How to heal mouth inflammation

Understand mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers are a common cause of mouth inflammation. They vary in size, shape, and are caused by many different factors. Mouth ulcers can be caused by canker sores, cold sores, yeast infections, smoking, medication, fungal infections, trauma, and several other conditions.

• See a doctor or dentist if the ulcer is painful and lasts longer than 10 days.

Avoid certain foods and drinks. Mouth ulcers can cause pain and may last for 5-14 days. Steering clear of specific foods and drinks can aid in healing inflammation, reduce pain, and shorten the duration of mouth sores. To minimize irritation, it's recommended to avoid hot foods and drinks, salty, spicy foods, or citrus fruits, as they may worsen the irritation in the mouth tissues.

• Foods to avoid include hot tea and coffee, spicy red chili, dishes with cayenne pepper or chili powder, salty soups or broths, and fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.

Treating mouth ulcers caused by smoking. Smoking-related mouth ulcers are known as canker sores. These ulcers typically heal after reducing or quitting all tobacco products. If you continue smoking, the sores will take longer to heal and may recur.

Care for mouth ulcers caused by yeast infections. Oral yeast infections can lead to thrush, which occurs when the Candida fungus (responsible for genital yeast infections) appears in the mouth. Thrush can cause inflammation and pain in the mouth, leading to mouth ulcers. You need to take medication prescribed by a doctor to treat yeast-induced mouth inflammation.

• These medications can be given to healthy adults and children for 10-14 days in lozenge, liquid, or tablet form. Children and adults with weakened immune systems may need different treatments.

Managing mouth ulcers caused by medications. Some medications, like cancer treatments, can lead to mouth ulcers. These drugs target rapidly growing cells but don’t specifically target cancer cells, which means they can also destroy cells in the mouth (which regenerate quickly). The ulcers can be very painful and may last longer than 2 weeks.

• It may be necessary to use pain-relief medication directly on the mouth ulcers to reduce discomfort from medication. These pain relievers numb the mouth, so be cautious when eating or brushing your teeth after applying the medication.

General care for mouth ulcers. If the cause of your mouth ulcers is unclear, you can follow some general guidelines to ease pain and discomfort. In addition to specific treatments for different types of mouth ulcers, you can:

• Use a coating agent to protect the ulcer and reduce pain during eating and drinking.
• Avoid sharp or crunchy foods such as crackers or chips.
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption, as it can irritate mouth ulcers. Also, refrain from using mouthwashes or sprays that contain alcohol.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals and cut food into smaller pieces to minimize mouth irritation.
• Consult your doctor about using cotton swabs to reduce physical irritation if brushing your teeth is difficult.

Take pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain medications can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by mouth ulcers. Medications such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be taken. While these drugs won’t cure mouth ulcers, they will help manage the pain while the ulcer heals.

• You can also use topical pain relievers like Anbesol for pain relief.
• Follow the dosage instructions when giving pain relievers to children and adults.

Treating mouth ulcers with over-the-counter medication. Several medications are available to support the treatment of mouth ulcers. Corticosteroid ointments like Triamcinolone or Orabase can be used to treat sores in the mouth or gums. Blistex and Campho-Phenique help alleviate pain caused by canker sores and mouth ulcers.

• These medications are most effective if applied at the first signs of a mouth ulcer.

Taking prescription medication. For more severe mouth ulcers, prescription medications may be necessary. A doctor might prescribe medications like Zovirax or Denavir to shorten healing time for mouth ulcers by half a day. These medications also help relieve pain caused by inflammation.

• If you have severe canker sores, a doctor may prescribe antiviral creams such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or Famciclovir to treat mouth ulcers caused by the HPV (Herpes Simplex Virus).

Understanding gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease are conditions characterized by irritation and infection of the gum tissues, causing inflammation and pain. Gingivitis occurs when plaque is not properly removed from teeth, allowing harmful bacteria to irritate the gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Periodontal disease may cause gums to detach from teeth, forming pockets that are susceptible to infection.

• Harmful bacteria and the body's natural immune response can break down the connection between the gums and bones, leading to inflammation and pain.

Controlling infection. Treatment for gum infections caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease will depend on the severity of the condition. The main goal is to control the infection, which is the trigger for inflammation. Treatment includes proper daily oral hygiene:

• Use dental floss every day.
• Brush your teeth twice daily.
• Limit alcohol consumption and reduce the use of mouthwash.
• Reduce sugar intake.

Treating infection. To treat an infection, your dentist will remove plaque through a deep cleaning procedure. Once the plaque is removed, the gums will bleed and swell less, but you must continue with thorough oral hygiene at home.

• If the infection progresses, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and, in turn, the inflammation.
• If cleaning and medications do not work, surgery may be recommended to clean beneath the gum line and help regenerate bone and connective tissue.

Understanding tooth decay. Tooth decay is the result of infection that causes permanent damage to the hard surface of teeth. Excessive snacking, sugary drinks, poor oral hygiene, and natural bacteria in the mouth can increase the risk of decay. Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems worldwide and affects people of all ages.

Treating tooth decay. Inflammation and discomfort caused by tooth decay will only heal once the decayed area is filled. To treat decay, your dentist will perform a filling. Filling materials may be made from tooth-colored composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam (silver).

• Amalgam fillings contain mercury but are still deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, if you are allergic to any components of amalgam (silver, tin, copper, or mercury), you could experience irritation. It is essential to discuss any allergies with your dentist.
• If the decay advances, you may need a crown, a custom-made cover for the tooth. Root canal therapy may also be required to restore or preserve a damaged or infected tooth instead of extracting it.
• If the damage is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted. In that case, a dental implant or bridge may be needed to prevent other teeth from shifting.

Oral care during braces treatment. Braces are a method used by orthodontic professionals to straighten or align teeth. Braces consist of various components that can irritate the mouth, and the brackets and wires may trigger the development of canker sores. Rinsing with warm saltwater multiple times a day can help reduce inflammation and speed up the healing of mouth sores. Additionally, you should:

• Eat soft foods to minimize irritation to inflamed tissues.
• Avoid spicy foods, alcoholic beverages, mouthwash, and sharp foods such as chips and crackers.
• Mix baking soda with water and apply the paste to the canker sore.

Drink water. Staying hydrated is beneficial for healing mouth inflammation, especially from canker sores. Water helps alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation and combats infection. You can also use saltwater to ease pain and accelerate recovery from mouth sores.

• To make saltwater, add a generous amount of salt to warm water and stir well. Swish the saltwater in your mouth, especially letting it reach the sore. After a minute, spit it out and continue swishing until the entire cup is used.

Apply aloe vera. Aloe vera has natural healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains saponins, which act as antibacterial agents. Aloe vera also soothes and reduces pain from inflammation. How to use aloe vera:

• Prepare an aloe vera leaf, cut it lengthwise, and extract the gel inside to apply directly to the inflamed area. For best results, apply aloe vera gel three times daily.
• You can also purchase ready-made aloe vera gel for oral use. Apply the gel directly to the affected area three times a day for optimal results.
• It’s best to avoid swallowing the aloe vera gel.

Hold ice cubes. Cold water and ice cubes can help reduce pain and inflammation in the mouth. The mechanism works similarly to applying ice to a sore knee—cold temperatures reduce blood flow to the injured area, which in turn reduces swelling and alleviates pain. How to use ice cubes for mouth inflammation:

• Hold ice cubes, ice cream, or shaved ice in your mouth.
• Drink or swish with cold water in small sips.
• Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the inflamed area.

Use tea tree oil. Tea tree oil possesses natural antibacterial properties that help eliminate harmful bacteria. It also aids in controlling infections and speeds up the healing process for inflamed areas. Tea tree oil is particularly beneficial in treating inflammation caused by gingivitis and periodontitis. Rinsing your mouth with tea tree oil is the most common way to treat mouth inflammation.

• To prepare the mouthwash, add 10 drops of tea tree oil to 1/3 cup of water. Swish the diluted oil around your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow the oil. Follow up with a rinse of clean water.

Preventing mouth ulcer recurrence. Mouth ulcers are triggered by Arginine, an amino acid found in foods like walnuts, chocolate, sesame seeds, and soybeans. Therefore, avoiding these foods can help prevent mouth ulcers. Instead, you should consume foods rich in Lysine, which counteracts the effects of Arginine. Foods high in Lysine include red meat, pork, poultry, cheese, eggs, and brewer's yeast. Pay particular attention to the balance between Lysine and Arginine to prevent mouth ulcer flare-ups.

• You can also take Lysine supplements daily. The dosage may vary depending on individual factors, so it is best to consult a doctor.

Inhibit yeast infections. You can prevent yeast infections by brushing your teeth daily, flossing once a day, reducing or avoiding mouthwash, and not sharing utensils that might spread yeast from one person to another. If you have diabetes or wear dentures, it's essential to maintain good oral hygiene as these can be contributing factors to yeast infections.

• Limit sugar consumption or foods that contain yeast, as yeast needs sugar to grow. Foods containing yeast include bread, beer, and wine—all of which promote yeast growth.

Seek medical assistance. A persistent mouth ulcer might not simply be an ordinary canker sore. If the ulcer lasts for an extended period, it could indicate cancer or an uncontrollable growth of cells invading surrounding tissues. Oral cancer can occur in the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, cheeks, soft and hard palates. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

• Pay special attention if you notice any lumps or thickening of oral tissues, non-healing mouth ulcers, white or red patches in the mouth, tongue pain, tooth loss, difficulty chewing, jaw pain, throat pain, or a sensation of something stuck in the throat.
• Immediate medical intervention is necessary for the treatment and healing of oral inflammation caused by such stimulating factors. The treatment process may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.