October 27, 2010

Mouth Ulcers: Remedies and Causes

Posted in Category : Common Ailments

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are a common problem affecting people of all ages, including children. These sores are usually found on the tongue, gums as well as the inside of the lip and the cheek. Although in most cases, mouth ulcers are not a cause for concern, they can be quite painful and disconcerting, as they cause a burning and tingling sensation in the mouth, before they burst. What makes them even worse, is the fact that they usually appear in clusters. There could be several factors that lead to mouth ulcers such as hereditary, stress, skin diseases, food allergies, bowel problems, hormonal imbalance, excessive consumption of spices, viral infections and nutritional deficiencies, to name a few. The main causes of mouth ulcers in children are lack of dental hygiene, injuries and following an unhealthy diet. Apart from the pain, there are other signs and symptoms of mouth ulcers, such as bad breath, the production of too much saliva, difficulty in eating, drinking and talking, as well as mild fever. Although there are a few mouth ulcers treatment options, it is more common for people to use home remedies for mouth ulcers for relief from the pain and discomfort.

Most people prefer using home remedies for mouth ulcers over commercial mouth ulcers treatment options. This is because the home remedies for mouth ulcers are a lot more economical but are as effective as commercial products and they rarely ever have any side effects. Given below are some of the most effective home remedies for mouth ulcers:

  • Apply some peppermint oil directly on the ulcers to reduce the pain and irritation
  • Rinse the mouth with a cup of lukewarm water, to which half a teaspoon of baking soda has been added. Alternately, a rinse made from 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ¾ cup of water can be equally effective. However, these solutions should only be used as a gargle and should never be swallowed.
  • Rub a few slices of cold apple on the sore and if possible, allow the piece to remain on the sore for a couple of minutes. This practice should be carried out at least 5 times a day.
  • Follow a healthy diet, which is high in nutrition and low in spices, oil, sugar and acidic foods. Drinking a lot of water can help flush the toxins out, thereby reducing canker sores
  • Strict dental hygienic measures should be followed at all times, to prevent the bacteria from spreading.

The home remedies for mouth ulcers are effective in reducing the pain and healing the sores faster. However do not address the underlying cause of the sores, which could cause them to recur. In order to prevent the sores from recurring, it may be advisable to consult a doctor for medical mouth ulcers cures.