Oral ulcers are very common and usually occur in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. These ulcers are painful sores, round or oval in shape mostly formed on the inner side of cheeks and lips. They are usually white, red, yellow or grey in colour and are red and swollen around the edge. These sores can cause severe discomfort while eating, & speaking. Commonly these ulcers are caused due to trauma, biting your cheek or from food, tooth filling, vigorous brushing, constant rubbing against braces or dentures or poor oral hygiene. Oral ulcers can take up to 2 weeks to heal and can be caused due to a variety of reasons ranging from vitamin deficiency, constipation, acidity, stress, rich or spicy food or an accidental cheek bite.
NATURAL WAYS TO EASE THE PAIN OF MOUTH ULCERS
There are a few safe and simple home treatments to ease the pain of mouth ulcers. Here are some home remedies that help to alleviate the pain and also speeds their healing process:
1. Alum
-A household item used for purifying water, alum is an effective remedy for sores. Alum also has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce the painful swelling caused by oral sores.
-Dissolve 1-2 pinches of alum powder in a glass of water, gargle with this mixture 3-4 times a day. Do not swallow this mix and rinse your mouth with water after gargling.
2. Honey
-The anti-inflammatory property of honey ensures that there is little or no swelling. Also it helps to keep the surface soft and hydrated.
-Apply honey on the affected spot immediately after a cheek bite and cover it with a piece of cotton. Reapply honey as often as required to soothe and hasten the healing.
3. Mulethi (Liquorice)
-For ulcers caused due to stomach or digestives issues, mulethi is a remedy that helps rid of the toxins that cause the ulcers.
-Boil 2 mulethi sticks in 2 cups of water, cool and add honey for taste to help cleanse the digestive system and heal oral sores. Mix mulethi powder with honey and apply to the sore for instant relief.
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4. Salt Water
-Salt helps to disinfect the oral cavity and reduces the water content of tissue surrounding the sore, which helps heal the sore.
-Mix a spoon of sea salt in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with this mix for instant relief. Repeat 3-4 times a day for relief.
5. Baking Soda
-Baking soda is anti-bacterial and alkaline in nature. It helps to neutralize the acids in the oral cavity and reduces the discomfort of oral ulcers. It also helps the ulcer heal faster.
-Mix 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup of warm water and gargle with this mix 3-4 times a day. Do not swallow this mix and rinse your mouth with water after gargling.
6. Coriander Seeds
-These seeds contain an essential oil which helps in reducing the inflammation in the body and help in improving the symptoms of mouth ulcers. It is also known to aid in the healing of mouth ulcers in a quick way.
-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
7. Tulsi Leaves
-Tulsi leaves are known to have medical properties. It acts as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties which help in fighting the microbes that cause oral ulcers and help improve the symptoms of the mouth ulcers.
-Chew 5 – 6 tulsi leaves with some water every day to help you in getting rid of mouth ulcers. Repeat this procedure five to six times daily for better results
8. Amla
-Amla is loaded with Vitamin C, which acts as a powerful antioxidant. It not only flushes free radicals from the body but also reduces inflammation, which could be the reason for mouth ulcers and thus, provide relief naturally.
-Make a paste of amla and apply it on the sore directly. Repeat this process at least twice a day and notice the quick results
9. Turmeric Powder And Glycerin
-As most of us are aware of, turmeric acts as a natural antiseptic compound, which prevents the worsening of the condition. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of this powder help in preventing inflammation which is responsible for mouth ulcers.
-Apply a mixture of turmeric powder and glycerin. To make the mixture, take one pinch of turmeric and one teaspoon of glycerin.
Also Read: Turmeric Powder Benefits
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WAYS TO PREVENT MOUTH ULCERS
In addition to using these natural remedies to get rid of mouth ulcers and prevent it from worsening, here are few oral care tips that can help you to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent oral problems. Some of the common tips are:
-Maintain good oral hygiene, brush twice daily and use a soft bristled toothbrush
-Avoid foods you think to trigger your ulcers
-Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
–L-Lysine (an amino acid) has been highly beneficial in many cases. Talk to your doctor about amino acid supplements
-Avoid toothpaste with harsh detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
-B vitamins are generally cited as being beneficial, particularly B12. Since B vitamins are not stored in the body so talk to your doctor about using B complex vitamin supplements
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