Thanks, we've received your request, your new patient guide will be delivered directly to your inbox.
Mouth ulcers are white or yellowish open sores which appear in the mouth generally accompanied with sharp pain. The pain is most acutely felt when the person is eating – particularly when salty or spicy food makes contact with the ulcer. From the inner walls of cheeks and lips to the base of the gums, mouth ulcers can be found in almost any part of the mouth, producing varying degrees of discomfort and pain.
Mouth ulcers are not caused by an infection and therefore cannot be spread from person to person. They usually start with minor damage to the soft tissues in the inside of your mouth – i.e. biting the inside walls of your cheeks by accident.
However, if you suffer from recurrent mouth ulcers, it can be due to other factors like stress, anxiety, hormonal changes and eating habits. Foods like chocolates, coffee, peanuts and strawberries are also known to increase the risk of developing mouth ulcers.1
Thankfully, there are many natural remedies that can help treat your mouth ulcers. Let’s take a look.
Did you know that honey has anti-bacterial properties, retains moisture and quickens the growth of new tissues? Simply apply honey directly onto the ulcer. To unleash its healing power, you can also mix honey with cooling agents such as turmeric or amla powder.
Acting as an anti-inflammation agent, the liquorice root forms a protective coating on the mucous membranes to increase the sore’s resistance to irritation while bringing relief to the open lesions. Simply crush the liquorice root and pour a tablespoon into two cups of water. Wait for 2-3 hours and use the solution as a mouth rinse. Rinsing several times a day will bring relief and healing to the sores.
You can also swish a small mouthful of aloe vera juice a few times a day to relieve the discomfort. The anti-inflammatory properties in the juice can apparently treat mouth ulcers. Drinking the juice also helps cure and provides relief for stomach ulcers.
As what you would do for oil pulling, you can swish coconut oil around in your mouth – and spit it out – several times a day. The natural inflammatory properties of the oil help to reduce the swelling of the ulcers while soothing the pain.
Similar to coconut oil swishing, this is also an Ayurvedic remedy that reduces inflammation. Follow these simple instructions: Pour a teaspoon of coriander seeds into a cup of water and bring to boil. After straining and allowing the solution to cool, swish it around in your mouth 3-4 times a day.
Baking soda works especially well on mouth ulcers that are caused by acidic foods or drinks. That’s because it can help to neutralize acid while removing germs and bacteria to reduce the effects and recurrence of the inflammation. The only downside is the slight burning sensation it causes.
Simply mix a teaspoon of it with water to make a thin paste and lightly dab on the affected area a few times a day. You can also apply baking soda directly on the mouth ulcer.
Looking for a trusted Port Macquarie dentist? You can book an appointment online here with TL Dental or call 02 6583 4055.