Ulcers appear in your mouth or on your gums. They don’t usually last long, but they can be painful and make it difficult for you to speak or eat. Most canker sores heal on their own within a few weeks.
Here are some home remedies that can help with mouth ulcers. It is not possible to cure them overnight, but they will prove helpful in relieving pain by stimulating the healing process. It is recommended that you check with your doctor before using any medicine.
Here are 10 home remedies to help relieve your ulcer discomfort.
1. Alum powder
Alum powder is made from potassium aluminum sulfate. It is used as a food preservative and in vegetable cucumbers. The astringent properties of alum can help shrink tissues and dry out wounds.
Instructions for use:
- Make a paste by mixing a pinch of alum powder with a drop of water.
- Dab the paste on a wound.
- Let rest for at least 1 minute.
- Rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Repeat daily until the ulcer has healed.
2. Salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is a simple and readily available remedy. Although it causes some pain, it can help dry out canker sores.
Instructions for use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water.
- Swirl this solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds and spit it out.
- Repeat every few hours if necessary.
3. baking soda
Baking soda helps restore pH balance and reduce inflammation.
Instructions for use:
- Dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking powder in 1/2 cup of water.
- Swirl this solution in your mouth for 15 to 30 seconds and spit it out.
- Repeat every few hours if necessary.
Note: Avoid swallowing baking soda as it is extremely salty in taste.
- If you want to prevent or treat cancer, consume at least 1 cup of yogurt daily.
4. Sweetheart
Honey is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. According to healthline.com, honey was shown to be effective in reducing the pain, size, and redness of canker sores in a 2014 study.
You can apply honey to the wound four times a day until the wound has healed.
It is recommended that you use unpasteurized, unfiltered honey such as manuka honey because it is less processed and works well at healing ulcers.
5. hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide helps reduce bacteria in the mouth and promotes healing of wounds through cleansing.
Instructions for use:
- Mix a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide with equal parts of water.
- Dip a cotton ball in the mixture and apply the mixture directly to your ulcer a few times a day.
You can also use diluted hydrogen peroxide to rinse out your mouth. Swish and rinse your mouth with the solution for about 60 seconds and then spit it out.
6. Magnesia milk
Magnesia milk acts as an acid neutralizer and laxative. It has the ability to change the pH in your mouth. It also prevents the sore or ulcer from getting worse and relieves pain.
Instructions for use:
- Apply a small amount of magnesia milk to your canker sores.
- Leave on for a few seconds and then rinse.
- Repeat up to three times a day.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile is used as a natural remedy to heal wounds and relieve pain. A chamomile tea bag can help compress and relieve canker sores.
Instructions for use:
- You can apply a damp chamomile tea bag to your cancerous wound and leave it on for a few minutes.
- You can also rinse your mouth with freshly brewed chamomile tea.
- Repeat the treatment three to four times a day.
8. Echinacea
Echinacea works effectively in wound healing and boosting immunity. It can help heal canker sores or prevent them from developing.
Instructions for use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of liquid echinacea with equal parts of warm water.
- Wipe or rinse the solution in your mouth for about 2 minutes.
- Spit or swallow the mixture.
- Repeat each treatment up to three times a day.
9. Sage tea
Sage tea has always been used to treat mouth infections. Sage mouthwash has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. It works effectively on various oral problems and also helps in pain relief.
You can either have the saga rinse it out yourself or find a mouthwash at a local pharmacy. Follow the directions in the saga tea.
Instructions for use:
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves to boiling water.
- Let cook for at least 5 minutes.
- Strain the solution and let it cool.
- Wipe and rinse the solution around your mouth for a few minutes.
- Either swallow the conditioner or spit it out.
10. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is known for its healing properties and health benefits. Apple cider vinegar helps kill bacteria that can make the sore worse. Since the apple cider vinegar is acidic and acidic things are known to make the situation worse, consult a doctor beforehand and practice with caution.
Instructions for use:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Wipe this mixture around your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Spit out the mixture and rinse your mouth thoroughly.
- Repeat every day.
