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Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are painful, small, round or oval lesions that appear on the soft tissues inside the mouth or beneath the gums. These superficial sores, also referred to as aphthous ulcers, differ from cold sores as they do not occur on the lips nor are they contagious. The exact cause of mouth ulcers remains unclear, but they can cause significant discomfort, making eating and speaking difficult.
Steps
Natural Pain Relief Methods
Determine how long to wait for the pain to subside. Several natural remedies are easy to apply and may use ingredients found in your own kitchen. However, some remedies, while simple to use, may require ingredients that are only available in specialty stores or involve more preparation time.
- Try different natural remedies to find the most effective one.
- Be cautious of food allergies or other sensitivities before trying home treatments. It may be advisable to consult with a doctor before using natural remedies.
Apply ice cubes to the ulcerated area. Although this provides only temporary pain relief, it is one of the quickest ways to ease discomfort. As the ice slowly melts on the ulcer, it numbs the area and reduces inflammation.
Prepare an antibacterial saltwater solution. Osmosis occurs when the concentration of salt inside the cells is lower than outside the cells. Water or excess fluids are drawn out of the cells, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Salt acts as an antiseptic, preventing bacteria from entering the ulcer and promoting healing.
- Alternatively, you can use a baking soda solution instead of saltwater. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of warm water.
Rinse with dried sage water. Sage has long been used for oral hygiene and healing mouth ailments. You can mix 2 teaspoons of dried sage in 120-240 ml of water and boil for about 10 minutes. Allow the water to cool, then rinse your mouth for about a minute. Spit the solution out, and rinse again with cold water.
- Another method is to place a handful of fresh sage leaves in 120-480 ml of water. Store it in an airtight glass container in a dark place for 24 hours. Afterward, remove the leaves and use the solution to rinse your mouth for about a minute.
Rinse with aloe vera to soothe the pain. Aloe vera is widely recognized for its sunburn-relieving properties, but it also helps alleviate the pain from mouth ulcers. You can mix one teaspoon of natural aloe vera gel with one teaspoon of water and rinse your mouth three times a day.
- It's best to use natural aloe vera gel.
- You may also try aloe vera juice as a mouth rinse.
Use coconut oil. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that help heal mouth ulcers while also providing pain relief. You can apply coconut oil directly to the ulcer using a cotton swab or clean fingers to reduce pain and promote healing.
- The oil may melt and slip off quickly, not staying on the ulcer long enough to reduce inflammation.
- If it's difficult to keep the coconut oil on the ulcer, you can add half a teaspoon of beeswax to thicken the oil.
- Coconut meat, whether fresh or dried, can also help relieve pain in a similar way.
Use Cayenne pepper “paste”. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the compound responsible for its spiciness. Capsaicin inhibits substance P, a neurotransmitter that controls the body's pain response. Mix a small amount of Cayenne pepper powder with warm water to create a paste, then apply it to the ulcerated area.
- Use this mixture 2-3 times a day for pain relief.
- Cayenne pepper also stimulates saliva production, which helps improve oral health and aids in ulcer healing.
Chew anti-inflammatory thyme leaves. Studies show that chewing thyme leaves effectively reduces inflammation, which helps to reduce swelling and pain from mouth ulcers. To relieve pain, chew 4-5 leaves of thyme four times a day.
- Chewing cloves and rinsing with clove juice is also beneficial.
Apply clove oil with a cotton swab. Clove oil has been shown to numb tissue effectively, much like benzocaine, a local anesthetic used by dentists in dental procedures. Soak a cotton swab in a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon olive oil and 4-5 drops of clove oil. Then, apply directly to the ulcer for 5-8 minutes to reduce pain.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water before and after applying this method to maximize its effect.
- Clove oil has a strong taste that may cause discomfort; accidentally swallowing too much may lead to side effects.
Use chamomile tea to soothe the pain. Chamomile tea contains bisabolol or levomenol, natural chemicals that help reduce inflammation and, in turn, alleviate pain. You can steep a chamomile tea bag in warm water for 1 minute, then apply the tea bag directly to the ulcer for 5-10 minutes, twice a day.
- Chamomile also helps calm the digestive system and reduce potential digestive issues that can contribute to mouth ulcers.
- Additionally, you can apply fresh sage leaves. Place a handful of fresh sage leaves in 120-240 ml of water, store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place overnight. Afterward, remove the leaves and crush them using a mortar and pestle. Apply the crushed sage directly to the ulcer for 5 minutes.
- Always rinse your mouth with clean water before using or applying herbs.
Use essential oils to create a numbing spray. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, with peppermint and eucalyptus also offering antibacterial benefits, which reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, essential oils help reduce swelling due to their natural astringent properties, which tighten the tissue around the ulcer. The cooling effects of essential oils provide mild numbing relief.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of olive oil or grapeseed oil, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 8 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Close the bottle and shake before use.
- Spray the mixture directly onto the ulcer as needed to relieve pain.
Pain relief with medication
Consult a doctor or pharmacist. A doctor, after reviewing your medical history, can help suggest appropriate treatments based on your specific condition. On the other hand, a pharmacist, as a medication expert, can assist in selecting over-the-counter pain relief medications.
- Always seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication to ensure safety.
- Keep all paperwork with the medication, including safety information, to review side effects and proper dosage.
Apply Milk of Magnesia directly to the ulcer. Applying Milk of Magnesia several times a day (as needed) can provide relief from pain. You can swish Milk of Magnesia or Maalox in your mouth to cleanse and protect the ulcer, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Additionally, use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste that does not contain foaming agents, such as Biotene or Sensodyne ProNamel.
Try Benzocaine topical application. This numbing agent is commonly used to relieve pain when children are teething, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend its use. However, when used in the correct dosage, you can apply Benzocaine gel to numb the area and alleviate ulcer pain.
- Avoid swallowing the medication when applied to the mouth or gums.
- Do not eat or drink for at least one hour after applying the medication.
- Although rare, this medication can cause life-threatening side effects known as methemoglobinemia, which reduces oxygen in the blood to dangerously low levels.
Use over-the-counter pain relief medication (approved). These medications contain ingredients proven to provide fast pain relief. Additionally, they help stimulate healing if applied as soon as the ulcer appears.
- Medications containing Benzocaine temporarily numb the ulcer area, soothing discomfort.
- Fluocinonide has anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce pain.
- Hydrogen peroxide, a common ingredient, acts as an antibacterial, preventing infection and promoting healing. However, do not use hydrogen peroxide alone.
Consult your doctor about prescription mouthwash to heal ulcers. Visit a doctor if you experience difficulty brushing your teeth or eating due to the pain caused by mouth ulcers. The doctor may prescribe a mouthwash that stimulates the healing process of the ulcers and alleviates pain.
- Antibacterial mouthwash helps kill bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may cause infection in the ulcer. Keeping your mouth clean promotes faster healing and lessens pain.
- Benzydamine, available as a mouthwash or spray, numbs the area and reduces inflammation to alleviate pain. Note that this mouthwash should not be used by children under 12 years old, and it should not be used for more than 7 days in adults.
Ask your doctor about stronger medications if you have multiple ulcers. These medications are usually a last resort, but the doctor may prescribe a mouthwash containing corticosteroids. These drugs have potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- These medications are not safe for children under 12 years old.
- Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of corticosteroid-containing medications.
Consult your doctor about cauterization treatments. If the ulcer is large and causing intense pain, you may inquire about the use of cauterizing medication. This procedure involves using a device or chemical to burn or destroy the affected tissue to speed up healing.
- Debacterol is a topical treatment used for mouth ulcers and gum problems, which can shorten the healing time to a week.
- Silver nitrate is another chemical that, while not accelerating the healing process, can provide pain relief from mouth ulcers.
Make lifestyle changes to reduce pain
Talk to your doctor about diseases or foods in your diet that might be causing mouth ulcers. Identifying the underlying causes can help determine the best pain relief therapy and prevent recurrence.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate, found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, may cause reactions in the mouth, leading to ulcers.
- Food sensitivities to items like chocolate, coffee, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, spicy or sour foods, and a diet lacking in vitamin B12, zinc, folate (folic acid), or iron can contribute to mouth ulcers.
Protect your mouth from injuries. Minor injuries inside the mouth, such as accidentally biting your cheek, sports accidents, or brushing too hard, can lead to tissue inflammation and ulcers.
- Wear a mouthguard when engaging in contact sports to prevent accidentally biting your cheek or other injuries caused by your teeth.
- Always use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Discuss your overall health with your doctor. Certain diseases and health conditions, such as Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, Behcet's disease, and other autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of mouth ulcers. In such cases, you should ask your doctor for advice on how to prevent these ulcers.
Use beeswax to protect sharp teeth or dental appliances. Sometimes, misaligned or sharp teeth, or dental devices like braces or dentures, can rub against the inside of your cheek, irritating the ulcer. Beeswax can help protect the ulcer from friction, reducing pain.
- Melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax and 2 teaspoons of coconut oil together. Allow the mixture to cool, then apply a small amount to the sharp tooth or dental appliance causing irritation.
- If you're wearing braces, use enough beeswax to create a true protective layer rather than just pressing the wax around the braces.
Visit your dentist for sharp or filling issues. You should see your dentist as soon as possible if a sharp tooth or dental filling is irritating the inside of your cheek and causing mouth ulcers.
- Your dentist will evaluate whether corrective measures can be taken. If the tooth enamel is too thin, a filling may cause temperature sensitivity and pain.
- The dentist may "file" the tooth using a polishing disk or a sharp diamond drill bit to remove small patches of enamel. They will shape and smooth the edges of the tooth and may provide you with a dental coating.
Reduce stress. Studies have shown that increased stress can raise the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers. Therefore, it's advisable to engage in regular relaxation activities, such as Yoga, meditation, or exercise.
Advice
- Avoid chewing gum as it may irritate the surrounding tissues, worsening the ulcer inflammation.
- Steer clear of foods and drinks that could potentially trigger or aggravate mouth ulcers.
- Get plenty of rest; a good night's sleep will support the healing process of mouth ulcers.
Warning
- Do not poke or bite the ulcer as it will irritate the tissue, cause more pain, and extend the healing time.
- Any mouth ulcer persisting for more than 3 weeks could signal a more serious underlying issue. In such cases, you should consult a doctor immediately.
- Read the accompanying warnings of medications, as some may not be safe for young children, pregnant women, women planning to conceive, or breastfeeding mothers.
- Some online sources suggest using lemon to relieve mouth ulcer pain. However, most studies indicate that the citric acid in lemon may do more harm than good.
- If the ulcer is painless but lasts for more than a few days, you should seek medical attention as it could be a sign of oral cancer.
