Mouth Ulcer (Canker Sores)

Mouth ulcer (Aphthous stomatitis) is a shallow, grayish white pit with a red border which usually starts with burning pain or soreness. The ulcer tend to recur, but are not contagious. Some women develop them before menstrual period. Badly fitting dentures or careless tooth brushing can also cause mouth ulcer. Mouth ulcers are more likely to develop if you are run down or stressed. Rarely, a mouth ulcer may be due to cancer. A common mouth ulcer normally disappears within 1 or 2 week without treatment, but it can be very uncomfortable. Natural remedies reduce pain and help to heal the ulcer more quickly.

Mouth Ulcer Symptoms

• Shallow ulcer on tongue or on the inside of lip or cheek.
• Usually begin with a tingling or burning sensation.
• Sore may be small or large with a red border and a white or yellow center.
• Painful and swollen.
• Sore can make it hard to talk or eat.
• Minor canker sores heal without scarring in one to two weeks.
• Major canker sores may take up to six weeks to heal and can leave a scar.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcer

• Rinse your mouth: Rinse mouth several times a day with a little aloe vera juice.
• Aloe vera: Apply aloe vera gel or juice from inside of a cut aloe leaf directly onto the sore.
• Honey and turmeric: Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and rub it on the sore.
• Aloe vera: Take 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel three times a day.
• Tea tree oil mouthwash: Make a mouthwash by adding 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1/3 cup of water. Swish this mouthwash for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. This act as antiseptic mouthwash which helps to prevent secondary infection, and will also help to heal the sore. OR Make a salt water mouthwash by dissolving half teaspoon salt in 1 cup of water. Swish this mouthwash for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

Do’s for Mouth Ulcer

• Eat soothing foods such as yogurt, ice-cream, and custard.
• Sip cool water or other cooling drinks through a straw.
• Drink half cup of cranberry juice between meals.
• Use soft brush to clean your teeth.

Don’ts for Mouth Ulcer

• Avoid hot, spicy, and fermented foods, and hard foods such as toast, nuts.
• Avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, and alcohol.
• Try to avoid stress.

See Doctor

• Feel sick or have fever or have difficulty in swallowing.
• Have recurrent mouth ulcer.
• Many ulcers develop at the same time.
• Having mouth ulcer for longer than 15 days or it is getting bigger.

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