How to Cure Mouth Ulcers Fast Naturally?

Mouth ulcers are painful, small sores in your mouth or at the base of your gums. They may not typically be a serious health concern, but they can make eating, drinking, or even talking a little uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are also many natural remedies that can help you heal from mouth ulcers quickly and effectively. In this article, we will discuss the different kinds, causes, symptoms, and natural remedies and ways to prevent, and more importantly, when to seek drug-related medical attention.

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Based on the appearance and severity, mouth ulcers can be classified into three different types. Knowing the types will help in better management. 

• Minor Ulcers: These types of mouth ulcers are the most frequently seen, are small (usually <1 cm), round or oval, and will heal spontaneously within 7 to 10 days without leaving a scar. The discomfort from these and other types of ulcers is usually mild and manageable.
• Major Ulcers: Major ulcers are larger and deeper than minor ulcers and may take several weeks to heal and possibly leave a scar. While they are seen less often and tend to be more painful than minor ulcers, they can cause significant discomfort enough to impede eating or speaking.
• Herpetiform Ulcers: Herpetiform ulcers present as a cluster of many smaller ulcers that may merge to form one larger one. Despite the name, herpetiform ulcers are not an infection from the herpes virus. They tend to be very painful, are recurrent more often than other forms of ulcers, and are more difficult to treat.

Mouth Ulcer vs. Canker Sore - Are they the same?  

Although mouth ulcers and canker sores can often be used interchangeably, there is a key difference. Mouth ulcers are a broader term that includes all types of ulcers that can form within the mouth and oral cavity. Canker sores, on the other hand, are specific types of mouth ulcers that are not infectious and can form on the inside of the mouth, cheeks, lips, or beneath the tongue. Canker sores occur specifically due to injury or trauma and have no known infectious cause. In contrast, cold sores, also a specific kind of mouth ulcer, have clear viral causes. 

Causes of Mouth Ulcers   

The causes of a mouth ulcer can be anything, from minor injury to poor hygiene practices and underlying health conditions. Here are some common reasons you should know. 

• Trauma or injury - increased risk at sites of injury (biting cheek, sharp food, dental braces)   
• Stress and anxiety 
• Nutritional deficiency - iron, B12, folate.   
• Hormonal change  
• Foods that may trigger sensitivity (spicy food, any acidic food, or allergy-causing foods)   
• Poor oral hygiene  
• Underlying medical condition (celiac disease, Crohn's, etc.)  
• Some medications

Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers  

You can easily spot it if you have a mouth ulcer. The symptoms are the same in most cases and are always associated with a tingling sensation. Here are the common symptoms:

• Small, round or oval sore located in the mouth  
• Red or white "patch" surrounding the ulcer  
• A burning or tingling sensation before the sore appears.   
• Pain during eating, drinking, or speaking, along with and/or surrounding swelling or irritation.

12 Natural Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are not serious, but they can be painful and uncomfortable. The good part is, natural remedies can help you get a complete cure from these types of ulcers. Here are 12 effective natural remedies for mouth ulcers you can try. 

1. Salt Water Rinse: Gargling warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) can help cleanse the ulcer, reduce the bacteria, and promote healing. Do this 2-3 times a day.
2. Honey Application: Use a small amount of raw organic honey and apply it directly onto the ulcer. Honey is a natural antimicrobial that relieves pain and helps to heal ulcers more rapidly.
3. Coconut Oil: Use a cotton swab to put coconut oil directly on the ulcer. Coconut oil is believed to aid with inflammation and get rid of bacteria. Coconut oil should assist with some pain and may lower the risk of getting an infection. 
4. Baking Soda Paste: Mix about 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water. Put the paste immediately on the ulcer to help calm it down and get rid of the burning.
5. Licorice Root: Soak some liquorice root in water and then use the water to rinse. Liquorice has chemicals that can help the mucous membranes and lower swelling. 
6. Aloe Vera Gel: Take some fresh aloe vera gel from a plant and put it right on the sore. Aloe is good for lowering inflammation, easing burning, and speeding up the repair of tissue.
7. Clove Oil: Place drops of clove oil on a cotton swab and apply directly to the ulcer. Cloves contain eugenol, which is a naturally occurring analgesic.
8. Chamomile Tea Bag: To treat an ulcer, use a used chamomile tea bag, let it cool, and put it on the ulcer for a few minutes. Chamomile is known for its ability to reduce inflammation, which may help the body recuperate.
9. Ice Cubes: Take a few small ice chips and put them in close proximity to the ulcer inside your mouth. This will help temporarily numb the area and assist some with swelling.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar (Diluted): Dissolve one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and use it as a mouth rinse. It is helpful at killing bacteria, but you should use caution with rinsing and expect a slight sting.
11. Turmeric Paste: Mix together a few tablespoons of honey with turmeric powder until you have a thick paste, and apply it to the ulcer. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and potent antimicrobial.
12. Yogurt: Plain, unsweetened yogurt can help to balance the bacteria in your mouth and gut, which could help prevent additional ulcer outbreaks, especially if there are gut concerns.

Foods You Should Avoid

Some foods, especially the spicy ones, can worsen the condition if you have mouth ulcers. You need to avoid some specific foods to ensure faster healing. Here is a list of foods you should avoid to manage the discomfort:

• Spicy foods (such as chilies, hot sauces)  
• Acidic foods (such as lemons, tomatoes, vinegar)  
• Crunchy or rough-textured foods (for instance, chips, toast)  
• Salty snacks  
• Beverages or soups that are too hot  
• Sweets or processed foods 

Preventive Measures

You can not completely stop mouth ulcers from occurring, as they can happen simply because you bite the inside of your mouth. However, you can take some measures to reduce the risk. 

• Be sure to maintain adequate oral hygiene  
• Avoid foods that you already know cause ulcers  
• Drink fluids for hydration  
• Eat a balanced diet that includes foods high in iron, vitamins B12, and folic acid  
• Replace stress with activities like yoga or meditation  
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush  
• Avoid talking while chewing, possibly biting your cheeks  
• Avoid toothpaste that has sodium lauryl sulfate, aka SLS 

When to See a Doctor  

Most mouth ulcers will heal with natural remedies without medical intervention. However, be sure to see a doctor if

• The ulcer lasts for 2 weeks or longer  
• The ulcer is very large or spreading  
• Pain is severe, or eating and/or drinking is difficult  
• There are ongoing mouth ulcers with no underlying reason  
• There is a fever, diarrhea, or rash within 5-7 days of the ulcer(s) appearing

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers can be annoying, but with the help of the right natural options and prevention steps, they can be managed in a short period of time. Simple, easy-to-follow home remedies like honey, aloe vera, and salt water rinses can have very fast action with no consequences. If the mouth ulcer(s) continue, or worsen, please go see a health professional for further assessment to rule out