Mouth ulcers may be small, but their discomfort is enormous. They can cause everything from difficulty eating to discomfort when speaking, and can make every bite a challenge.
Fortunately, we have effective and affordable home remedies at our disposal to relieve pain and speed up recovery, as detailed by pharmacist Meritxell Martí.
What are mouth sores?
The well-known and bothersome sores are also known as canker sores or mouth ulcers, and are small, rounded lesions that appear on the mucous membrane of the mouth.
“They can appear anywhere in the mouth: from the inside of the lips or cheeks, to the tongue, gums, palate… They are ulcers with a yellowish-white center, and they are painful, but they are not contagious,” explains the pharmacist, the driving force behind Farmacia Meritxell.
Why do mouth sores appear?
As the expert explains, there are many reasons why mouth ulcers can appear, with very different causes and varying degrees of severity. She summarizes some of the most common ones:
They usually appear when there’s a drop in the immune system, whether or not it’s related to fatigue or stress. They’re very common in students before exams or, in general, during stressful times.
Due to accidental chafing or biting. These are common, for example, when wearing braces.
Due to the consumption of acidic, spicy foods, erosive substances, pineapple, vinegar, coffee, or some nuts.
Due to hormonal changes. Some women, for example, experience them during their menstrual cycle.
Due to a deficiency in vitamins B12, iron, and folic acid. Zinc deficiency can also lead to poor oral mucosa, especially when combined with a poor diet.
Autoimmune diseases and gastrointestinal problems, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease.
What home remedies are good for sores?
First, Meritxell Martí clarifies that we should keep in mind that mouth ulcers usually disappear on their own within 7 to 14 days, provided there are no other underlying problems. With this in mind, she summarizes some tips and home remedies that can help treat mouth ulcers once they appear.
Foods to avoid
First of all, it’s not a home remedy per se, but it’s a very useful recommendation: you should avoid irritating, very spicy, acidic, or very hot foods.
Gels with hyaluronic acid
To avoid pain, there are gels with hyaluronic acid, which also usually contain some antiseptic and/or anesthetic content.
These gels typically have a cohesive base, which helps protect against friction and promotes faster healing of the sore, as the gel adheres better to the mucous membrane. “It’s like a dressing; it doesn’t dissolve easily with saliva,” explains the expert, who adds that cohesive gels often contain ingredients that can also be useful in home remedies. These include, for example, aloe vera, mallow, licorice, and chamomile.
Rinses with chamomile, sage, or salt water
Rinsing is the most common home remedy that can be effective and easy to use, with ingredients such as chamomile or sage.
Saltwater rinses are also effective. Simply make an infusion, let it cool, and rinse several times a day. Licorice can be used as a rinse, but you can also chew the dried root, as it is antimicrobial and soothing.
Pure honey
Apply pure honey directly to the sore, as it will be antibacterial and promote healing; Manuka honey is preferable. In some countries, propolis extract is used directly on the sore, or a few drops are applied, because it is antibacterial.
Baking soda and water
The expert explains that we can also apply a paste prepared with baking soda and water, which will help it heal.
Ice cubes
“You can use ice cubes. If you apply them or suck on them, you take advantage of the fact that the cold relieves pain and reduces inflammation, although this remedy is only temporary,” the expert explains.
Fresh garlic
Fresh garlic can be applied directly to the sore. Although it may sting and be somewhat uncomfortable, garlic acts as a disinfectant.
Aloe vera
Finally, you can also apply aloe vera gel directly, which will be regenerative and help soothe.
