Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers: Home Treatments, Remedies, and What to Eat and Avoid

Canker sores are small lesions that appear in the mouth and can turn everyday activities, such as eating, talking and kissing, into quite painful experiences.

These small wounds, although generally harmless, cause great discomfort. Many people suffer from this problem on a recurring basis, which is why it is important to understand how they arise and, most importantly, how to treat them effectively.

There are several simple methods that can help relieve discomfort, promote healing and even prevent new mouth ulcers from appearing. From changes in diet to the use of home remedies.

What is a canker sore and what are the symptoms?

They are small sores that appear inside the mouth, causing a lot of discomfort. They are, in fact, a type of superficial ulcer, usually rounded, with reddish edges and a whitish or yellowish center.

These lesions can appear in different areas of the oral cavity, such as the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth and even the throat.

You common symptoms of the include a burning sensation or pain, especially when performing simple activities such as eating, talking or kissing. This pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the size and location of the canker sore.

In addition to pain, mouth ulcers can also cause aesthetic discomfort and even make it difficult to eat and drink.

Why do mouth ulcers appear?

Although the exact cause is not fully understood, several factors can contribute to its onset:

1. Immunological Factors

One theory is that canker sores are related to a abnormal immune response. The immune system can mistakenly attack the cells of the oral mucosa, resulting in inflammation and ulcer formation.

2. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can trigger mouth ulcers. The most common deficiencies associated with this problem include:

• Vitamin B12
• Folic acid
• Iron
• Zinc

3. Local Trauma

Mouth lesions, such as accidental bites, aggressive brushing or the use of orthodontic appliances, can cause irritation and lead to the development of mouth ulcers.

4. Stress

Emotional and physical stress can compromise the immune system and trigger mouth ulcers. Many people report that they occur during periods of intense stress or emotional changes.

5. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstrual cycle or pregnancy, can influence the development of mouth ulcers. Hormonal variations can affect the health of the oral mucosa and the immune response.

6. Food

Certain foods can trigger or worsen mouth ulcers, especially those that are:

• Acids (like citrus fruits)
• Spicy
• Hard or crunchy

7. Health Conditions

Some medical conditions, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, are associated with a higher risk of mouth ulcers due to chronic inflammation or poor nutrient absorption.

8. Genetics

The predisposition to developing mouth ulcers may have a component genetic, with the condition being more common in some families.

Home Treatments for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be quite uncomfortable, but there are several simple and effective home treatments that can help relieve pain and speed up healing. Here, we highlight the use of mate tea and other home remedies that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

One of the best-known methods for treating this problem is the use of Yerba mate Tea or black tea. These teas contain tannins, natural substances with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and accelerate the healing of mouth ulcers.

• How to prepare and apply:
  1. Prepare the tea as normal, leaving the bag in hot water for a few minutes.
  2. Remove the bag and let it cool until lukewarm or cold.
  3. Apply the sachet directly to the canker sore, pressing lightly.

If you don't like drinking tea, you can opt to just use the teabag as a compress on the area. However, drinking tea can also be beneficial for hydration and overall well-being.

See other home remedies that can be used to effectively treat this problem:

1. Mouthwash with warm water and salt: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for a few seconds. This helps to disinfect the affected area and reduce inflammation.
2. Honey or Propolis Extract: Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a small amount directly to the affected area to speed healing and relieve pain.
3. Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste with baking soda and a little water and apply it to the canker sore. This helps neutralize the acidity in your mouth and promote healing of the lesion.
4. Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Dilute hydrogen peroxide in water and use as a mouthwash. This method helps disinfect the area and speed up healing.
5. Natural Yogurt: Natural yogurt contains probiotics that help balance oral flora, which can help heal this problem and prevent new lesions.
6. Coconut oil: Coconut oil has antimicrobial and soothing properties. Apply it directly to the affected area for relief and healing.
7. Chewing Cloves: Cloves have natural analgesic and antiseptic properties. Chewing on a clove can help numb the affected area and speed up healing.
8. Apply Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties that can help disinfect and speed healing. Apply a small amount directly to the canker sore using a cotton swab.

These home treatments are easy to apply and can be very effective in reducing discomfort, as well as promoting a faster recovery.

Pharmacy remedies for mouth ulcers

In addition to home treatments, there are several products available at pharmacies that can help relieve pain and speed up the healing of mouth ulcers. Here are some of the most common treatments you may find:

1. Topical Anesthetics:

• Orabase: A protective gel that relieves pain by forming a layer over the canker sore.
• Benzocaine: Active ingredient found in various ointments and gels, such as Anbesol or Kanka, that provides temporary pain relief.

2. Topical Anti-Inflammatories:

• Triamcinolone Acetonide (Kenalog in Orabase): A corticosteroid that helps reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of canker sores.

3. Mouthwashes:

• Mouthwashes with Chlorhexidine (Periogard, Periobacter): Used to disinfect the mouth and prevent secondary infections.
• Mouthwashes with anesthetics, such as Hexomedine or Difflam: They provide pain relief and reduce inflammation.

4. Protective Stickers or Films:

• Canker Cover: A patch that covers the canker sore and provides pain relief while protecting against further irritation.

5. Oral Antiseptics:

• Hyaluronic Acid Gels or Sprays (Aftagel, Bexident Aftas): Promote healing and provide a protective barrier.
• Sprays with Chlorobutanol (Afteclear, Urgo): Helps numb the area and speed up healing.

6. Vitamin Supplements:

• Complex B: Vitamin supplements, such as B complex, may be recommended to prevent mouth ulcers in people who are deficient in these vitamins.

These over-the-counter treatments are effective, offering everything from pain relief to speeding up the healing process. It is always advisable to consult a pharmacist or doctor before starting any treatment, especially if the problem is recurrent or severe.

Suitable foods to treat mouth ulcers

Proper nutrition not only prevents irritation, but can also accelerate healing of mouth ulcers. Eating soft foods helps reduce pain and discomfort during meals, allowing the oral mucosa to recover more quickly.

In addition, foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as cooked fruits and soft vegetables, can provide the nutrients needed to strengthen the immune system and promote healing of injuries.

When you have mouth ulcers, your food choices can make a big difference in your comfort and recovery. Choosing soft and warm foods is one of the best strategies to avoid irritation.

Some examples include:

• Soups: Warm and nutritious, they are easy to swallow and do not cause irritation.
• Mashed Potatoes: Soft and smooth, ideal for preventing damage to mouth ulcers.
• Yogurts: Creamy and refreshing, they help soothe the mouth.
• Cooked Fruits: Less acidic and easier to digest.

These foods minimize the need for intense chewing and reduce the risk of hurting the canker sores, promoting a more comfortable and faster healing process.

Foods to avoid

Certain foods can further irritate mouth ulcers and should be avoided until the condition improves. It is advisable to avoid:

• Acidic Fruits: Orange, raw pineapple and kiwi can increase acidity in the mouth and cause irritation.
• Alcohol: It can dry out the oral mucosa and prolong discomfort.
• Spicy Foods: May cause an intense burning sensation and increase sensitivity.

Consuming these foods can increase the irritation of mouth ulcers, making them more painful and prolonging the healing time.

Sources and bibliography:
– Systemic interventions for recurrent aphthous stomatitis (mouth ulcers).
– A Review: Herbal Remedies Used For The Treatment of Mouth Ulcer.
– Clinical efficacy of vitamin B in the treatment of mouth ulcer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

See also: These 10 Foods Could Be Ruining Your Teeth (Without You Knowing)