How to overcome mouth ulcer?
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
Mouth
ulcers are quite common and irritating. These painful, open sores are white in
color, surrounded by an inflamed red border. More often than not, they appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, under the tongue, and on
the floor of the mouth.
They can be
caused by a number of factors like food triggers, constipation, hereditary
factors, hormonal changes, excess acidity, accidental cheek bites, stress, and
deficiencies of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, iron, or other nutrients.
Mouth ulcers
are usually not serious and tend to heal within seven to
10 days. Major and herpetiform ulcers, however, take longer to heal.
Major ulcers are usually deeper, and more than 10 mm in diameter. Herpetiform ulcers
appear as a cluster of a large number of small ulcers.
1. Licorice
Root
Mouth ulcers can be
cured with licorice root, as this herb works as a demulcent and forms a
protective coating on the mucous membranes that resists irritation and soothes
open lesions. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Soak one tablespoon of crushed
licorice root in two cups of water for two to three hours.
- Use it as a mouth rinse several
times a day.
You can also take
deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) extract available as chewable tablets or
gargle with DGL dissolved in warm water.
2. Coconut
Milk
Coconut milk is highly beneficial in soothing the pain of
mouth ulcers
- Mix a little honey in one
tablespoon of coconut milk. Massage the affected area with it. Do this
three or four times a day.
- Alternatively, you can simply
rinse your mouth with fresh coconut milk or massage coconut oil on the
affected area.
3. Sea Salt
and Hydrogen Peroxide
Both sea salt and
hydrogen peroxide have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and disinfectant
properties. Hence, you can use the ingredients separately or in an effective
combination to cure mouth ulcers or canker sores.
- Add two teaspoons each of sea
salt and 3% hydrogen peroxide to a glass of warm water. Mix it well.
- Use it as a mouth rinse.
- Repeat once or twice a day.
Make sure you do not swallow the solution.
4. Coriander
Seeds
An infusion of coriander
seeds is an Ayurvedic remedy that can bring considerable relief and reduce
inflammation.
- Boil one teaspoon of coriander
seeds in a cup of water. Strain it and allow it to cool.
- Swish it around in your mouth.
- Do this three or four times a
day.
5. Baking
Soda
Baking soda, also called
sodium bicarbonate, helps treat mouth ulcers. It is especially helpful for those
caused by acidic foods or drinks as baking soda helps neutralize acid. It will
also reduce inflammation and remove germs and bacteria. Be aware that it may
cause a burning sensation.
- Mix one teaspoon of baking soda
with a little water to make a thin paste. Dab it on the affected area.
Repeat this several times a day.
- Alternatively, you can simply
put baking soda directly on your mouth ulcer.
6. Honey
Honey can soothe ulcers as it helps retain moisture and
accelerates the healing process. It also has antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties. Simply dip a cotton swab in honey and dab it on the affected
area. You can also use glycerin or vitamin E oil in the same way. For mouth
sores caused by radiation therapy, use manuka honey.
Comments
Post a Comment