When it comes to mouth sores, almost everyone experiences them at one point or another.
The secret to getting over these annoying and uncomfortable irritations is knowing what to do about them.
Millions of people worldwide experience this awkward condition and seek home remedies to help soothe their symptoms.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best home remedies for mouth sores that can provide relief and help you get back to feeling your best.
Causes of Mouth Sores
Most experts agree that the causes of mouth sores are varied, ranging from exposure to irritants to trauma to the mouth.
Some of the most common causes of this condition include:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Gum disease
- Pregnancy
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Poor oral hygiene
- Viral infections such as herpes simplex and genital herpes
- Stress
B12 is often associated with recurring canker sores, but does it really work?
Some studies show that B12 supplements can indeed help treat frequent canker sores, while others don't offer much promise.
In addition, some doctors believe that vitamin B12 deficiency can actually cause mouth sores to develop.
If this is true, supplementing with vitamin B12 helps treat these painful sores.
Complex mouth sores are sometimes seen in people who suffer from celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance.
AIDS, lupus, and inflammatory bowel diseases can also cause these irritating mouth lesions.
Some people experience mouth sores because of food allergies.
The best thing to do if you suffer from mouth sores frequently is to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Mouth Ulcers or Canker Sores?
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small lesions in the mouth's soft tissues, such as the inside of the cheeks, lips, throat, gums, or tongue.
Canker sores typically occur inside the mouth and are usually painless.
However, they can sometimes cause severe pain and discomfort.
In addition, canker sores are contagious and can spread from one person to another through saliva or physical contact.
Nevertheless, they typically heal independently without treatment in a week or two.
Cold Sores or Fever Blisters?
Cold sores or fever blisters are actually another form of mouth sore.
These tiny blisters occur around the lips or in the mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus.
Cold sores typically appear around the lips and cheeks, lasting anywhere from one to three weeks.
Cold sores are highly contagious and are typically spread through saliva or physical contact.
These blisters are highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body.
With all of that explained, this is why the main topic of this post is "Mouth Sores."
I wanted to cover all of them, so I figured mouth sores would fit best.
Home Remedies for Mouth Sores
When it comes to getting rid of mouth sores quickly, most of us will resort to over-the-counter medications.
But, while they do work, you can speed up the healing time by using some natural remedies for mouth sores.
Here are ten effective home remedies for this condition:
#10 Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic properties that help reduce mouth inflammation and soothe painful symptoms.
To use this treatment, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and rinse your mouth with it several times daily.
#9 Baking soda
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the gums and soothe the pain.
To use this treatment, simply mix two teaspoons of baking soda with a bit of water to make a paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave
#8 Lower Stress Levels
Stress is believed to exacerbate the symptoms of mouth sores.
Therefore, it's important to relax as much as possible to avoid aggravating this condition further.
Try meditation, yoga, and other forms of exercise to lower your stress levels naturally and effectively.
#7 Chlorhexidine (Mouthwash)
Chlorhexidine mouthwash is an antiseptic mouthwash that kills germs and bacteria that cause infections in the mouth.
It will also speed healing and prevent further infection.
To use this treatment, swish with the mouthwash for one minute and then spit it out.
Repeat this treatment twice daily until the mouth sores disappear.
#6 Cut Back on Caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine makes you often urinate and flush out the critical B vitamins and minerals that help treat this condition.
Reducing tea, coffee, soda, and other drinks containing caffeine will help your body store these important nutrients for healing.
If you're really hooked on caffeine, try switching to green tea instead.
#5 Salt Water Rinse
Saltwater helps soothe inflammation in the gums and mouth and can help treat this condition effectively.
It speeds up the healing in the mouth and kills off harmful bacteria that may aggravate your ulcers and mouth sores.
To use this treatment, simply gargle with salt water several times a day until the mouth sores disappear.
Saltwater is also great for alleviating symptoms of sore throats and colds.
#4 Beef Liver
Getting more beef liver in your diet can help boost your body's supply of vitamin B 12.
Vitamin B 12 helps promote healthy gums and prevent gum disease.
The more iron intake you get from beef liver, the more oxygen your blood can carry to damaged tissues in your mouth and help heal them faster.
This will also help with anemia issues.
Try eating more beef liver or take a B 12 supplement to treat this condition naturally and effectively.
#3 Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic agent that helps kill off bacteria and germs in the mouth that can cause infections and inflammation in the mouth and gums.
To use this treatment, mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it.
Repeat this treatment twice daily until the mouth sores disappear.
#2 Cut Out Bad Carbs
Sugar and other refined carbs can cause inflammation in the gums and teeth, leading to gum and teeth problems.
The bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, causing infections and inflammation in the gums and mouth that can lead to mouth sores.
Reduce sugar intake by switching to healthier carbs like whole grains and veggies.
Moreover, eat plenty of protein-rich foods like eggs, nuts, and lean beef to get enough protein in your diet.
This is an ideal choice to put into action as it's great for your overall health.
#1 Get More Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause mouth sores to develop and is the number one cause of any type of mouth sore.
B 12 also normalizes blood flow in the gums and helps promote healthy gums that can combat infections in the mouth that can cause mouth sores.
To get more B12 in your diet, try eating more eggs, fish, chicken, meat, and dairy products.
Also, try taking a B vitamin supplement daily if those are not your favorite foods.
What Drinks Cure Mouth Ulcers?
Some drinks can actually help get rid of mouth ulcers.
Here are four of the best drinks for healing mouth ulcers fast:
- Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe Vera contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat inflammation in the gums and prevent further infection. It also helps speed up healing in the gums and mouth. To use this treatment, simply drink one cup of aloe vera juice daily until the mouth sores disappear.
- Pineapple Juice: Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation in the gums and speed up healing. Bromelain also helps to reduce inflammation in the throat and soothes the symptoms of sore throats. To use this treatment, drink a cup of pineapple juice daily until the mouth sores disappear.
- Green Tea: Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the gums and speed up healing. To use this treatment, drink three cups of green tea daily until the mouth sores disappear.
- Cranberry Juice: Cranberry juice contains polyphenols that help reduce inflammation in the gums and prevent further infection. To use this treatment, drink one cup of cranberry juice daily until the mouth sores disappear.
Do Mouth Sores Heal On Their Own?
Yes, mouth sores typically heal on their own without treatment in a week or two.
However, remember to not pop or scratch the sores, as this can aggravate your condition and cause an infection to spread to other parts of your body.
Also, it's a good idea to cut back on acidic foods and drinks.
This will make your condition much worse.
Spicy foods can also irritate your mouth sores and cause more pain.
Prevention Tips For Mouth Sores
Mouth sores are highly contagious and can spread quickly through physical contact, sharing utensils, or kissing.
To prevent this condition from spreading, wash your hands frequently with soap and water and avoid using public restrooms without washing your hands first.
Also, avoid sharing utensils or drinking cups with others to prevent the spread of this condition.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if your sores don't heal within two weeks or if your condition worsens.
You should also see a doctor if your sores become infected or swollen or if you develop fever and chills along with this condition.
This could be a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, and you should see a doctor immediately for treatment to prevent complications from developing.
To Sum it Up
In conclusion, the main culprit is Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Remember, our body gives us signs when we are not getting the proper nutrients in it.
So it is crucial to listen to our bodies and try and improve our diet with foods that can help boost the nutrient levels in the body.
Following some of the remedies mentioned in this article can help treat this condition and prevent it from returning.
However, if your mouth sores don't go away after trying these remedies, see a doctor immediately for further diagnosis and treatment.
