Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, can be painful and uncomfortable. There are several remedies you can try at home to help relieve pain and promote healing:
- Salt Water Rinse: Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Repeat several times a day.
- Baking Soda Paste: Make a paste using a teaspoon of baking soda and a little water. Apply the paste directly to the ulcer.
- Honey: Apply a small amount of honey directly to the ulcer several times a day to soothe and promote healing.
- Aloe Vera: Apply aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer to soothe irritation and promote healing.
- Coconut Oil: Dab coconut oil on the ulcer for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Milk of Magnesia: Apply milk of magnesia directly to the ulcer to help neutralize acid and relieve pain.
- Chamomile Tea: Steep chamomile tea and use it as a mouth rinse or apply the tea bag directly to the ulcer.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water and use it as a mouth rinse to disinfect the area.
- Yogurt: Eating yogurt with live cultures may help balance the bacteria in your mouth and promote healing.
- Ice Cube: Applying an ice cube to the ulcer can numb the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Dilute apple cider vinegar with water and use it as a mouth rinse. This may help disinfect the ulcer.
- Sage Tea: Steep sage tea and use it as a mouth rinse to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Clove Oil: Apply a drop of clove oil to the ulcer for its numbing and antiseptic properties.
- Vitamin B12 Supplements: Taking vitamin B12 supplements may help prevent recurrent ulcers.
- Vitamin C Supplements: Taking vitamin C supplements may support the immune system and promote healing.
- Licorice Root: Chewing licorice root or using licorice root extract may help reduce ulcer pain and speed up healing.
- Lemon Balm: Apply lemon balm extract to the ulcer for its antiviral and soothing effects.
- Echinacea: Gargling with echinacea tea or taking echinacea supplements may help boost the immune system and promote healing.
- Slippery Elm: Dissolve slippery elm powder in water and drink the mixture to soothe the ulcer and promote healing.
- Turmeric Paste: Mix turmeric powder with water to form a paste and apply it directly to the ulcer for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
If mouth ulcers persist or become increasingly painful, it is advisable to seek medical advice. In addition to these remedies, maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding spicy, acidic, or abrasive foods can help prevent irritation and promote healing.