Mouth Ulcer (Canker Sores/Aphthous stomatitis)

Mouth ulcer is a shallow, grayish white pit with a red border which usually starts with burning pain or soreness. The ulcer tend to recur, but are not contagious. Some women develop them before menstrual period. Badly fitting dentures or careless tooth brushing can also cause mouth ulcer. Mouth ulcers are more likely to develop if you are run down or stressed. Rarely, a mouth ulcer may be due to cancer. A common mouth ulcer normally disappears within 1 or 2 week without treatment, but it can be very uncomfortable. Natural remedies reduce pain and help to heal the ulcer more quickly. 

Home Remedies

• Rinse mouth several times a day with a little aloe vera juice.
• Apply aloe vera gel or juice from inside of a cut aloe leaf directly onto the sore.

• Make a mouthwash by adding 10 drops of tea tree oil in 1/3 cup of water.
     Swish this mouthwash for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. This act as
     antiseptic mouthwash which helps to prevent secondary infection, and will 
     also help to heal the sore. OR Make a salt water mouthwash by dissolving
     half teaspoon salt in 1 cup of water. Swish this mouthwash for about 30  
     seconds, and then spit it out.

• Mix 1 teaspoon of honey with 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and rub it on the
     sore.

• Take 2 tablespoon aloe vera gel three times a day.

Do’s

• Eat soothing foods such as yogurt, ice-cream, and custard.

• Sip cool water or other cooling drinks through a straw.

• Drink half cup of cranberry juice between meals.

• Use soft brush to clean your teeth.

Don’ts

• Avoid hot, spicy, and fermented foods, and hard foods such as toast, nuts.

• Avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, and alcohol.

• Try to avoid stress.

See Doctor                                    

• Feel sick or have fever or have difficulty in swallowing.

• Have recurrent mouth ulcer.

• Many ulcers develop at the same time.

• Having mouth ulcer for longer than 15 days or it is getting bigger.