer in clusters of 10-30, penetrating the tissues, then they are categorized as – herpetiform ulceration. Though they are comparatively harmless, they may be painful and take up to a fortnight to heal.
So, whichever of them you have got, now that you are aware of how to cure mouth ulcers naturally – you can follow the techniques and do the needful.
When must you connect with the doctor?
Though canker sores are not a matter of concern, and given their harmlessness, at times, things may get a little out of control. How will you know that?
- If you have multiple sores simultaneously, or a new sore opens up before the old one dries out, or as soon as the old one dries out – you need to see a doctor.
- In case the sore spreads to the lips and you get a fever as well, then you must connect with the doctor.
- If the lesions are 1-3 centimetres long, then connect with a professional immediately. They are bigger than normal sores.
Why does it happen?
To know solutions is a great thing. But it would be even better if you can figure out the cause and work on that. So, let’s give you a quick glimpse as to why this happens in the first place –
- For most people, it is an immediate side-effect of a dental procedure or an ill-fitted denture that irritates the mouth’s soft tissues.
- Apart from that, people who have a habit of biting their lips or have been using mouthwash or toothpaste laced with sodium lauryl sulfate.
- It could also result from nutritional deficiencies like – folate, zinc, iron, and Vitamin B12.
- Allergic reactions to food, sudden hormonal changes, remnants of viral infections, genetic issues, or digestive issues can also be some of the reasons.
How to prevent them in the future?
Assuming you have read this article well, you have clarity about how to cure mouth ulcers naturally. But as they always say, prevention is better than cure. Hence, let’s find out some of the ways by which you can prevent it in the future –
- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss thrice a week to maintain oral hygiene.
- To avoid any further damage to your tissues, use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Go for regular oral check-ups and eat an oral and health-friendly diet.
- Hydration is the key to good health. Keep yourself hydrated throughout.
- Gargle with warm water at least thrice a week.
- Eat a nutritious diet backed up by protein and carbs – not just for good oral health but overall health in general.
Last thoughts
To deal with these canker sores regularly is no joke, and hence, you must understand how to cure mouth ulcers naturally with the aforementioned techniques. At the same time, be extremely cautious of your oral hygiene and prevent it from happening in the future. As the world stands in the post-Covid set-up, to take care of one’s health is imperative. Hence, note your diet and water intake specifically.
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FAQ
1. Can curd help treat mouth ulcers?
Curd or yoghurt is loaded with probiotic bacteria and helps to ease the canker sores.
2. Which fruits are best for mouth ulcers?
As you have noted earlier, you need to raise your level of Vitamin C to steer clear of these sores. Hence, non-acidic fruits like melons, bananas, papayas, and kiwis are the best.
3. Does direct application of baking soda work?
Experts do not advise the direct application of baking soda, given its caustic nature. To effectively use it, dilute it with water.
4. Does it have any long-term effect?
Technically speaking, canker sores do not leave any long-term issues (apart from the scar, which may go away eventually). But you must be careful nonetheless.
Monalisa Mukherjee is a content writer, copywriter and editor with 4 years of experience. She has written for websites like Biography Talk, The Rich Net Worth, Contour Cafe, He And She Fitness and Fiction Pad. She is currently associated with a noted Digital Marketing Agency and specialises in writing press release, guest posts, articles on travel, entertainment, food recipes, celebs, lifestyle, tech, health, and fashion.
