Mouth ulcers, also known as mouth ulcers, are circular or oval shaped inflamed areas that develop within the oral cavity. They are also called ulcerative canker sores and are small, swollen lesions that form on the soft tissue of the mouth or at the base of the gums. Unlike cold sores, these ulcers do not develop on the lips and are not contagious. The causes that lead to their formation are still unknown, but they can be painful and make eating and speaking difficult.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Relieve Pain Naturally
Step 1. Determine how long you can wait for pain relief
There are some natural, simple, and practical remedies that you can implement using ingredients you most likely already have in your pantry. Other methods, however easy, may require ingredients available only in certain well-stocked grocery stores or some time for preparation.
- Try different home remedies until you find the one that works for you.
- Be aware of any food allergies or other types of sensitivities you may have before performing these procedures. You should also check with your doctor before attempting natural remedies.
Step 2. Apply ice to the ulcers
It is the quickest way to relieve pain, although it is a temporary solution. Let the ice cube melt slowly on the canker sores to numb the skin for a while and reduce inflammation.
Step 3. Make an antibacterial mouthwash with a saline solution
The osmosis process occurs when the inside of the cells has a lower salt content than the outside. Water, or excess fluid, comes out of the cells thus reducing swelling and relieving discomfort.
- Salt is an antiseptic, therefore it prevents the formation of bacteria and promotes healing.
- Alternatively, rinse with baking soda by dissolving a teaspoon in 120ml of hot water.
Step 4. Make a rinse using dried sage
This plant has been used since ancient times to cleanse the mouth and treat some ailments. Mix two teaspoons of dried sage in 120-240ml of fresh water and boil for 10 minutes. Wait for it to cool and rinse with the mixture in your mouth for one minute. When finished, spit it out and rinse with cold water.
Another solution is to combine a handful of fresh sage with 120-240ml of water. Store the mixture in an airtight glass container in a dark place for 24 hours. Then remove the leaves and rinse for a minute using only the infusion water
Step 5. Make a soothing rinse with aloe vera
This plant is best known for its calming properties against sun burns, but it also provides relief from the pain associated with oral ulcers. Mix a teaspoon of natural aloe vera gel with a tablespoon of water and rinse your mouth three times a day.
- Make sure you only use a natural gel.
- You can also try aloe vera juice rinses.
Step 6. Use coconut oil with healing properties
It is a natural anti-inflammatory that not only helps heal but also reduces pain. Use a cotton swab or clean hand and apply the amount you want directly to the canker sores to relieve discomfort and help the healing process.
- If you find it dissolves too quickly and dissipates, you may have applied too little.
- If you have a hard time putting oil on ulcers, add half a teaspoon of beeswax to thicken it a little and give it the consistency of a paste.
- Chew on fresh or dried coconut for a similar soothing effect.
Step 7. Make a cayenne pepper "cream"
This ingredient contains capsaicin, a natural chemical element that makes this pepper so hot. It also has the ability to inhibit substance P, a neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter and controls the body's nociception. Add warm water to a small amount of ground cayenne pepper and make a thick paste to apply to the lesions.
- Use this remedy two to three times a day to relieve pain.
- Cayenne pepper also promotes salivation, thus promoting oral health and stimulating ulcer healing.
Step 8. Chew on basil leaves with anti-inflammatory properties
Some research has shown that this plant is able to reduce the swelling and pain of mouth ulcers. To relieve discomfort, chew four to five leaves four times a day.
You can also achieve a similar effect by chewing on clove sprouts and moving the juice to problem areas
Step 9. Apply a cotton ball dipped in clove seed oil
This oil has been shown to numb tissues as much as benzocaine, a topical anesthetic used by most dentists for minor procedures. Dip cotton wool in a mixture of half a teaspoon of olive oil and four or five drops of this essential oil, place it directly on the lesions for 5-8 minutes to enjoy the benefits.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water before and after this treatment for best results.
- This oil has a strong flavor and some people find it unpleasant; also, if you accidentally ingest too much, it could cause side effects.
Step 10. Apply a sedative chamomile pack
This plant contains bisabolol (or levomenol), a natural chemical compound that can reduce inflammation and consequently pain. Soak a tea bag of chamomile tea in boiling water for one minute and place it directly on the ulcers for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day.
- Chamomile is also able to relieve digestive tract discomfort and provide relief from gastrointestinal problems, which could be responsible for canker sores in the mouth.
- You can also try applying a fresh sage compress. Soak a handful of fresh sage leaves in 120-240ml of water. Store the mixture in an airtight glass container in a dark environment overnight. The next day remove the leaves and use a pest mortar to crush them and form a paste that you can apply directly to the lesions for five minutes.
- Always rinse your mouth with fresh water after applying a herbal compress.
Step 11. Spray some essential oils to numb the painful area
Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties; for example, mint and eucalyptus also act as antibacterials, decreasing the risk of infections. They also reduce swelling because they are astringent and contract the surrounding tissues. In addition, they can leave a slight feeling of numbness due to their cooling properties.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of olive or grapeseed oil with 10 drops of peppermint essential oil and 8 of eucalyptus in a spray bottle. Close it and shake it before using it.
- Spray the mixture as needed directly on the ulcers for pain relief.
Method 2 of 3: Relieve Pain with Medicines
Step 1. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice
The doctor knows your medical history and will be able to discuss options with you based on your specific situation. The pharmacist is an expert in medicines and chemicals, so he will be able to offer you products for free sale to help you reduce the discomfort.
- Always contact one of these professionals before taking any drug for unapproved purposes, even if it seems safe to you.
- Check that the products you buy are accompanied by all information leaflets and warnings, so that you know the dosages and any side effects.
Step 2. Apply magnesium hydroxide directly to the ulcers
It is a chemical compound, also known as milk of magnesia (trade name Maalox), and provides pain relief when you apply it to problem areas a few times a day, as needed. Try holding it in your mouth to wash the lesions and create a protective layer to relieve the discomfort of swelling and inflammation.
Also try brushing your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and foaming-free toothpaste, such as Biotene or Sensodyne
Step 3. Try topical benzocaine
This drug numbs the treated area and is sometimes used to relieve teething pain in babies, although the American FDA does not recommend its use for this purpose. If you apply the correct dosage, you can still put this gel on ulcers to numb the sensitivity.
- Be careful not to swallow it when applying it in your mouth or on your gums.
- After applying, wait at least an hour before eating.
- There is a hypothetical risk that the drug will cause a rare but fatal side effect known as methemoglobinemia. It is a condition that reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, bringing it to dangerously low levels.
Step 4. Apply approved over-the-counter medications containing analgesic active ingredients
They are medicines indicated to counteract pain and quickly relieve discomfort. If they are used as soon as canker sores form, they also promote the healing process.
- Benzocaine products temporarily numb the area, reducing the feeling of discomfort.
- Fluocinonide is an anti-inflammatory that helps relieve pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory action.
- Hydrogen peroxide, found in some drugs, is an effective antimicrobial agent, prevents infections and promotes healing, although it should never be used pure.
Step 5. Ask your doctor to prescribe mouthwashes to heal ulcers
You should see your doctor if you are having difficulty brushing your teeth or eating due to pain. He will be able to prescribe active ingredients to spread on the canker sores, in order to facilitate the healing process and alleviate the discomfort.
- Antimicrobial mouthwashes help kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can infect ulcers. You need to keep your mouth clean if you want the lesions to heal and the pain to subside.
- Benzydamine, available as a spray or mouthwash, offers a numb feeling in the affected area (anesthetic) and has anti-inflammatory properties that help manage discomfort. Keep in mind that children under the age of 12 should not use mouthwashes and in any case the product should never be used for more than 7 days.
Step 6. Ask your doctor for stronger medications if the canker sores are severe
These should usually be considered a last resort, but your doctor may prescribe some corticosteroids if they see fit. They are anti-inflammatory and can offer greater pain relief.
- These drugs are not safe for children under 12.
- Ask your doctor about the possible serious side effects of corticosteroids.
Step 7. Talk to your doctor about cauterizing canker sores
If they are very large or painful, you should consider this option. The procedure involves using a tool or chemical to burn, scald, or destroy the tissue in an attempt to speed up the healing time.
- Alovex is a topical drug specifically for treating canker sores and gum problems, it is able to reduce healing times to about a week.
- Silver nitrate, another chemical solution, does not speed up the healing process, but it relieves pain.
Method 3 of 3: Relieving Pain by Making Lifestyle Changes
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about your health and possible food choices that may be causing your ulcers
Remember that by knowing the underlying problem, you can find better pain relief remedies, as well as prevent future breakouts.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate, an ingredient found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, can cause an allergic reaction in the mouth, leading to the development of canker sores.
- Another factor responsible for the formation of these ulcers is sensitivity to certain foods, such as chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese and spicy or acidic foods, as well as a dietary deficiency of vitamin B12., zinc, folate (folic acid) or iron.
Step 2. Protect your mouth from traumatic injury
Some minor localized injuries, such as biting the inside of the cheek, an accidental blow during a sporting activity, or too vigorous brushing to the teeth, can inflame the tissue and cause canker sores.
- Wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports to avoid the risk of biting your cheeks by mistake or causing other damage to your dental arches.
- Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Step 3. Talk to your doctor about your overall health
Certain diseases or disorders, such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Behçet's disease, and other autoimmune conditions, can lead to increased oral ulcer formation. Ask your doctor for different ways to avoid them, taking into account your specific situation.
Step 4. Create a wax "hood" for sharp teeth or dental devices
Poorly aligned teeth, particularly sharp teeth, or dental devices, such as braces and dentures, can rub on the inside of the cheeks, irritating the canker sores. You can make a protective wax cap at home to relieve pain and prevent friction from forming on injuries.
- Melt a tablespoon of beeswax with two teaspoons of coconut oil. Once the substance has cooled, press a small amount onto the area of the tooth or dental device that is rubbing against the ulcer.
- If you wear braces, put enough wax on to create a real barrier and don't just press it in and around the brace.
Step 5. See your dentist to find a solution to teeth or fillings that are too sharp
If your ulcers are caused by sharp teeth or fillings that irritate the inner cheeks, you need to resolve the problem as soon as possible to find relief.
- Your dentist will tell you if you are a good candidate for tooth remodeling. If the enamel is too thin, any filling can cause temperature sensitivity and painful twinges.
- The doctor can "reshape" the teeth by removing small portions of enamel with an abrasive disc or a small diamond bur. He will shape and smooth the sides of the teeth with specific sandpaper and finally polish them.
Step 6. Reduce Stress
Some studies have found that high levels of stress lead to increased mouth ulcers. Try to incorporate relaxing activities into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Advice
- Don't chew the gum, as this can irritate the underlying tissues and inflame ulcers even more.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can cause or further aggravate mouth ulcers.
- Rest a lot; sleep is known to help the healing process.
Warnings
- Do not pinch or bite the lesions, otherwise you will only irritate the tissue, causing more pain and prolonging recovery time.
- If the ulcers last longer than three weeks, they could indicate a more serious underlying problem. If this is the case, contact your doctor.
- Read all warnings for any medications you take, as some are unsafe for children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, or those who want to have a baby.
- Some websites urge you to use lemon for ulcer pain relief, but most research has shown that the citric acid contained in the fruit may be more harmful than beneficial.
- If your ulcer is not painful but lasts more than a few days, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, as it may indicate a tumor in the mouth.
