How to Cure Mouth Ulcers Fast: Effective Home Remedies & Tips

TL;DR

• Mouth ulcers are small, painful lesions that develop inside the mouth.
• Home remedies like saltwater rinses, honey, baking soda paste, milk of magnesia, and chamomile tea can relieve pain and speed healing.
• Over-the-counter treatments such as topical anaesthetics, anti-inflammatory mouthwashes, and protective pastes offer extra relief.
• Avoid trigger foods, maintain gentle oral hygiene, manage stress, eat a balanced diet, and remain hydrated to prevent ulcers.
• See a dentist if ulcers are large, persistent, frequent, unusually painful, or accompanied by fever.

What are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores, are small, painful lesions that often appear on the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue. While they do not spread, they can make eating, drinking, and even talking very uncomfortable, which is why timely mouth ulcer treatment is often necessary.

Most ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks, but the discomfort during that time can be difficult to bear. If you’re looking for quick relief, this blog shares simple home remedies and practical tips on how to cure mouth ulcers effectively

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, several factors are known to trigger mouth ulcers:

• Minor Mouth Injuries: Biting your cheek by mistake, brushing too hard, or irritation from braces or dental work can all cause a mouth ulcer.
• Stress and Anxiety: Emotional stress is a significant trigger for many people. Studies have shown a link between mental stress and the recurrence of canker sores.
• Food Sensitivities: Certain foods can trigger ulcers in sensitive individuals. These often include acidic foods like citrus fruits, as well as chocolate, coffee, strawberries, and nuts.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: A lack of critical vitamins and minerals, notably B12, zinc, folate, and iron, can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers.
• Hormonal Changes: Some women find they develop mouth ulcers during certain times in their menstrual cycle.

5 Effective Home Remedies to Cure Mouth Ulcers

Many traditional home remedies can effectively soothe pain and promote healing. Here’s how to cure mouth ulcers at home:

1. Saltwater Rinse: Salt has antiseptic properties that help clean the area and reduce inflammation. Simply dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Gargle and rinse your mouth with the solution for about 30 seconds. Repeat this several times a day.
2. Honey: Honey is popular for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a small amount of organic honey directly to the ulcer a few times a day can help reduce pain, fight infection, and speed up healing.
3. Baking Soda Paste: A baking soda paste application on the ulcer can reduce surface irritation of the ulcer.
4. Milk of Magnesia: Commonly used as an antacid, milk of magnesia can also provide relief from mouth ulcers. It helps to neutralise acid and coats the sore, protecting it from irritation. Apply a small amount directly to the ulcer with a cotton bud three to four times a day.
5. ‍Chamomile Tea: A cold chamomile tea bag can be placed directly on the ulcer for a few minutes to soothe it.

Over-the-Counter Treatments to Cure Mouth Ulcers

If home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, your local pharmacy can offer several over-the-counter (OTC) options:

• Topical Anaesthetics: Gels and pastes containing benzocaine can numb the ulcer, providing temporary but effective pain relief, especially before eating.
• ‍Anti-inflammatory Mouthwashes: Medicated mouthwashes, such as those containing chlorhexidine, can help to reduce inflammation and prevent the ulcer from becoming infected.

How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers

Part of learning how to heal mouth ulcers fast is understanding the triggers. Making a few simple adjustments can go a long way in reducing how often they come back:

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Be careful about what you eat. If you notice that spicy, salty, or acidic foods trigger your ulcers, try to limit them.
• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush gently with a soft-bristle brush and floss daily to keep your mouth clean.
• Manage Stress: Stress is a notable trigger for ulcers, and it’s important (even for general wellness) to develop suitable methods of management. Relaxation can be improved through practices like yoga, meditation, and consistent exercise.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods like green vegetables, beans, and fortified cereals are excellent sources of iron, folate, and B vitamins.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your mouth moist and can aid the natural healing process.

When to See a Dentist 

While most mouth ulcers are a temporary nuisance, some situations require professional attention. We recommend you consult with a dentist if you experience:

• Unusually large or extremely painful ulcers.
• Ulcers that persist for longer than two weeks without healing.
• Frequent new ulcers appear before old ones have healed.
• Ulcers that are accompanied by fever, sluggishness, or swollen glands.

Conclusion

Dealing with mouth ulcers can be frustrating, but knowing how to cure a mouth ulcer effectively can make a big difference. The key is to find what works best for you while also taking proactive steps to prevent future outbreaks by identifying and avoiding your triggers.

If persistent mouth ulcers are troubling you, you can consult some of the most experienced North London dentists at Dental & Wellness London. We provide expert care and personalised solutions to help you manage your oral health more comfortably.

Our dental clinic, located in Islington, London, also offers a full range of wellness treatments, so you can feel confident in both your smile and overall wellbeing.

You can book an appointment online, call us on 02081274567, or stop by our clinic at 222 Essex Road, London N1 3AP.

FAQs

1. How to cure a mouth ulcer in one day?

Completely curing a mouth ulcer in one day is unlikely, but you can relieve pain and speed healing by rinsing with saltwater, applying a protective gel, avoiding spicy foods, and using over-the-counter topical treatments.

2. Can mouth ulcers indicate a serious condition?

Most mouth ulcers are harmless, but persistent, large, or recurring ulcers could signal underlying conditions like vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, immune disorders, or, rarely, oral cancer.

3. What foods cause mouth ulcers?

Avoid acidic, spicy, or rough-textured foods, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, nuts, and chips. They can irritate the mouth lining and trigger ulcers in sensitive individuals.

4. Which fruit is good for mouth ulcers?

Fruits high in vitamin C but low in acidity, such as bananas, papaya, and melon, can support healing without irritating the ulcer. 

5. Can stress cause mouth ulcers?

Yes, stress can trigger or worsen mouth ulcers by impacting the immune system and causing inflammation in the mouth.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546250/

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