Most people have experienced uncomfortable mouth ulcers at some point in their lives. Even though a mouth ulcer is normally harmless, it can cause pain that may lead to a person being unable to chew properly and later losing appetite.
These little mouth sores usually appear on the inside of the lip, the cheeks, the tip of the tongue and sometimes in the floor of the mouth. Even though the sore usually disappears on its own, you may try remedies if it is getting more painful. Below are home remedies shared by mouth freshener brand Colgate that may assist when suffering from mouth ulcers.
1. Salt Water
A saltwater rinse may help dry out mouth ulcers. Dissolve one teaspoon of regular household salt in half a cup of warm water and swirl the solution around your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds before spitting it out. You can continue to rinse with salt water every few hours if needed.
2. Clove Oil
Mouth ulcers can be painful, and clove oil has been known to provide relief for mouth pain. A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry reports that a herbal dental gel made primarily of clove oil successfully manages pain when applied to the irritated part of the mouth. You can buy a bottle of clove oil at your local pharmacy.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera may reduce the pain caused by mouth ulcers and speed up the healing process. Apply gel from the plant directly to the mouth ulcer or drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vera may also treat other oral ailments, like chapped lips and cold sores.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is antimicrobial and fights against some of the harmful strains of bacteria in the mouth. Swishing a tablespoon of coconut, sesame or other edible oil in the mouth is an ancient practice known as oil pulling. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine finds that swishing coconut oil daily reduces plaque and that the oil’s lauric acid helps with sores.
Also see: 6 Natural remedies for a sore throat