What are mouth ulcers?

A mouth ulcer is an erosion that may affect the tissues lining the mouth, and appears in the form of a circular white or red spot in certain places inside the mouth. In the majority of cases, mouth ulcers are not considered a serious condition, and they often heal without treatment within a period of about 10 days, but they may feel a kind of discomfort and pain to the affected person.

What are the causes of mouth ulcers?

In general, it is not possible to determine the actual cause behind the appearance of mouth ulcers, as it can appear when feeling tired, stressed or malnourished, but some other factors increase the possibility of ulcers appearing, such as the following reasons:

  • Taking some types of medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis can cause mouth sores.
  • Heredity plays a role in the appearance of ulcers in the mouth by 90%, especially if the parents suffer from it.
  • Eating certain foods, such as citrus fruits or spicy varieties, increases the risk of ulcers.
  • Mouth sores appear in 20% of people, but women suffer from them more than men, and they appear at a certain time of the menstrual cycle.

Natural ways to treat mouth ulcers 

In addition to treatment with medications prescribed by your doctor, some homemade ingredients can help treat mouth ulcers due to their potent healing properties. Here are some ingredients you can use:

1- Honey to treat mouth ulcers 

Honey contains powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that contribute to the treatment of mouth ulcers. Apply a few drops of honey to the affected area for a few hours before washing it to moisturize the area and prevent itching and irritation.

2- Coconut oil to treat mouth ulcers 

Coconut oil also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation and swelling that can leave sores. Soak a cotton pad in coconut oil and apply it to the affected area overnight.

3- Apple cider vinegar to treat mouth ulcers 

Apple cider vinegar can be used to treat and heal mouth ulcers because its acidic nature helps fight the germs that cause mouth ulcers. Use it twice a day for a week by taking 3 teaspoons of it with half a glass of water, then gargle it for 30 seconds and dispose of it without swallowing it.

4- Salt water to treat mouth ulcers 

Salt water helps treat mouth ulcers by using a mixture of salt and water to dry mouth ulcers by dissolving a teaspoon of salt water with half a cup of warm water, then rinsing the mouth several times a day for a few seconds and disposing of it without swallowing it as well.

5- Garlic to treat mouth ulcers 

Garlic is used naturally in the treatment of mouth ulcers due to the effective allicin in garlic, which has the ability to relieve pain and reduce the size of ulcers. Gently rub a small piece of garlic on the affected area for 3-5 minutes, then rinse your mouth after 20 minutes.

Ways to prevent mouth ulcers

The factors that cause mouth ulcers can be reduced by following some simple preventive steps and methods, which include:  

1- Avoid eating certain foods and drinks 

Certain foods and drinks can irritate mouth ulcers and lead to discomfort. These options include chocolate, spicy foods, coffee, peanuts, almonds, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and wheat flour. In addition to foods that are very spicy, salty or acidic, foods that are rough and crunchy, such as toast or potato chips, and drinks that are very hot or acidic, such as fruit juice and chewing gum. Smoking can also lead to mouth sores and irritation of existing sores.

2- Avoid some types of toothpaste 

Some toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate can do more harm than good when it comes to mouth sores. Sodium lauryl sulfate acts as a foaming agent in some toothpastes, but it is not recommended for people who are prone to or already have mouth ulcers. The properties of this ingredient can cause itching, flaking or cracking of already sensitive or dry skin. Other toothpastes are available without sodium lauryl sulfate.

3- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash

An antimicrobial mouthwash kills bacteria in the mouth that can cause ulcers to become more painful. These types of mouthwashes may also help ulcers heal more quickly and can prevent infections.