Health & Life

8 Ways to Heal Mouth Ulcers Effectively and Quickly

Mouth ulcers can be a real nuisance during our daily eating and drinking routines. There are a few simple steps you can take to speed up the healing process and put an end to the discomfort.

Administrator

2 May, 2024

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What are Canker Sores?

Canker sores are a common condition. Also known as aphthous ulcers, they are small, round or oval, shallow sores that have a white or yellow center and a red border. They usually develop on the soft tissues inside the cheeks or lips, under the tongue, or on the gums.

Unlike cold sores or fever blisters (which are caused by the herpes virus), canker sores do not appear on the outside of the mouth and are not contagious. However, the sores can be painful, making it uncomfortable to talk or eat.

To heal canker sores quickly, you can try some simple home remedies.

Canker Sore Treatment Options

– Saltwater Rinse

You can make a saltwater rinse by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water, or you can buy a commercial mouthwash that contains salt. Gargling with salt water increases the pH level in your mouth, which helps prevent bacteria, viruses, and fungi from growing.

– Cold Compress

Suck on a small ice cube to reduce inflammation and provide immediate pain relief. The cold temperature of the ice will cause blood vessels to constrict, which helps reduce swelling and pain.

– Perilla Herb

Perilla herb is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to treat canker sores for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla herb is believed to have cooling, detoxifying, and antibacterial properties that can help heal canker sores.

You can drink perilla herb tea or eat the leaves in a smoothie.

– Honey

Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain. You can apply honey directly to the canker sore and leave it on for 3-4 minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.

You can also mix honey and turmeric powder to create a paste that you can apply to the canker sore. Leave the paste on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing your mouth with water.

– Orange or Lemon Juice

Orange and lemon juice are rich in vitamin C, which can help boost your immune system and fight off bacteria and viruses that can cause canker sores.

– Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that is believed to have diuretic and detoxifying properties. Modern scientific research has shown that Malabar spinach is rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamin C, and other essential amino acids that can help boost your immune system.

You can juice Malabar spinach and drink it or grind the leaves into a paste and apply it to the canker sore with a cotton swab. Repeat this process 2-3 times per day.

– Green Tea

Green tea can help increase the pH level in your mouth, which can help prevent bacteria and viruses from growing and promote healing.

You can place a warm tea bag (the kind you use to make tea) directly on the canker sore for 15 minutes. If you are using loose tea leaves, brew a cup of tea and then strain out a few of the leaves. Wrap the leaves in a piece of cheesecloth and apply the compress to the canker sore.

– Chamomile

Chamomile has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to compounds called levomenol and azulene, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. You can gargle with chamomile tea 3-4 times per day while you have a canker sore to help it heal faster.

Frequently asked questions

No, canker sores are not contagious. They are different from cold sores or fever blisters, which are caused by the herpes virus and appear outside the mouth.

Yes, canker sores can be painful and may cause discomfort when talking or eating.

There are several simple home remedies for canker sores, including saltwater rinses, cold compresses, and herbal treatments such as perilla herb, honey, orange or lemon juice, Malabar spinach, green tea, and chamomile.

Mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water creates a saltwater rinse that helps increase the pH level in your mouth, preventing the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and promoting healing.

Suck on a small ice cube to reduce inflammation and provide immediate pain relief. Additionally, herbal treatments such as honey, perilla herb, and chamomile have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and pain.

Perilla herb, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used for centuries to treat canker sores due to its cooling, detoxifying, and antibacterial properties. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, helping canker sores heal faster. Orange and lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, boost the immune system and fight off bacteria and viruses. Malabar spinach, an Ayurvedic herb, has diuretic and detoxifying properties, and is rich in nutrients that support immune function.

Both green tea and chamomile have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Placing a warm tea bag directly on the canker sore or gargling with chamomile tea 3-4 times a day can help increase the pH level in the mouth, preventing bacterial growth and promoting healing.