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Mouth sores or canker sores are open white or yellow wounds or ulcers with a bright red area around them that can appear in any area of the oral cavity, such as the gums, the inside of the cheeks, the palate, tongue or lips. Many of them cause pain and discomfort, especially when eating or drinking and when they come into contact with the teeth or tongue. In general, they are not a serious health problem and usually disappear spontaneously after a few days.
In many cases, the causes of mouth sores are unknown or it is not known exactly what caused them to appear. In others, they appear due to factors such as those listed below:
- Biting or injuring the tongue or cheek.
- Aggressive dental cleanings or using very hard toothbrushes.
- Oral injuries from dental work.
- Orthodontics.
- Viral or bacterial infections.
- Weakened immune system and low defenses.
- Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the daily diet.
- Allergies to certain foods.
- Hormonal alterations
- Emotional stress and anxiety.
- Use of some drugs.
Likewise, the consumption of some foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar, coffee, tomatoes, strawberries, chocolate, etc., can promote the formation of canker sores and / or aggravate pain and discomfort.
Home remedies for mouth sores
There are a number of natural remedies that can help speed up the healing process of mouth sores and reduce the discomfort that these injuries can cause; Next, we show which ones offer the best results:
Mouth rinses with water and salt
Salt is an excellent natural antiseptic that in case of mouth sores will help to heal them more quickly, prevent infections and reduce discomfort.
How to use: you should only add ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 glass of warm water and rinse the preparation for 30 seconds, emphasizing the area where the injury is. The treatment should be repeated about three times a day to notice the improvement more quickly.
Mouth rinses with water and baking soda
Another of the best home remedies for mouth sores is to make mouthwashes with water and a little baking soda . This product, in the same way as salt, acts as a good antiseptic and accelerates the healing of canker sores.
How to use: add 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate in ½ glass of water and rinse your mouth with the mixture. You can also make a paste with the same amount of water and baking soda and apply the ointment directly on the sore, leaving a few seconds for it to take effect. Afterwards, the mouth should be rinsed with cold or lukewarm water.
Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera or aloe is a plant with soothing, antiseptic, regenerating and healing properties, and all of them are ideal for healing mouth sores naturally and quickly. By regenerating damaged tissues, the affected area will regain its original state in much less time.
How to use: mix 1 tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel with ½ glass of water and use the preparation as a mouthwash. Another option is to apply a little aloe vera gel directly on the sore.
Ice application
A very popular remedy that can also work well to relieve canker sore discomfort is applying ice to the affected area. The cold from the ice makes the area a little numb, reducing pain and inflammation.
How to use: wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth or cloth and place it directly on the injury. It is very important not to apply ice directly to the area, as this could cause burns and irritations.
Chamomile infusion
One medicinal herb that is very effective in treating mouth sores is chamomile. This is thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to its calming effects.
How to use: you should prepare an infusion of chamomile and use the liquid obtained to gargle about 3 times a day.
Other plants that, using them in the same way as chamomile, are also an excellent option to cure canker sores are calendula, thyme, sage, rosemary, burdock and goldenseal.
Tea tree oil
It is also possible to heal mouth sores naturally with the help of tea tree oil. This oil is a powerful bactericide, antiseptic and disinfectant that helps heal the skin and protect it from infections caused by different microorganisms.
How to use: you should dilute about 10 drops of tea tree essential oil in 1 glass of water and use the mixture to gargle about 3 times a day.
Peroxide
Due to its high disinfecting power, hydrogen peroxide can also work very well in the case of sores in the oral cavity. In addition, it helps soothe aches and pains and allows the affected tissue to regenerate more quickly.
How to use: moisten a cotton swab with a little hydrogen peroxide and apply to the canker sore about 3 times a day.
How to prevent mouth sores
- Take care of your diet and follow a diet rich in essential nutrients, since nutritional deficiencies can increase the chances of mouth sores appearing.
- Brush your teeth gently and use soft bristle toothbrushes.
- Avoid the consumption of very spicy or acidic foods, which can worsen the discomfort.
- Flossing after eating to keep your mouth cleaner, as well as a good mouthwash or mouthwash.
- Do not bite the “soft” parts of the mouth or press wounds with the tongue.
- Avoid putting objects in your mouth.
In the event that the sores in the mouth do not disappear on their own after 15 days, it is very important to consult with the doctor, in the same way as if these lesions appear accompanied by other symptoms such as fever , headaches, skin rashes or diarrhea.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.