What are mouth sores?
Also known as aphthous ulcers or canker sores, mouth sores are tiny shallow lesions on the soft tissues of gums, roof of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, etc. They are painful, less contagious, and make you uncomfortable during daily activities like drinking, eating, talking, and brushing your teeth. It is one of the common problems among people of all ages and is easy to spot. It is caused by several conditions, such as:
- Hormone changes
- Reaction to food or medication
- Stress or trauma
- Irritation and burns
- Using tobacco products
- Folate deficiency
- Oral thrush
- Using a hard-bristled toothbrush
Other causes for the formation of mouth sores include:
- Lack of essential minerals and vitamins in the body such as zinc, B12, iron and folate)
- Bacterial infection in the mouth
- Food sensitivity containing acids such as pineapple, lemon, or strawberries
- Gluten intolerance
- Mouthwash or toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate
Keep reading this blog to learn about the natural home remedies to cure and prevent mouth sores!
Natural Home Remedies for Mouth Sore Relief
Minor mouth sores heal within 1 or 2 weeks. A central mouth sore is a permanent scar that can take weeks or months to heal.
People who have mouth ulcers understand the pain and discomfort caused while eating. Stress and malnutrition can occur, and the causes of mouth sores vary depending on the person’s health.
According to the American Cancer Society, regular mouth rinses and good mouth care reduce the severity and risk of mouth sores. Some medications and drugs are market-ready and temporarily relieve the wound. However, none of these typical remedies offers a permanent cure or solution for mouth sores.
Nevertheless, simple home remedies work best. Here is a list of home remedies that are preventive measures for mouth sores.
1. Honey
Honey is an anti-inflammatory agent with antimicrobial properties that minimises swelling and pain of a mouth sore. It prevents secondary infection and aids in repairing the wounds quickly. Apply honey 3-4 times daily for timely results, moisturisation of skin, and reduced itching.
With its therapeutic value, honey effectively fastens the healing process and lowers scarring of the tissues.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a common ingredient used in India for various activities. The vast majority of individuals remain unaware of its curative qualities that can aid in relieving the pain of mouth sores. Apply a small amount of coconut oil onto the affected area and allow it to stay overnight. You can also apply the oil before going to bed at night.
Like honey, coconut oil possesses antimicrobial properties that aid in the natural reduction of mouth sores. Additionally, this same compound serves as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment for mouth ulcers. The usage of coconut oil can alleviate the pain caused by mouth lesions.
3. Saltwater
Many oral problems have a standard and valuable remedy, such as rinsing your mouth with salt water. As many know, putting salt directly on the sore can worsen the pain. Either you can use it this way:
- Mix one teaspoon of salt in half a cup of lukewarm water
- Gargle it for about 30 seconds using this salty solution and spit out
- Repeat the same procedure multiple times a day
The antiseptic properties of salt can soothe the discomfort and pain caused due to mouth sores.
4. Baking soda
Referred to as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is one of the best natural remedies to treat mouth sores. It neutralises the acids in the mouth cavity, kills the bacteria, and promotes fast healing.
Known for its alkaline and anti-bacterial properties, baking soda significantly reduces the irritation of oral ulcers and restores the pH balance in the mouth.
- Add baking soda in 1/2 cup of water and wait for it to thicken.
- Apply the paste in the area where the sore is present.
- Once dry, rinse and gargle your mouth with plain water.
5. Milk of magnesia
Milk of magnesia functions similarly to salt in its ability to eliminate acids in the oral cavity. You can gently apply a small quantity onto the mouth lesion using a cotton pad and repeat this process several times daily. Additionally, milk of magnesia has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing discomfort and accelerating the recovery period.
Also, milk of magnesia contains magnesium hydroxide, which acts as a laxative and neutraliser. When used orally, the pH in your mouth changes, and the sore cannot persist longer. It coats the wound, thus preventing irritation and alleviating pain.
6. Apple cider vinegar
While certain microorganisms such as Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus naturally exist in our bodies, they can sometimes multiply excessively and lead to infections. When these bacteria are present in a mouth sore, they can impede healing and potentially exacerbate symptoms.
Several scientific studies have indicated that apple cider vinegar (ACV) possesses antimicrobial properties that can effectively reduce the growth of bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is advised as a cure for almost every problem, including canker sores.
You can dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in water and use it as a gargle to treat a mouth ulcer and prevent further deterioration. However, it is crucial to rinse your mouth with regular water and brush your teeth approximately 30 minutes after utilising this solution. This precaution is necessary to safeguard against tooth decay, as apple cider vinegar is acidic and can gradually erode tooth enamel over time.
7. Turmeric
With antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, turmeric is used in all Indian dishes. Turmeric fights against pain and inflammation from mouth sores and effectively battles bacterial infections.
Add turmeric powder and water and mix it to a thick paste. Apply it on the mouth sores daily and leave it for a few minutes. Rinse it off properly; you will start noticing the difference immediately.
8. Clove Oil
Being one of the most effective mouth sore remedies, clove oil aids in alleviating pain and inflammation and relieving toothaches. It contains antimicrobial properties and eugenol, which acts as a natural analgesic.
Clove has become one of India's most used spice mixes, and the oil from cloves is extracted from the flower buds.
You can take a small piece of cotton in mouth sores and apply the oil directly to the ulcer. Wait till the ulcer tissue absorbs the oil.
Don’t forget to rinse your mouth with warm water before applying the clove oil. It cleans the ulcer surface and deals with all oral issues.
9. Yoghurt
Yoghurt is a good home remedy to prevent mouth sores that can be used internally and externally. Applying yoghurt to the affected area can soothe inflammation and pain since it contains probiotics and Bifidus.
Yoghurt improves gastrointestinal flora and bowel movements, helping heal mouth ulcers quickly and strengthening the body's natural defences.
Consume one cup of yoghurt daily to treat mouth sores effectively and kill the germs in the mouth.
10. Aloe vera
Known for its medicinal qualities and cooling properties, aloe vera is a leading home remedy to prevent mouth sores. You can swish a small mouthful of aloe vera juice daily to relieve discomfort or pain.
Also, you can apply aloe vera gel to the lesion for a speedy recovery and healing process.
The Bottom Line
Mouth sores are generally painful wounds that form on the inner areas of the mouth. Mouth ulcers are usually red or yellow, heal independently, and do not indicate anything serious. Household substances such as the above-mentioned home remedies can hasten the healing process.
Mouth sores do not require medical intervention, but if the symptoms last more than 3 weeks, you should visit your doctor immediately.
