8 Home Remedies To Treat Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are the tiny red sores that develop in the mouth and stop you from living a full life. Every time you try to eat or drink anything, they hurt and put you in a state of discomfort. But don’t worry because Ayurveda is here to help you with some helpful and effective home remedies!

Mouth ulcers, also know as canker sores, are small lesions that are painful and generally appear on the tongue or on the lips. These may have several causes but are generally related to eating very acidic foods. So the first thing you should do is to stop eating this kind of food, especially acidic fruit. This will decrease irritation and allow your mouth to heal faster.

# Dab a bit of honey

Honey is a natural humectant, which means that this viscous substance locks in moisture and prevents it from escaping.

Honey can help keep the mouth hydrated and speed the healing process by adhering to the oral lining. What makes it even more effective is that it also exhibits significant antioxidant and antimicrobial activities without any adverse side effects.

How to use: Dip a clean cotton bud in honey and gently apply it to the affected area.

# Rinse with a licorice root mouthwash

Licorice root may help lubricate and soothe the irritated mucous membranes by forming a protective film over the open lesions.

Incorporating this healing agent in your regular oral care may help reduce the inflammation and pain associated with mouth ulcers.

Licorice root is also helpful in reducing the size of the mouth ulcer and promoting the overall healing process

# Use a cold compress

Cold therapy may ease ulcer-induced pain. The application of cold temperature helps desensitize the affected site and numb the burning pain for a temporary period.

How to use: Wrap an ice cube with a paper towel to make a cold compress. Hold this ice wrap over the lesion, but try not to exert too much pressure.

# Consume vitamins C and B

A study revealed that a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to mouth ulcers. Therefore, consuming a diet rich in vitamin B and C can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers.

# Increase zinc intake

Zinc and iron deficiencies can result in ulcers.

How to use:

- Increase your intake of zinc-containing foods such as lentils, chicken, tofu, oatmeal, shiitake mushrooms, and yeast.
- Use zinc mouthwashes for rinsing.
- Take zinc supplements upon consulting your doctor.

# Try a baking soda rinse

A mouth rinse containing sodium bicarbonate, commonly referred to as baking soda, may be beneficial for relieving oral ulcers caused by acidic foods or beverages.

This alkalizing agent can help neutralize the pH of your oral cavity and aid recovery, provided it is used with the required precautions.

# Use milk of magnesia

Milk of magnesia is a popular anecdotal remedy for treating mouth ulcers. It is suggested to help treatment due to its alkaline nature. However, there are no studies supporting this claim.

- Dab small amounts of milk of magnesia on the sore and wash after a few minutes.
- Use a mixture of milk of magnesia and Benadryl liquid allergy medicine as a mouth rinse.

# Use lysine

Lysine is an amino acid that has been anecdotally used for the treatment and prevention of ulcers. It is available in the form of pills and liquids.

However, since there is no scientific evidence to it, it is best to consult your doctor before using lysine for treatment.