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Quick and Natural: 10 Home Remedies to Cure Mouth Ulcers

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aman Priya Khanna
Written by Sparshi Srivastava, last updated on 3 January 2024| min read
Quick and Natural: 10 Home Remedies to Cure Mouth Ulcers

Quick Summary

Here are 3 home remedies for mouth ulcers:

  • Gargle with salt water
  • Apply honey to the sore
  • Use a baking soda paste

If you are looking for home remedies for mouth ulcers, this blog can answer your queries. Before exploring the common remedies, have you ever wondered what ulcers are? These are painful mouth infections that appear unexpectedly. However, the good news is that there are various home remedies to treat them naturally. 

So, if you've ever wondered how to deal with them, read on. We've got ten home treatments for mouth sores that are quick and simple. If you're ready to learn how to tackle this common problem, let's get started!  

What are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores or open wounds that frequently develop on the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, or lips. These are usually round with a white, grey, or yellowish appearance and redness due to inflammation. 

They hinder everyday activities like eating, drinking, or talking because they can be sensitive. It usually heals naturally within a week. However, it can sometimes cause extensive discomfort for a prolonged period. Home treatment for mouth sores can be an ideal choice for relieving such symptoms.

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Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Commonly known as "challe/chale in the mouth", they are usually caused by injury, stress, certain foods, hormonal shifts, or underlying health issues. Five common factors contributing to mouth ulcers are listed below:

  1. Diet: Some people may develop mouth sores after eating citrus fruits, tomatoes, or spicy delicacies. Alternatively, you can add foods for mouth ulcer relief, like curd, spinach and ice cream,to your diet.

  2. Injury: Mouth sores can also be caused by injuries like brushing your teeth inappropriately and biting your tongue or cheek. Mouth ulcer cream application is an effective treatment for these small ulcers.

  3. Stress: Emotional distress or anxiety releases cortisol hormones that weaken the immune system. It results in decreased resistance to infections, increasing the risk of developing mouth ulcers.

  4. Hormonal Changes: Hormones can influence the immune system, making the body more susceptible to mouth ulcers. Women can encounter blisters during hormonal changes like menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause.

  5. Underlying Health Conditions: Mouth sores can also appear due to medical conditions like celiac disease, vitamin deficiency, bacterial growth, or HIV infection. If you have severe mouth sores and need quick relief from mouth ulcers, it is important to consult a specialist.

Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

Natural remedies for mouth ulcers are significantly relieving and practical. They promote the healing process of the sores. Here is a list of ten effective remedies for quick and natural relief from mouth sores:

  1. Salt water rinse: This has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe mouth sores and speed up the healing process. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to warm water in a glass. Rinse your mouth for 30 seconds, twice or thrice daily.

  2. Baking soda rinse: It helps to neutralise the acidity in the mouth and reduce inflammation. Mix one spoon of eating soda in a glass of lukewarm water. Swish the baking soda solution in your mouth for about 30 seconds. It can be repeated twice daily or more, depending on the severity of your condition.

  3. Honey: The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties in honey create a protective coating around blisters, guarding them against infection. You can directly apply honey to your mouth sore using your finger or a cotton swab. Reapply the honey every two hours or as needed.

  4. Aloe vera juice: It can help to relieve pain and promote the healing of mouth sores. Add 1/4 cup of the juice with 1/2 cup of water. You can drink this mixture up to three times a day. You can also apply it directly to mouth sores using a cotton swab.

  5. Ice pack: Applying it to a mouth sore can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Wrap the ice in a thin cloth and hold it against the sore for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this every few hours or as needed.

  6. Yoghurt: Any yoghurt-based drink contains probiotics (beneficial bacteria), helping prevent infection and promote healing. When considering quick relief from mouth sores it is an ideal choice for a temporary but soothing effect.

  7. Coconut oil:  It coats the ulcer and protects it from inflammation. Dryness in the mouth or around the infection can prolong the healing of tongue ulcers. Applying coconut oil keeps the affected area moist, facilitating an efficient and quicker healing process.

  8. Chamomile tea: This tea has significant soothing properties, which can relieve the discomfort of mouth sores. It can be used as a mouth rinse. Brew a cup and let it cool. Once the tea is cool, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds at least three to four times daily. You can also dip some cotton in chamomile tea and apply it to the mouth sore for a few minutes.

  9. Spinach and Kale: Green leafy vegetables are full of calcium and essential vitamins like A, C, and K. These play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and supporting the natural healing processes. Adequate iron intake is also important for overall health and can help prevent iron deficiency anaemia (a probable cause of mouth ulcers).

  10. Green tea: It contains antioxidant compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. To prepare this tea, steep a green tea bag in hot water for a few minutes. After brewing, allow it to cool slightly before consumption. You can also use this tea as a mouth rinse by swishing it for 30 seconds twice or thrice a day.

Please note that these remedies do not substitute medical care. If you have severe or persistent mouth sores, please see a doctor or dentist to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Takeaway

Since mouth blisters are a common problem, it is recommended to explore home remedies before consulting a doctor. You can find the best remedies for mouth ulcers within your household. However, it's essential to understand that these remedies require time to produce results.

HexaHealth is a 24/7 medical platform that provides comprehensive services, connecting users with top doctors and hospitals, and handling insurance matters. For more insights about home remedies for mouth ulcers and other diseases, visit our website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Home remedies for mouth blisters are generally safe and effective for most people. However, if there are any known allergies, it is advisable to seek expert medical advice before adopting the following treatments:

  1. Baking soda rinse

  2. Chamomile Tea

  3. Manuka Honey

  4. Sage Tea

You can get instant relief from mouth ulcers with home remediesincluding rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and applying honey, aloe vera, or coconut oil to the ulcer. It is advisable to avoid eating spicy or acidic foods because they can incite pain and promote healing.

For mouth ulcers, cold beverages like coconut water, green tea, and yoghurt can provide temporary relief. These drinks numb the affected area and reduce inflammation, but it's crucial to avoid extremely cold or icy drinks as they may worsen the condition. In addition to medicines and home remedies, these options offer temporary relief.

There are several home remedies for mouth sores. Some of the most effective include 

  1. Turmeric 

  2. Ginger 

  3. Garlic

  4. Clove oil

  5. Honey

  6. Chamomile

These items have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. You can apply them directly to your mouth ulcers using your finger or a cotton swab.

If you want tongue ulcer treatment at home, you can start with changing your diet. Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt and sauerkraut aid in healing sores—Turmeric, neem, oatmeal, and clove oil offer quick relief. Staying hydrated with water, aloe vera juice, or coconut water can also be a good idea.

Apart from these, there are various other mouth boils/ulcers home remedies, which can naturally act as ideal treatments providing fast relief.

Home remedies for mouth ulcers promote faster healing with natural action. These are not permanent solutions, for recurring and painful mouth sores please consult a doctor. The causes of mouth blisters can vary, and addressing them may require lifestyle adjustments. 

Yes, honey is good for mouth ulcers, with antimicrobial properties it helps relieve pain and promote healing. Applying a small amount of honey directly to the ulcer may provide relief and expedite the recovery process.

There are several home remedies for mouth ulcers that can help with healing lip and tongue ulcer:

  1. Gargling with warm salt water 

  2. Applying gel from an aloe vera plant 

  3. Sucking on ice chips

  4. Maintaining proper oral hygiene

Finding instant remedies for mouth ulcers using natural herbs can be a soothing option. Remedies like aloe vera, honey, or ice can help alleviate pain and inflammation. However, it's essential to recognise that these remedies may only provide temporary solutions. 

A liquid diet can help in mouth ulcer relief by soothing the breakout. If you are still confused about which juice is good for mouth ulcers, here are a few options:

  1. Aloe Vera Juice

  2. Coconut Water

  3. Chamomile Tea

  4. Yoghurt-based drinks

  5. Green Tea

Some of the best home remedies for ulcers in mouth, throat, and lip ulcers are eating many fruits. These fruits are super-rich in vitamin and mineral content. Some examples include:

  1. Bananas: They are a good source of vitamins B6 and potassium.

  2. Papaya: Rich in vitamin C and other nutrients.

  3. Kiwi: It has a high amount of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system.

  4. Watermelon: It's hydrating and contains vitamins A and C.

Though it is recommended to have coconut water for mouth ulcer relief, it may not be sufficient to "cure" the ulcers themselves. Coconut water is hydrating and contains essential nutrients which can help soothe the mouth and support overall health.

There are only so many best home remedies for mouth ulcer treatment because different remedies work for different individuals. Also, the effectiveness of a remedy can vary based on the severity of the ulcer. 

If you're looking for "how to cure mouth ulcers in one day", you may have to pause for a while. Home remedies for mouth ulcers indeed provide relief, but they do not heal it within a day. These sores usually take one to two weeks to heal naturally, depending on their size and severity.

To use toothpaste for mouth ulcer relief, one has to follow the following steps: 

  1. Take a plain, white toothpaste without additional additives 

  2. Apply a small amount directly to the ulcer and let it sit for a few minutes 

  3. Then wash your mouth with lukewarm water to remove the toothpaste. 

The goal is to dry out the ulcer and provide protection, but its effectiveness varies among individuals.

There are several over-the-counter creams and products designed for mouth ulcer treatment that can be effective for many individuals. However, it is important to visit a doctor before using such medications.

There isn't a best mouth ulcer treatment at home as such. However, one can make certain lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of ulcers. Here are some tips:

  1. Avoid spicy and acidic foods that can trigger ulcers. Rather, include foods rich in vitamins and minerals to support oral health.

  2. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

  3. Maintain good oral hygiene using a soft-bristle toothbrush and toothpaste without irritating additives.

  4. If you smoke or consume alcohol, reduce or quit these habits.

Home remedies for mouth ulcers can effectively relieve you from pain, although the results could be prolonged. They work gradually rather than providing immediate relief. While they may not offer instant results, these processes can contribute to long-term comfort and faster recovery.

Some of the home remedies for mouth ulcers that can work effectively to reduce the breakout are as follows:

  1. Using Baking Soda Paste

  2. Consuming sage or green tea

  3. Applying aloe vera gel

  4. Including probiotics and vitamin-rich food in your diet

 Several home remedies effectively treat mouth ulcers on the tongue:

  1. Applying a small amount of honey to the ulcer can relieve and support healing.

  2. Applying coconut oil has antimicrobial properties and can help with healing when applied to tongue ulcers.

  3. Sucking on ice chips temporarily relieves pain and inflammation.

When using home remedies for mouth ulcers, it's essential to take certain precautions for safety and effectiveness:

  1. Check for Allergies: Ensuring that you are not allergic to any of the components of the remedy is an important check.

  2. Avoid Irritants: Avoiding spicy or acidic foods and minimising smoking and alcohol consumption can also help. 

  3. Maintain Oral Hygiene: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and gentle brushing to prevent further irritation.

  4. Use Clean Tools: When applying remedies like honey or aloe vera, ensure that the tools or fingers you use are clean to avoid introducing additional bacteria.

The time it takes to cure mouth ulcers using home remedies can vary depending on factors like the size and severity of the ulcer. However, in most cases, these remedies work within a few days to a week. 

References

All the articles on HexaHealth are supported by verified medically-recognized sources such as; peer-reviewed academic research papers, research institutions, and medical journals. Our medical reviewers also check references of the articles to prioritize accuracy and relevance. Refer to our detailed editorial policy for more information.


  1. Mouth Ulcer: What Is It, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. link
  2. What Causes Mouth Ulcers and How to Treat Them [Internet]. Healthline. 2017. link
  3. Mouth ulcers: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment [Internet]. www.medicalnewstoday.com. 2018. link
  4. How to Get Rid of Canker Sores: 16 Ways [Internet]. Healthline. link
  5. Top 10 Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers [Internet]. www.apollospectra.com.link

Last Updated on: 3 January 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational and learning purposes only. It doesn't cover every medical condition and might not be relevant to your personal situation. This information isn't medical advice, isn't meant for diagnosing any condition, and shouldn't replace talking to a certified medical or healthcare professional.

Reviewer

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

Dr. Aman Priya Khanna

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery, FIAGES

12 Years Experience

Dr Aman Priya Khanna is a well-known General Surgeon, Proctologist and Bariatric Surgeon currently associated with HealthFort Clinic, Health First Multispecialty Clinic in Delhi. He has 12 years of experience in General Surgery and worke...View More

Author

Sparshi Srivastava

Sparshi Srivastava

B.Tech Biotechnology (Bansal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Lucknow)

2 Years Experience

An ardent reader, graduated in B.Tech Biotechnology. She was previously associated with medical sciences secondary research and writing. With a keen interest and curiosity-driven approach, she has been able to cont...View More

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