Mouth ulcers also called “canker sores,” are small, painful sores that can appear on the inside of your mouth, tongue, or lips. Most of the time, they heal on their own in one to two weeks, but there are some natural remedies that might help them heal faster and make you feel better. You could try the following:
- Salt & Warm Water: Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, then spit it out. Do this several times a day to reduce swelling and help the body heal.
- Honey: Put a little honey on the ulcer directly. Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe a sore and speed up the healing process.
- Aloe vera: Put a little aloe vera gel on the ulcer. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process.
- Coconut oil: Swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around in your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, then spit it out. This method, called “oil pulling,” can help heal wounds and reduce inflammation.
- Chamomile tea: Brew a cup of chamomile tea, let it cool, and then swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.
Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain and swelling.
It’s important to remember that you should see a doctor if your mouth ulcers last longer than two weeks or come with other symptoms like a fever or trouble swallowing.
People often have problems with mouth ulcers at some point in their lives. They can be very painful and make it hard to eat, talk, and do other everyday things. There are a few natural remedies that can help ease the pain and speed up the healing process. In this article, we’ll talk about some tips and natural ways to get rid of mouth ulcers quickly.
How to Understand Mouth Sores
Before we talk about how to treat them, let’s talk about what they are and why they happen. Small, painful sores that form inside the mouth are called mouth ulcers. They can show up on the gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks. They don’t spread to other people and usually get better in a week or two. Different things can cause mouth ulcers, such as:
- Damage or discomfort to the mouth
- When you bite your cheek or tongue
- Poor oral hygiene
- Worry or stress
- Changes in hormones
- Some prescription drugs
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Food allergies
How to Keep Mouth Ulcers Away
Even though mouth ulcers are sometimes hard to avoid, there are some things you can do to lower your chances of getting one. These things are:
- Taking care of your teeth by brushing twice a day and flossing every day
- Keeping away from foods that make your mouth hurt, like spicy or acidic foods
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid hurting your gums or tongue.
- Getting rid of stress by working out, meditating, or using other relaxation techniques
- Trying not to smoke or use tobacco products
Natural Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
If you do get a mouth ulcer, there are a few natural ways to help ease the pain and speed up the healing process. Here are some of the best things to do:
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Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that can kill bacteria and help the body heal. Mix one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water to make a saltwater rinse. Mix the ingredients together in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting them out. Do this a few times a day until the ulcer gets better.
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Honey
Honey naturally kills bacteria, which can help prevent infections and speed up the healing process. Just put a little bit of honey on the ulcer a few times a day.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help reduce pain and speed up healing because it can stop inflammation and kill germs. Several times a day, put a small amount of coconut oil on the ulcer.
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Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can help relieve pain and speed up the healing process. Several times a day, put a small amount of aloe vera gel on the ulcer.
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The Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has pain-relieving and healing properties that come from its natural ingredients. Make some chamomile tea and let it cool down. Use the tea to clean your mouth by swishing it around for 30 seconds and then spitting it out.
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Baking Soda
Baking soda is naturally antiseptic, which means it can kill bacteria and help the body heal. Make a paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water. Put the paste on the ulcer, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off.
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FAQs
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Could mouth ulcers be a sign of something worse?
Most ulcers in the mouth are harmless and will go away on their own in a week or two. But in very rare cases, they can be a sign of something worse, like oral cancer. See a doctor if you have mouth ulcers that keep coming back or if you have other symptoms like trouble swallowing or weight loss that you can’t explain.
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Is there anything I can eat to keep from getting mouth ulcers?
Even though there is no one food that can stop mouth ulcers, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help support the health of your mouth as a whole. Leafy greens and citrus fruits are high in vitamins B and C and can help prevent vitamin deficiencies that can lead to mouth ulcers.
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How long does a mouth ulcer take to get better?
Most sores in the mouth will get better on their own in a week or two. But ulcers that are bigger or worse may take longer to heal.
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Can mouth ulcers spread to other people?
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious and can’t be given to someone else.
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When should I go to the doctor if I have sores in my mouth?
See a doctor if you have mouth ulcers that keep coming back or if you have other symptoms like trouble swallowing or weight loss that you can’t explain. Also, if you have had painful or recurring mouth ulcers in the past, a doctor may be able to give you more treatment options or ways to prevent them.
Conclusion
Mouth ulcers can be very painful, but there are a number of natural ways to ease the pain and speed up the healing process. From saltwater rinses to honey and aloe vera, these home remedies are simple to use every day.
To keep mouth ulcers from happening again, remember to take care of your teeth and avoid foods that are irritating.