Mouth ulcers or Canker sores usually appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, lips, gums and palate. Although they usually go away on their own within a week, there are a number of ways to speed up the process and reduce discomfort.
We've all had mouth ulcers from time to time. It is something so common that we will continue to suffer from them throughout our lives. These ulcers, also known as canker sores, or mouth sores, are lesions in the mouth that are usually annoying and painful, especially when we talk or eat.
Why do sores appear in the mouth?
Mouth sores or canker sores are painful ulcer-like lesions that appear inside the mouth, especially in the area of the lips and cheeks. Like all wounds or lesions in the mouth, they do not take long to heal and disappear on their own, but they are usually quite annoying, producing a burning sensation and pain in the affected parts, and if there is an infection, sporadic episodes of fever may appear. In any case, and although they are annoying, they are not a serious problem to worry about, they are not contagious. There are a number of causes that cause the appearance of sores in the mouth:
- Canker sores can appear from bites, especially in people who wear orthodontics, due to the continuous rubbing of the braces with the walls of the mouth.
- They can also be caused by the appearance of bacterial infections. A viral infection can manifest with this type of oral wounds.
- Ulcers can appear due to a lack of vitamins and minerals, especially when there are nutritional deficiencies in iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. This is because the body is weaker and more vulnerable to bacteria.
- Mouth sores also often appear due to continuous stress situations.
- There are other less common causes that can also occur, such as hormonal changes, Ph changes in digestive processes and even food allergies.
Home remedies to cure mouth sores
- Salt: dissolve a tablespoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse with it. It is recommended to do this process at least three times a day. This remedy works very well since sodium chloride is a natural antiseptic that is very effective against sores.
- Baking soda: this compound can be applied to mouth sores mixed with warm water thereby using it as a kind of poultice to spread on canker sores. We will let this solution act on the sore and then rinse our mouths well.
- Hydrogen peroxide: this remedy is very effective and also prevents infections. With some cotton swabs, we will apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the sores and we will be able to experience its rapid healing. It is important to be careful not to swallow hydrogen peroxide to avoid poisoning.
- Vinegar: this treatment is very effective if half a glass of apple cider vinegar is mixed with half a glass of warm water. Use this mixture to rinse at least twice a day.
- Ice: it is a great ally to calm the pain of canker sores in the mouth. In addition, the intense cold is capable of lowering the possible inflammation that we may be suffering from. Although its healing process is somewhat slower, ice has a fast and intense relieving capacity.
- Yoghurt: it can be applied directly to the sore, but the easiest thing to do is to consume this product regularly since it has a very positive effect on the healing of sores. In addition, it makes it easier for the bacterial composition of the mouth to vary, and its degree of acidity to change.
- Basil: Few people know all the properties that basil has, but this plant acts as a very beneficial natural antiseptic for good oral health. For the solution, you will only need the following ingredients: 80 grams (½ cup) of basil leaves and 1 litre (4 glasses) of water. To prepare it, first boil the water with the leaves, let the content rest for a while and store it in the fridge. It is recommended to gargle or rinse the mouth with this mixture 2 times a day, even when the sores have disappeared.
- Benzocaine/menthol lozenge: it is a local anaesthetic that works by numbing the tender area. Although it is generally used to relieve sore throat, can also be used to alleviate mouth sore pain. It can start to work instantly after you put it in your mouth.
- Germicidal mouthwash: Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% is a common mouthwash for reducing bacteria in the mouth. You can try this if you have been suffering from mouth sores for more than one week. Dilute 10 ml Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% with 10 ml water and thoroughly gargle for one minute. Clean your mouth with plenty of water after using this solution. It is recommended to gargle with this solution twice a day.
- Oral Gel: Miconazole 2% oral gel can be applied directly to the affected area to speed up the healing process. It works by killing or suppressing the growth of the fungus or yeast. You must try to keep the gel as long as possible before finally swallowing it.
What to avoid when you have gotten mouth sores
- Avoid spicy or salty food.
- Do not eat crispy food with rough edges.
- Do not eat hot food.
- Avoid acidic food and drink.
- Do not chew gum.
- Do not talk too much.
When to see a doctor?
Although it is safe to treat mouth ulcers at home, you are still suggested to see a doctor if:
- The mouth ulcers have lasted more than 2 weeks.
- The mouth ulcers start getting painful or reddish.
- You are getting mouth ulcers repeatedly with short intervals.
How to avoid the appearance of a mouth sore?
It is not only about relieving the pain and discomfort caused by mouth sores, but also about preventing their appearance.
One way to effectively prevent the appearance of sores is to have a varied, balanced diet rich in iron, vitamins and minerals. And this is achieved by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables daily, as well as the consumption of cereals.
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