Image Source: Karendental

These painful lesions, commonly called mouth sores, appear on the inside of the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and even on the roof or floor of the mouth.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers may develop due to various reasons; lack of vitamin B12, folate, zinc or iron, food sensitiveness to strawberries, pineapples and other acidic foods, use of toothpaste or mouthwash which contains sodium lauryl sulfate, bacterial, fungal or viral infections, any emotional stress, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and accidental biting of the cheeks are some of the causes.

Treating Mouth Ulcers

Though most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 7 to 10 days and do not need any special treatment, regularly occurring mouth ulcers or ulcers which are painful can be treated specifically. Try some natural products and get rid of your mouth ulcers.

• Coconut Milk

The healing properties of coconut are non-exhaustive. Coconut milk also does wonders when you have mouth ulcers.

• Grate a coconut and extract its milk. Now simply rinse your mouth with this milk three to four times daily.
• You can also mix a tablespoon of honey with the coconut milk and massage the ulcer with it.
• You can also massage the affected area with coconut oil.

• Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds have long been used as an Ayurvedic medicine and gives immense relief from mouth ulcers. Boil a teaspoon of coriander seeds in water, strain the water and rinse your mouth with this lukewarm water three to four times daily. This natural product helps you to get rid of mouth sores effectively.

• Baking Soda

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate are greatly beneficial for treating mouth ulcers which have been caused due to acidic foods and drinks as baking soda neutralizes the acid. It will cause a burning sensation but, will effectively remove germs and bacteria and reduce the inflammation.

• This simple natural remedy involves applying baking soda on the ulcer.
• You can also make a thin paste of baking soda with water and then apply it on the affected area several times during the day.

• Aloe Vera

Another very effective natural product to get rid of mouth sores is Aloe Vera, which helps to alleviate the pain, promotes healing of the ulcer and also acts as an antiseptic agent. Its many benefits also include antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties and hence are good for treating mouth ulcers. Take two tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel three times daily and see the results.

• Licorice Root

Licorice root, if applied to ulcers, forms a protective coating on the mucous membrane and soothes the open lesions. With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, the licorice root gives much relief from the pain and irritation caused by mouth ulcers. Crush one tablespoon licorice roots and soak it in two cups of water for 2 – 3 hours. Use this water to rinse your mouth continuously throughout the day.

• Basil leaves

The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties of basil are well-known. The basil leaves also help in speeding up the healing process for the mouth ulcers. Take four or five basil leaves and wash them thoroughly. Chew these leaves and then sip a little water. Repeat this process once in the morning and once in the evening daily and see the mouth sores disappear with these natural products.

• Hydrogen Peroxide and Sea Salt

Both these healing agents have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and also disinfectant properties. Take a glass of warm water and add two teaspoons of salt and 3% hydrogen peroxide to it. Use this solution to rinse your mouth several times in the day. Take care not to swallow any of the solution.

• Honey

Honey, which has both antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, can retain moisture and hence can provide you relief from mouth ulcers. The healing process of the mouth ulcers is accelerated with the use of honey.

• Dip a cotton swab in honey and pat the affected area with the cotton swab. If radiation therapy is the cause of the sores, then the use of Manuka honey brings relief.
• You can also mix a teaspoon of honey with 1/4^th teaspoon of turmeric and apply this paste on the blisters.

Consuming raw tomatoes, applying different mixtures like turmeric and glycerin, camphor and sugar candy, ice, milk of magnesia, damp tea bags or even plain yogurt on the ulcers are some of the many methods of treating mouth sores with natural products.

In addition to these natural remedies, take care not to eat spicy or acidic foods and always brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush using topical pastes.Take supplements of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, zinc and folic acid. Follow these simple methods and get rid of your mouth sores with natural products.