Mouth ulcers are a common oral problem many people face from time to time, regardless of age. It is a sore that usually appears on your gum. But sometimes, they can also appear on your tongue, inside the cheeks, underneath the tongue, and upper palette. While these aren’t fatal, they can cause throbbing pain and be quite uncomfortable.
There are many reasons they appear, like accidentally biting your lip or cheek, an injury, an oral infection, and more. They can be very painful while eating or talking. They usually don’t cause lasting damage. There’s no magic bullet to heal these sores and in a clean mouth, they disappear on their own within a couple of weeks. But if they are causing you a lot of discomfort, you can often speed up the healing process by using medications we can prescribe for you. For those patients who want to stay away from medications, here are a few safe home remedies to try. (Some work better for some people, so if one doesn’t help, perhaps try another). Of course, it should go without saying that you need to keep your mouth clean. Be sure to keep your mouth clean to provide a good healing environment.
BAKING SODA PASTE
Baking soda is known to restore the pH balance and reduce inflammation that tends to come with mouth ulcers.
Make a paste by mixing some baking soda in water. Apply it on the ulcers with a Q-tip or other method and rinse it with water once it gets dried.
Repeat this process three times a day. Many people find relief with this method.
Alternatively, you can also dissolve 1 tsp of baking soda in ½ cup of water and swirl the solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat every few hours.
SALT WATER
Mix 1 Tbsp salt with 1 cup lukewarm water. Swish & gargle with it for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Do this every few hours. (This may sting a little).
Do not put salt directly on the ulcer-this can make it worse.
HONEY
Some studies have found that honey’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce pain and discomfort and reduce the number of days of pain and the size and redness of the ulcer.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple cider vinegar is another home remedy for mouth ulcers in mouth for adults. Keep in mind that an apple cider vinegar rinse may sting.
If it causes pain, you may want to try a different remedy.
In addition, vinegar is highly acidic and can damage tooth enamel, so it’s best to use this just once a day. Mix a teaspoon of the vinegar into a cup of water.
Swish the solution around your mouth for up to a minute. Then spit and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
MILK OF MAGNESIA
Milk of Magnesia contains Magnesium Hydroxide. It’s an acid neutralizer and a laxative.
When used orally, it changes the pH in your mouth and makes it more difficult for the ulcer to thrive.
It also coats it to help with irritation.
To use: Apply a small amount onto the sore. Let it sit for several seconds, then rinse. Repeat 3-4 times a day.
Although these remedies do typically work rather well when used at the early onset of a mouth ulcer, if they do not work for you, you may need a Prescription medication, which we help you with upon examination.
For mouth ulcers that do not go away within a few days, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to help determine the type and cause of it and to treat it accordingly.
If you are experiencing this, contact us here to schedule a complimentary consultation. We will help get your mouth back to a healthy state.
Schedule your appointment today – call us at 214-956-9100
