In Natural Remedies for Mouth Sores, I will share information that works, for some of the natural remedies that can be used to help with the pain mouth sores can cause.
Mouth sores which are frequently called canker sores or ulcers, can really be a pain, in well, the mouth!
Mouth sores can be caused by many different things and can be known by many different names.
Just a few of the causes of mouth sores are:
- small oral ulcers
- gingivitis
- vitamin deficiencies
Most mouth sores are harmless and can be treated at home. In this article, I’ll share with you some of the natural remedies for mouth sores that I have found.
Causes of Mouth Sores
Mouth sores can be caused by a number of things. Some of the causes are more common than others.
According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some of the common causes/triggers of mouth sores (canker sores):
- Accidentally biting your cheek or lip
- A minor injury from dental work
- Toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain the ingredient Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Food sensitivities, especially spicy and acidic foods
- Lacking vitamins, such as B-12, zinc and iron in your diet
- Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that can cause peptic ulcers
- Hormonal shifts during "that time" of the month
- Emotional Stress
Prevention of Mouth Sores
One of the first natural remedies for mouth sores is prevention.
Canker sores often recur, but you may be able to reduce their frequency by following these tips:
- Watch what you eat - Try to avoid foods that seem to irritate your mouth. These may include nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits, such as pineapple, grapefruit and oranges. Avoid any foods to which you're sensitive or allergic.
- Choose healthy foods - To help prevent nutritional deficiencies, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Follow good oral hygiene habits - Regular brushing after meals and flossing once a day can keep your mouth clean and free of foods that might trigger a sore. Use a soft brush to help prevent irritation to delicate mouth tissues, and avoid toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Protect your mouth - If you have braces or other dental appliances, ask your dentist about orthodontic waxes to cover sharp edges.
- Reduce your stress - If your canker sores seem to be related to stress, learn and use stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation and guided imagery.
- Get plenty of sleep - This goes a long way in helping reduce stress and allowing your body to rejuvenate and handle the stress you are under.
Natural Remedies for Mouth Sores
There are several natural remedies for mouth sores that can be used. As with many natural solutions of this type, one or more may work better for you than the others.
Probably the most difficult is to leave the mouth sore alone and not play with it. It is amazing how your tongue naturally goes to it. Leaving it alone will allow it to heal!
Here are some natural remedies for mouth sores that I have had success with:
- Eat yogurt and hold a small amount on the canker sore. It is easy to learn how to make yogurt and if it is the bacteria h. pylori that is causing the canker sore, yogurt just might help! (1)
- This is one I have found especially helpful - hold a small amount of a high alcohol distillate on the ulcer. It burns like crazy but not only kills germs but seems to help it go away.
- Honey and especially raw local honey. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. It is effective in reducing canker sore size, pain and redness. It also may help prevent a secondary infection. (2)
- Coconut oil has antimicrobial abilities like honey. It may help with canker sores that are caused by bacteri. Coconut oil is also a natural anti-inflammatory and may help reduce redness and pain. (3)
- Rinsing your mouth out, a few times a day can help. Use a salt water, echinacea or a baking soda rinse. You can make this by dissolving 1 teaspoon of salt, echinacea or baking soda into ¼ cup of warm water. Swish in mouth for 2 -3 mins and spit out or swallow. Echinacea is known for its wound-healing and immune boosting properties and it may help not only hasten the healing of canker sores but also prevent them.
- You can dab a small amount of milk of magnesia onto the sore. Used orally, milk of magnesia can help change the pH in your mouth so the bacteria which causes the canker sore is not able to thrive. It can also help with the irritation and help relieve pain. (4)
- Avoid eating abrasive (crackers, chips) and spicy foods.
- Zinc Lozenges have been reported to help.
- Eating cold foods or sucking on popsicles can ease the irritation.
How Long Do Mouth Sores Last?
Mouth sores often go away in 10 to 14 days, even if you do not do anything.
But, unfortunately, they sometimes last up to 6 weeks. This occurs especially if you play with it or continue to eat sharp edged foods like chips.
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When Should I Be Concerned About Mouth Sores?
There are several warning signs for which you should seek medical attention - see a doctor - as there may be an underlying cause of the mouth sore. These include:
- A spot or sore that doesn't begin to heal after 10 days.
- Difficulty using your mouth or throat normally.
- A white or red patch or a lump on your gums, tongue, tonsils or on your mouth lining that doesn't go away.
- Painful, tender or numb mouth or tongue.
- A color change inside your mouth.
As always, if something seems out of the ordinary or seems to last longer than it should, please seek the help of a licensed medical professional.
What Are Your Natural Remedies for Mouth Sores?
Leave a comment - I would love to hear!
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