Mouth Ulcer: Causes and Home Remedies

Mouth ulcer are an extremely common condition, estimated to affect 20 percent of the population.  These single or clustered, shallow, painful ulcers are found anywhere in the oral cavity (mouth).  Lesions are from 1 mm to 15 mm in diameter, have fairly even borders, and are surrounded by a reddened border and are often covered by a white membrane.  They usually resolve in 7 to 21 days

Mouth ulcers refer to the small white spot on the inside of the cheek, the tongue or clustered on the inner side of the lip. They are also known as canker sores. In severe cases the person is not able to drink and eat anything.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

The cause of Mouth Ulcers appears to be related to food sensitivities, stress and/or nutrient deficiency.  No single factor is known to be responsible for the initiation of mouth ulcers, therefore, addressing all the possible causes is highly recommended.

• Food sensitivity -   The oral cavity is the first site of contact for ingested and many inhaled allergens. A diet eliminating allergens has been shown to have good therapeutic results.

• Gluten - Another possible factor with recurrent mouth ulcers is sensitivity to wheat gluten found in wheat family grains.  Withdrawing gluten from the diet has shown positive effects in some patients.

• Stress -  is a precipitating factor in recurrent mouth ulcers, suggesting a breakdown in normal host protective factors, and therefore increased development of allergies.  There is also evidence that some patients with recurrent mouth ulcers are deficient in iron, folate, vitamin B12 and zinc or a combination of these nutrients.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

Take 4-5 leaves of holy basil and chew them in the morning and evening with water. This cures the mouth ulcers and prevents the bad smell from the mouth. This is very good home remedy for mouth ulcers.

Mouth Ulcers remedy - Intake of mulberry juice is also beneficial as it provides relief from mouth ulcers.

Massaging the gums with coconut milk and honey thrice a day is also beneficial mouth ulcers treatment.

Diet for mouth ulcers - Take 1 tsp of coriander seeds in 1 cup of water and boil to make slightly warm. Gargle 3-4 times a day. This is also effective home remedy for mouth ulcers.

Application of peppermint oil to the mouth ulcers gives relief from pain and irritation.

Diet for mouth ulcers - Daily intake of banana with curd in the morning also cures mouth ulcers.

Mix a pinch of turmeric powder to 1 tsp glycerine and apply this solution on ulcers. This is one of the effective and simple home remedies for mouth ulcers.

Make a solution of 2 oz hydrogen peroxide, 2 oz water, 1 tsp of salt and baking soda. Rinse the mouth with this solution but remember do not swallow that solution. This is also effective home remedy for mouth ulcers.

Gargling daily with Listerine prevents bad smell from the mouth and also mouth ulcers cures.

Application of any toothpaste on the area many times a day gives quick relief from mouth ulcers.

Make a paste of amla (Indian gooseberry) and apply on the ulcers 2-3 times a day. This is one of the effective home remedies for mouth ulcers.

Highly spiced foods, hot tea and coffee should be avoided.

Mix 1 tsp finely powdered Indian Gooseberry root bark with honey. Apply this to the affected areas. This is also effective home remedy for mouth ulcers.

Daily intake of tomatoes juice is also beneficial for the mouth ulcers treatment.

Apply hydrogen peroxide (1 part hydrogen peroxide and one part water) with a cotton swab on the ulcers. This is one of the effective natural remedy for mouth ulcers.

Gargle alternately with hot and cold water. This is one of the simplest mouth ulcers remedy.

Chew on 5-6 tulsi (holy basil leaves) and sip some water. Repeat 5-6 times a day. This is also one of the effective natural remedy for mouth ulcers. 

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