Mouth blisters their causes and treatment

Why Do Mouth Ulcers Occur? Causes and Remedies

Occasionally, you may experience sudden irritation inside your mouth, making it difficult to eat spicy foods. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop inside the mouth. Although generally harmless, they can cause significant discomfort, especially when eating or drinking. While they usually heal on their own within a week or so, understanding their causes and exploring various treatments can help speed up recovery and prevent future occurrences.

There are several potential causes for this:

• Drinking something too hot can burn the inside of your mouth.
• A high fever can also lead to mouth irritation.
• Excessive internal heat, often related to digestive issues, can result in mouth ulcers.
• Consuming highly acidic foods regularly can cause inflammation and ulcers inside the mouth.
• Chronic constipation, leading to gas and acidity, can also trigger mouth ulcers.
• Hormonal changes may contribute to the development of ulcers inside the mouth.
• Deficiencies in essential nutrients like Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, or iron can lead to ulcers.
• A lack of Vitamin E is another factor; daily Vitamin E capsules can help. To treat ulcers, pierce a capsule and apply the liquid directly to the affected area. This forms a protective coating over the sores, preventing infection and promoting faster healing.
• Stress or mental strain can also cause mouth ulcers.
• Allergies or infections may inflame the inside of the mouth.
• Overly aggressive brushing can damage the mouth’s inner lining, leading to ulcers.

Natural Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers typically heal within six to seven days. Here are some simple remedies to accelerate healing:

Effective Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
While mouth ulcers generally heal on their own, several remedies can help alleviate pain and speed up the healing process:
1.   Over-the-Counter Gels: Anesthetic gels like benzocaine can numb the area and reduce pain. Antiseptic mouthwashes can prevent bacterial infections and promote healing.
2.   Saline Rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water helps cleanse the mouth, reduce bacteria, and accelerate healing. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse gently.
3.   Baking Soda Paste: As mentioned earlier, a paste made from baking soda and water neutralizes acidity in the mouth and acts as an antibacterial agent, promoting faster healing of ulcers.

Baking Soda
Baking soda is highly effective for reducing acidity in the body. However, excessive use can remove too much acid, which might lead to kidney stones. Baking soda helps eliminate bacteria and reduces mouth infections and acidity. To treat mouth acidity, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse. Alternatively, create a paste and apply it directly to the ulcers.

1.   Coconut Oil: With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, coconut oil can not only ease the discomfort but also prevent infection of the ulcers. It also helps maintain moisture in the mouth, reducing irritation.

Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties. Apply it directly to the ulcers for relief. Drinking coconut oil also helps cool the body, preventing further ulcer formation.

If the ulcers are caused by digestive heat or constipation, using psyllium husk can help reduce body heat. Poppy seeds (khuskhus) are also effective in lowering body temperature.

For immediate pain relief, place an ice cube inside the mouth or mix licorice powder with honey and glycerin and apply to the sores. A mixture of licorice powder and turmeric in warm milk can also help heal mouth ulcers.

1.   Honey: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, honey can be applied directly to ulcers to soothe pain and prevent infection.

2.   Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has powerful healing properties. Applying its gel directly to the sores helps reduce pain, inflammation, and promotes faster recovery.

3.   Licorice Root Extract: Licorice root, particularly in its deglycyrrhizinated form (DGL), has been found to speed healing and reduce discomfort when applied to ulcers or used in mouth rinses.

4.   Ice Cubes: Applying ice or cold compresses to the ulcer can numb the pain and reduce swelling. This is especially useful for immediate relief.

5.   Turmeric: Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be mixed with water or honey to create a paste that can be applied to ulcers to reduce pain and swelling.

Dietary Adjustments to Prevent Mouth Ulcers

• Increase Vitamin Intake: Ensure a diet rich in Vitamins B12, B6, C, and folate, as deficiencies in these nutrients often lead to ulcer formation.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water helps reduce acidity in the body and keeps your mouth moist, which can prevent the formation of sores.
• Avoid Irritants: Spicy, acidic, or sharp-edged foods (such as chips) should be limited during a mouth ulcer episode, as they can exacerbate pain.
• Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can help balance the bacteria in your mouth and digestive system, reducing the frequency of ulcers.

Preventive Measures

1.   Good Oral Hygiene: Regular, gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps keep the mouth clean without causing unnecessary irritation. Flossing regularly also helps reduce bacterial buildup that can trigger ulcers.

2.   Stress Management: Since stress is a known trigger for mouth ulcers, incorporating stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, yoga, or meditation into your routine can lower the risk of outbreaks.

3.   Avoid Trigger Foods: If you notice that certain foods trigger your ulcers, such as spicy, acidic, or allergenic foods, reducing their consumption can help prevent future occurrences.

4.   Boost Immune Health: A strong immune system is key to preventing mouth ulcers. Eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and staying physically active all contribute to better immune health.

When to See a Doctor

While most mouth ulcers are harmless and resolve on their own, there are times when medical intervention is necessary. Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Ulcers persist for more than two weeks.
• They recur frequently or are unusually large.
• You experience other symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes.
• The pain becomes unbearable despite home remedies.

Chronic or severe ulcers may indicate an underlying health issue, such as an autoimmune disorder or gastrointestinal disease, that requires professional treatment.

Mouth ulcers, though common, can be painful and disruptive to daily life. Understanding their causes and employing a combination of natural and medical remedies can help manage symptoms effectively. By maintaining good oral hygiene, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and managing stress, you can reduce the likelihood of recurrent ulcers and ensure faster healing when they do occur.