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Ways To Get Rid Of Mouth Ulcers Naturally

Woman holding mouth
25 March 2024

Suffering from mouth ulcers can feel like you’re carrying a tiny but fiercely painful storm inside your mouth. Whether it’s the sharp sting when you sip something acidic or the constant irritation while speaking, these little sores can disrupt your day-to-day life. But before you resign yourself to a week of misery, let’s explore some gentle, natural ways to bid farewell to these unwelcome guests.

While it is a medical condition, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need medical treatment. From avoiding acidic foods to embracing the healing power of nature, this guide will help you find a remedy for mouth ulcers. Let’s take a look.

Understanding mouth sores

Mouth ulcers, or aphthous ulcers, are small, painful sores that can appear inside your cheeks, lips, or under your tongue. Often confused with cold sores caused by the herpes virus, mouth ulcers are not contagious but can be triggered by various factors, including allergic reactions, nutritional deficiency, food allergies, spicy foods, and even stress.

Spotting the symptoms of mouth ulcers

Knowing when you’ve got a mouth ulcer can help you deal with it quickly and avoid things that make it hurt more. These little sores can be a big pain, but spotting them early means you can start soothing them right away. Here’s what to look out for:

  • Pain and Sensitivity
    The first thing you’ll probably notice is a sharp pain or discomfort, especially when eating spicy or acidic foods or when brushing your teeth. This can range from a mild annoyance to a really sore spot, making eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable.
  • Sores Inside Your Mouth
    Mouth ulcers look like small, round spots with a white, yellow, or grey middle and a red edge. They can pop up on the inside of your lips, cheeks, under your tongue, or on the roof of your mouth.
  • Swollen Spots
    The area around the ulcer might feel puffy and tender.
  • Trouble Eating and Talking
    Because of the soreness, you might find it hard to eat or speak.
  • More Spit or Some Bleeding
    Sometimes, the ulcer can cause you to have more spit in your mouth or even a little bit of bleeding, especially if it gets bumped or irritated.

While the signs above are the usual ones, there are a few other things that might happen, especially with bigger or more serious ulcers, like:

  • Feeling Feverish or Unwell: Some people might get a fever or feel generally sick if the ulcer is part of a bigger health issue.
  • Swollen Lymph Nodes: The glands around your jaw and neck might get swollen and tender when your body fights an infection or inflammation.

The Natural Remedy Toolkit

While mouth ulcers often resolve on their own, there are a few natural remedies you can try to alleviate the pain and speed up the healing process.

Saltwater Rinse

A mouth rinse with warm water and salt is a time-honoured natural remedy for many oral ailments, including mouth sores. Salt’s antimicrobial properties help cleanse the area, offering relief from pain and inflammation. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds.

Coconut Oil: The Tropical Healer

Coconut oil is a versatile natural remedy known for its ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. A practice known as oil pulling, where you swish a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth, can sometimes be effective for those suffering from mouth ulcers due to its antimicrobial properties.

Baking Soda: The pH Balancer

Baking soda is a household staple with multiple uses, including the treatment of mouth ulcers. Making a paste with baking soda and a little warm water and applying it to the ulcer can help neutralise the acidity and provide relief.

Aloe Vera: The Gentle Soother

Aloe vera is well-known for its healing and soothing properties, making it an excellent natural remedy for mouth sores. Applying aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer with a cotton swab can help reduce pain and inflammation, speeding up the healing process.

Clove Oil: The Pain Reliever

Clove oil, with its strong antimicrobial properties and ability to reduce pain, is a potent natural remedy for mouth ulcers. A small dab applied to the sore can provide much-needed relief from the discomfort.

Avoiding Triggers

Prevention is always better than cure. Avoiding acidic foods like citrus fruits, spicy foods, and anything you’re allergic to can help prevent the formation of mouth ulcers. Paying attention to nutritional deficiency and ensuring a balanced diet can also keep oral ulcers at bay.

Take Care of Your Oral Health With Aesthetique Dental

While mouth ulcers can be a painful medical condition, the natural world offers a bounty of remedies that can ease your discomfort and speed up the healing process. From the simplicity of a salt mouth rinse to the soothing touch of honey and aloe vera, these natural remedies provide a gentle alternative to medical treatments.

Remember, if your ulcers persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a dental professional to rule out any underlying issues. That’s where we come in.

That’s where we come in. Our dental team isn’t just experienced; we’ve seen it all when it comes to mouth ulcers and know just how to help you kick them to the curb. We get how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to deal with these little nuisances, and we’re all about finding you the relief you need.

Think of us as your go-to for all things oral health, especially when those home remedies just aren’t cutting it. We’re here to listen, understand, and tailor a solution that works just for you. Reach out to us, and let’s get your smile back to its happy, healthy self.

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