How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers with Home Remedies?
Reference – Charak Samhita (Ch. 26/ Shloka no:120)
According to this shloka, symptoms of mouth ulcers are excessive thirst, fever, feeling of smoke coming from the mouth, blisters, burning sensation in the throat, pain, skin discoloration etc.
Have you ever experienced white painful sores with red borders inside the mouth? These are commonly known as mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers. There is hardly a person who has not experienced blisters in his mouth. These ulcers are somewhat a mystery as to why some people get them but the main cause can be related to stress or any injury to the soft tissues in the mouth. Having mouth ulcers is a common problem which after sometimes gets cured automatically. Braces can also contribute to ulcers. Intake of highly acidic foods such as strawberries, oranges or tomatoes can cause mouth ulcers.
According to this shloka, symptoms of mouth ulcers are
- Excessive thirst
- Fever
- Burning sensation in the mouth
As Per Ayurvedic Aspect
According to Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are mainly caused due to stomach disorders. The main root cause of ulcers is constipation. It is correlated with mukhpaka. In this disease, mukh (mouth) is affected by Paka process which is associated with pitta dosha.
As Per Modern Aspect
Mouth ulcers are the small painful ulcers in the mucous membranes that form on the soft tissues of the mouth, often along the base of the gums or inside the lips or cheeks and can also form on the floor of the mouth or on the tongue. It can be painful, annoying and sometimes embarrassing. It interferes with eating, brushing and even talking.
What are the Causes of Mouth Ulcers?
There is no definite cause behind mouth ulcers but can be related to stress or any injury in the mouth. However, certain factors have been identified. These include
- Mouth injury from hard brushing, or accidental bite, damage to the inner lining of the mouth which may reach up to the esophagus.
- Toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate may contribute to mouth ulcers
- Any bacterial or viral infections may cause mouth ulcers (कृमि)
- Intake of acidic foods like oranges, strawberries and other citrus fruits
- Consumption of caffeine-containing products such as tea, coffee or chocolate
- Lack of vitamins in the body such as B12, iron or zinc
- Poor oral hygiene (मुख कीअस्वछता)
- Dental Braces
- Hormonal imbalance (होर्मोनेस का असंतुलन)
- Emotional stress (मानिसक पीड़ा)
- Lack of proper sleep (निद्रा का अभाव)
- Use of antibiotics for a longer period of time decrease the number of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Other Disorders That May Cause Mouth Ulcers
- Celiac disease (ग्रहणी दोष)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (संग्रहणी)
- Diabetes mellitus (मधुमेह)
- Malfunctioning of the immune system (ओज क्षय)
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?
Symptoms of mouth ulcers depend upon the cause but it may also include
- One or more painful sores on the inner skin lining of the mouth (मुख में पाक होना)
- Swollen skin around the ulcers (त्वचा शोथ युक्त होना)
- Difficulty in chewing or tooth brushing (आहार सेवन के समय कठिनता)
- Pain and tenderness (पीड़ा)
- Loss of appetite (भूख न लगना)
Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
1. Licorice Root
Prevention can be done with licorice root because it works as demulcent and forms a protective coating on the mucous membrane of mouth that resists irritation and soothes the ulcers. It has anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial activity. Crush one tablespoon of licorice root and soak it in two cups of water for 3 to 4 hours. Use it as a mouth rinse daily.
2. Coconut Milk
Coconut milk has a soothing ability and helps in lessening the pain and subsides ulcers quickly. It provides a healing effect to the stubborn mouth ulcers and reduces pain as well as inflammation. Take coconut milk and apply it to the affected part or you may rinse the mouth with coconut milk for 3 to 4 minutes. Repeat it several times a day.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera accelerates the healing process and reduces pain associated with mouth ulcers. In addition to its anti-inflammatory as well as antiviral properties, aloe vera provides benefits to the skin. Apply aloe vera juice on the affected area which alleviates the pain and also acts as a natural antiseptic.
4. Celery
Celery contains folic acid as well as vitamins B1, B2, B6 and C. Chewing a fresh celery stalk can be effective in providing relief from ulcers because it has anti-inflammatory as well as analgesic properties. For effective results, keep its pulp on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Coriander Seeds
Coriander is the best natural home remedy that can provide considerable relief in inflammation. Boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in a cup of boiling water. Strain it and allow it to cool down. Swish this water around in the mouth and do this remedy 4 to 5 times a day.
6. Honey
Honey has the antibacterial qualities that can act as a very effective natural remedy for mouth ulcers. It prevents the mouth from becoming dry and provides moisture to it. All you need to do is to take some honey and apply it on the affected areas. For speeding up the healing process you can add some turmeric to it. Apply it after every few hours for better relief.
7. Ice
If you experience throbbing pain or burning sensation in the mouth then apply ice to the ulcers and it will help in reducing pain. Wrap an ice cube inside a paper towel and rest it carefully on the sore but not put the ice directly on the skin.
8. Baking Soda
Baking soda is also known as sodium bicarbonate which helps to treat mouth ulcers. It is helpful in neutralizing the acid content of acidic foods or drinks. By its antibacterial property, it removes the germs and kills bacteria that cause ulcers in the mouth. Be aware of it as it may cause a burning sensation. All you need is to mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a little water and make a thin paste of it. Apply it on the affected area and repeat it several times a day.
