Mouth ulcers are common in the human body. They can appear for specific reasons, but are not normally associated with major problems.
Despite this, they are painful and can be uncomfortable when they appear in the mouth, making it difficult to eat, for example.
Understand below what canker sores are, what the main causes are and tips on how to avoid and treat them.
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What is a canker sore?
A canker sore is a small superficial ulcer that can appear in different places in the mouth, such as a canker sore on the tongue, a canker sore on the cheek or a canker sore on the lips .
Although common, mouth ulcers cause a lot of discomfort, especially when eating, as they can cause a burning sensation and be painful.
These small mouth ulcers are usually temporary and disappear naturally within a few days. If the problem persists for a long time, such as more than 15 days, it is important to see a doctor to determine if there is something more serious going on in the body.
How to treat mouth ulcers? 5 home remedies
Below, you will learn some natural and homemade tips that can be used to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers and also prevent them. See:
1. Essential oil for mouth ulcers: tea tree
Essential oils are natural options that have several functions and benefits for human health.
Each type of essential oil serves a specific purpose, such as Terra Brasil’s tea tree essential oil , which helps treat and prevent mouth ulcers. To do this, simply apply it topically to the affected area.
2. Black tea bag for mouth ulcers
Black tea contains tannins, a substance that is astringent and removes dirt . Therefore, applying a tea bag to the mouth ulcer helps to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the lesion.
To apply it correctly, simply make the tea as you normally would and when the tea is cold, apply just the tea bag on top of the mouth ulcer.
3. Salt on the canker sore and gargle with salt and water
Salt is a powerful antibacterial that helps eliminate bacteria, helping canker sores heal faster.
However, putting salt on a canker sore is not recommended. The idea behind this home remedy is that the salt can help dry out the canker sore. However, this can be quite painful and may even irritate the affected area further.
Therefore, the tip is to gargle with a little water and a teaspoon of salt, twice a day to disinfect your mouth.
Benefits of rinsing your mouth with salt water for mouth ulcers:
- Pain relief : Saline solution helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain associated with canker sores.
- Antiseptic properties : Salt has antiseptic properties that can help prevent secondary infections and promote healing of mouth ulcers.
- Reduce inflammation : Gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation of canker sores, speeding up the healing process.
How to gargle with salt water for mouth ulcers:
- Make a saline solution : Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Be sure to use non-iodized salt, as iodine can further irritate canker sores.
- Gargle : Take a sip of the saline solution and swish it gently for about 30 seconds, making sure the solution covers the area affected by the canker sores.
- Rinse your mouth : Spit out the saline solution after rinsing and repeat the process until the solution is gone.
It is recommended to rinse your mouth several times a day, especially after meals and before going to bed. Remember to never swallow this saline solution.
⚠️ Please note: gargling with salt water may provide temporary relief from mouth ulcer symptoms, but it is not a definitive treatment. If mouth ulcers persist for more than two weeks, if they become extremely painful, or if you notice other symptoms that are also concerning, it is advisable to schedule an appointment for an evaluation and guidance on appropriate mouth ulcer treatment.
4. Natural yogurt for mouth ulcers
You might be surprised by this tip, but eating natural yogurt can actually help treat mouth ulcers.
This happens because the ingredients in natural yogurt help maintain the health of the intestinal flora , which is responsible for our body’s defenses.
If our defenses are stronger, our body reacts better and heals these small ulcers more easily.
5. Cloves for mouth ulcers
Cloves have analgesic and antiseptic properties, which help clean the mouth ulcer and heal faster. In addition, cloves relieve pain in just a few minutes.
To do this, the tip is to chew 1 clove in your mouth for a few minutes and benefit from its effects.
How long does a canker sore last?
Mouth ulcers usually disappear quickly, within 5 to 15 days . Some factors can influence whether the healing process is faster or slower, hence the importance of the tips mentioned here.
If the mouth ulcer lasts for more than 15 days, it is recommended to see a doctor to check that it is not a bigger problem with the immune system .
It is important not to use methods that can worsen the condition of the canker sore, such as sodium bicarbonate, as it only increases the pain and intensifies the burning sensation, and its use is not recommended.
What causes mouth ulcers?
It is not possible to say with certainty what causes a canker sore; they occur for a number of reasons, such as when a person’s immune system is weakened .
Mouth ulcers can also be caused by anxiety and stress , being a physical manifestation of these problems in the body.
Additionally, they commonly appear when someone accidentally bites their mouth hard or suffers trauma to the area.
Finally, gastrointestinal and inflammatory diseases can also be related to the appearance of mouth ulcers.
Do orthodontic appliances cause canker sores?
Yes, wearing orthodontic appliances, such as fixed braces , can cause or contribute to mouth ulcers in some people. There are several reasons for this:
- Mechanical Trauma : Parts of the appliance, such as brackets or wires, can rub against the inside of the mouth (cheeks, tongue or lips), causing minor injuries. These injuries can develop into mouth ulcers, especially in predisposed individuals.
- Adjustments and Pressure : During regular adjustments to your appliance, the added pressure can cause irritation in your mouth, making it easier for mouth ulcers to develop.
- Oral Hygiene : The presence of orthodontic appliances can make proper hygiene difficult, making the mouth more susceptible to mouth ulcers due to the accumulation of bacteria.
- Materials : On rare occasions, some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain materials used in the devices, contributing to the appearance of mouth ulcers or other reactions.
- Stress : Using the device and making frequent adjustments can cause discomfort and stress to the patient. Stress is known to be one of the triggers for mouth ulcers in predisposed individuals.
Now that you know what it is, the causes and what to do to make it heal faster, you can take better care of your health.
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