Mouth sores are white or yellow ulcers surrounded by a red halo. They usually appear in the mouth, lips, palate, gums and tongue for various reasons: stress, lack of vitamins and minerals, rubbing against braces, etc. Mouth ulcer also known as Canker sores, oral ulcers or recurrent canker sores, are lesions that occur in the mucosa of the mouth. Although they are common and, in most cases, not serious, they can be annoying and painful. Oral sores are one of the most common oral disorders, with a variable prevalence, but approximately 20% of the general population suffers from them at some point in their lives.

In this article, we will explain the causes of canker sores, their symptoms, and the proper treatment.

Causes of mouth ulcers

The exact causes of canker sores are not known for certain, but it is thought that they may be the result of several factors, such as:

• Food allergies.
• Oral trauma, such as biting the tongue or lips.
• Viral or bacterial infections.
• Hormonal changes, especially in women.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid.

Symptoms of mouth ulcers

Symptoms of canker sores can vary depending on the size and location of the lesion, but the most common ones include:

• Pain in the affected area.
• Sensitivity to heat or cold.
• Difficulty speaking, eating, or drinking.
• Inflammation and redness of the affected area.
• Burning or itching sensation.

Types of mouth ulcers

There are three types of canker sores, which differ in size, location and severity of symptoms:

• Minor canker sores : These are the most common type of canker sores and are usually less than a centimeter in diameter. They are found on the oral mucosa and are usually painful but do not pose a health risk. Minor canker sores tend to disappear within 7 to 14 days.
• Major canker sores : These are less common than minor canker sores and are usually larger, more than a centimetre in diameter. They are located at the back of the mouth and can be very painful, making it difficult to speak, eat and drink. Major canker sores can take weeks to heal and may leave scars.
• Recurrent aphthous stomatitis : This is a type of canker sore that is characterized by the appearance of multiple lesions in the mouth. They can be small or large and are located in different parts of the mouth, such as the tongue, palate or gums. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis can be very painful and affect the quality of life of people who suffer from it.

Treatment of mouth ulcers

Treatment for canker sores depends on the cause and severity of the injury. Some steps you can take to relieve pain and speed healing include:

• Mouthwash with antiseptic or anti-inflammatory solutions.
• Use of analgesics to relieve pain.
• Application of topical creams or gels containing anti-inflammatory or anesthetic ingredients.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate the affected area.
• Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene.

Home Remedies for Mouth Sores

Although they are very common and do not normally pose a serious health problem, the appearance of canker sores or mouth ulcers can become a painful and uncomfortable problem. These small white ulcers usually appear in the soft areas of the mouth, either due to hygiene problems, contagion, oral injuries or episodes of stress or fever. Although they usually go away on their own without the need for any treatment, their location makes them a rather uncomfortable incident.

That is why, in this new article we propose up to 12 home remedies for mouth sores and to speed up their disappearance and know how to cure mouth sores.

1) Gel or compress

These products are easily available in pharmacies without a prescription and, thanks to the gel they are made of, they prevent the sore from becoming irritated or continuing to grow, speeding up healing and avoiding friction.

Read the instructions or ask your pharmacist to find out how much gel to apply, how many times a day, or how often to change the pad to get good results

2) Mouthwash

Mouthwashes can always be a good complement to ensure good oral hygiene . With this in mind, we can rinse three times a day with our trusted mouthwash, but it is better if we use a mild one, on days when we have a sore to ensure that the small infection does not spread and ends up healing in less time.

3) Salt water

This homemade mouthwash for mouth sores is one of the most used, easy and effective remedies available for treating mouth sores. Salt dissolved in water is a perfect antiseptic that will help the sore to become cleaner and heal much faster than expected.

To do this, use regular kitchen salt, do not use Epsom salts or other types. You can do this as many times a day as you want, but do it at least 2 or 3 times a day .

4) Oral hygiene with a soft toothbrush

More than a remedy for mouth sores, this would be a measure to prevent the problem of mouth sores from getting worse. If you usually use a toothbrush with hard bristles and, by mistake, you brush the sore, you will end up with the wound remaining in your mouth for longer than necessary. Therefore, it is advisable to change to a soft toothbrush on those days to avoid accidents .

5) Vitamin B-12 supplements

This vitamin is capable of generating a large number of red blood cells and promotes the correct development of the nervous system, which is why it can help reduce the pain caused by sores and prevent new ones from appearing. You should take one a day to start noticing the effects

6) Chamomile tea with honey

Chamomile and honey have become two of the most common ingredients in home remedies, and this time they are no exception. The antiseptic properties of honey combined with the anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile make this combination a perfect solution to relieve the symptoms of sores, either with mouthwashes that you can swallow or spit out after letting the sore sit for a while, or by applying compresses directly, which you will have to change.

7) Good nutrition

During the days when you suffer from some type of sore, you should try to have a good diet rich in healthy nutrients that promote good recovery of the oral mucosa that suffers from the injury. In addition, you should avoid very acidic or spicy foods to avoid encouraging irritation in the area

8) Aloe Vera for Mouth Sores

Aloe vera is one of the plants with the most healing benefits and, above all, scar-healing properties , so it may be advisable, in case of pain or inflammation, to apply some type of aloe gel directly on the sore to promote healing.

9) Ice cubes

Although it does not help to heal the sore, ice is the ultimate anti-inflammatory, so if the pain of the sore becomes very strong and continuous, applying ice could numb the area and make it less swollen and less painful .

However, we should always be careful not to apply ice straight from the fridge, as it could stick to the skin or mucous membrane. Instead, wet it a little in water first and then apply it to the sore for a few seconds. Remove it and repeat if necessary, but never keep it on until it has completely melted

10) Clove oil

When we think about what natural remedy is good for mouth sores, we probably don’t think of this one directly, but it really is effective. Clove oil has pain-fighting properties, so it can be a good ally in case of mouth sores. First, clean the area well with salt water rinses or specific products and then 
apply clove oil with cotton , using gentle touches.

11) Baking soda

Baking soda is antiseptic , which helps speed up the healing process. That’s why it’s recommended to 
rinse your mouth 3 or 4 times a day . To do this, dissolve a tablespoon of baking soda in a cup of water and rinse well. Then wait several minutes before drinking water, eating or washing your mouth, so that the baking soda has the greatest effect possible.

12) Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has a very similar effect on sores to baking soda. However, it has a slightly more abrasive effect and, although it is effective, you will need to be able to tolerate the stinging after applying it better. Simply mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar with half a cup of water and rinse 2 or 3 times a day .

13) Vitamin C :

Vegetables such as peppers, broccoli and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C , which can help us get rid of mouth ulcers. Although a lack of this vitamin does not cause mouth ulcers, it does promote the appearance of swollen and bleeding gums.

14) Milk of Magnesia

This ingredient neutralizes acid, which means that it has the properties to change the pH of the mouth. The alteration in the pH levels of the mouth makes it difficult for bacteria to proliferate. Placing a little of this milk on the canker sores several times a day will help relieve the pain and eliminate them.

15) Coconut oil or coconut water

Contains lauric acid, which can help fight harmful bacteria in the body, helping maintain gum health and therefore the healing process.