Mouth ulcers are a common problem that can cause discomfort and pain. They are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, on the lips or on the tongue. While most mouth ulcers heal on their own within a week or two, several home remedies can help alleviate the symptoms and speed up the healing process.
What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can be caused by several factors, including:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Biting the inside of the cheek or lip
- Stress or anxiety
- Impact of certain medications
- Vitamin deficiencies [1]
Mouth Ulcer Symptoms [2]
The symptoms of mouth ulcers can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Swelling or redness around the sore
- A white or yellowish film over the sore
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Difficulty eating or drinking
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
1. Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This is an effective mouth ulcer treatment at home, repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [3].
2. Honey
Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. For treatment of mouth ulcers apply a small amount of honey directly to the ulcer and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [4].
3. Coconut Oil
Apart from having , multiple beauty benefits of coconut oil, it also has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the ulcer and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [5].
4. Aloe Vera
It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [6].
5. Chamomile Tea
There are many benefits of chamomile tea. It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool before swishing it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [7].
5. Echinacea
Echinacea has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by mouth ulcers. It can also help speed up the healing process and prevent infections [8].
7. Licorice Root
It has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Brew a cup of liquorice root tea and let it cool before swishing it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [9].
8. Tea Tree Oil
It has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with a small amount of water and apply it directly to the ulcer. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [10].
9. Vitamin E
It has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Pierce a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the ulcer. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [11].
10. Coriander Seeds
They have natural anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Boil 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain the liquid and let it cool before swishing it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [12].
11. Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Crush a garlic clove and apply it directly to the ulcer for a few minutes before rinsing with water [13].
12. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement or increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin B12, can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers [14].
13. Turmeric
Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric with a small amount of water to make a paste and apply it directly to the ulcer. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [15].
14. Clove Oil
It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pain and promote healing. Mix a few drops of clove oil with a small amount of water and apply it directly to the ulcer. Leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with warm water. Repeat this several times a day until the ulcer heals [16].
15. Sage
Sage has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation. Brew a cup of sage tea and let it cool before rinsing your mouth with it several times a day [17].
Remember to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid foods that may cause mouth ulcers, and consult a healthcare professional if your mouth ulcers persist or become more severe.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439686/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1071433/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4439686/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5603684/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6764319/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3491322/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6131317/#:~:text=The%20Echinacea%20tablet%20as%20a,effective%20and%20affordable%20treatment%20method.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7125382/
- https://www.todaysrdh.com/oral-benefits-of-tea-tree-oil/#:~:text=Tea%20tree%20oil%20is%20helpful,and%20refractory%20oral%20candida%20infections.&text=TTO%20can%20be%20found%20in,%2C%20coated%20floss%2C%20and%20gels.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5483828/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8614839/
- https://apm.amegroups.com/article/view/72221/html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838707/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095623/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/
