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Mouth ulcers are open sores that form in the mouth in the mucous lining or in the epithelium of the lips or bordering the mouth. Mouth ulcers are relatively common and are caused due to physical abrasion, medication, infection, and eating acidic fruits. They could also be an indication of something more serious like cancer. Mouth ulcers can be either canker sores or cold sores, and cold sores are caused due to viral infections. Mouth ulcers appear as blisters, lesions, or sores and are not very dangerous, but if left unattended, they can cause teeth to rot and gums to decay.

Causes

• The most common cause for mouth ulcers is trauma due to minor physical injuries that result in bacterial infection. Accidental biting with teeth is quite common. Other reasons that can cause mouth ulcers are eating abrasive or very salty foods, hot drinks, dental braces, faultily fixed dentures, or using a bad toothbrush. These can injure the mucosal mouth lining, leading to a mouth ulcer.
• At times, sodium lauryl sulfate present in toothpastes can also trigger mouth ulcers.
• Viral or fungal infections can also cause mouth ulcer. Low immunity can cause mouth ulcers repeatedly as in the cases of those undergoing chemotherapy or with HIV.
• Deficiencies in vitamins, iron, and zinc can also trigger mouth ulcers.
• Food allergies, hormonal imbalance, skin disease, and bowel disease could be the other reasons for mouth ulcers.

Symptoms: Mouth ulcers can be identified by their very appearance. They are oval or round in shape, red, grey, yellow or white colored, and there will be inflammation around the edges. They form inside the mouth or around the lips, on the floor of the mouth, or just beneath the tongue. They can be a bother as they make eating and drinking hot and spicy foods difficult. Mouth ulcers take about ten to fifteen days to clear, and sometimes, persist in case of severe illness in the body.

Home Remedies: There are many over-the-counter remedies available for treating mouth ulcers, such as pills or creams for topical applications. However, one of the best ways to get rid of mouth ulcers is to opt for home remedies.

• Honey is an excellent home remedy for mouth ulcers. It can be applied any time during the day, and its antibiotic properties heal the sores and also help in growth of new skin cells. Honey clears infection, inflammation, and the pain. It also aids reducing the bad odor that can result due to mouth ulcers.
• Applying a little butter on the mouth ulcers helps soothe the pain and brings relief. It also helps in healing the sore and can be used instead of petroleum jelly. Since butter is edible, it can be used for children too.
• Fenugreek leaves and seeds are very effective in treating mouth ulcers. You can make fenugreek leaves a part your diet by cooking them with potatoes. Fenugreek seeds can also be boiled in two glasses of water and allowed to cool until morning. One can gargle with this liquid or drinking the strained liquid can help clear mouth ulcers.
• Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate can be dabbed on the mouth ulcers to clear them.
• Cranberry juice is said to be good for mouth ulcers. Simply hold the juice in the mouth for some time and then swallow as you would normally.
• Yoghurt is very effective in treating mouth ulcers. Eat plenty of unflavored yoghurt to cool the sores and heal them from within.
• Adding raw onions to salads will help in clearing mouth ulcers.
• Basil leaves are an effective home remedy for mouth ulcers.  Fresh leaves can be chewed to heal mouth ulcers or basil tea can be made, blended with honey.
• Two drops of tea tree oil on the mouth ulcers can help red rid of mouth ulcers; its antiseptic property help in relieving pain and progresses the healing. Do not use essential oil in concentrated form and without the consultation of an expert.
• Vitamin B deficiency can cause mouth ulcers; hence, it is important to eat vitamin-rich foods such as whole wheat, whole grains, and green leafy vegetables.
• Drink orange juice twice a day to boost the immune system and quicken healing.

Tips

• The things to be avoided are alcohol, smoking, caffeine, vinegar, chewing gum, and foods with excess sugars or salt.
• Eat more of foods that will help cool the body and also clear the digestive system.
• Avoid oily and spicy foods, dairy products, and sugary items.
• Improved oral hygiene goes a long way in reducing mouth ulcers.

It is, however, important to first find the cause of mouth ulcers before treating them. Hence, a visit to the doctor is a must if the ulcers worsen or persist. If the ulcers are immediate and the result of an allergic reaction, medical attention is necessary.

Reference

1. www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Mouth-ulcer/Pages/Symptoms.aspx