I was having meals when suddenly I bit my inner cheek. It took a few days to cure. Until then, I could not have any spicy delicacies. I am talking about mouth ulcers, which are usually painful, and may take many days to go. In some cases, it might even take two to three weeks.
Know more about ulcers (canker sores or aphthous ulcers) to treat them faster.
What is a mouth ulcer?
It is the condition when the delicate lining tissue of the mouth (gums, tongue, inner cheek, lips or palate) gets eroded. Mouth ulcers are of three types - Herpetiform ulceration, minor and major ulcers.
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers?
Sores or round lesions with red edges and yellow, white or gray in the center
Increase in size, gradually coming together to form a large, ragged ulcer
Irritation of the sores.
Loss of appetite
Fever, sluggishness, swollen glands
Sores surrounded with swollen soft tissues
Why do mouth ulcers happen?
The most common cause of mouth ulcers is accidentally biting the inner cheek, tongue or lips.
Research says, “Psychological stress may play a role in the manifestation of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis (RAS); it may serve as a trigger or a modifying factor rather than a cause of the disease.” RAS is the ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa.
Iron and vitamin deficiencies (B12) can lead to mouth ulcers.
Reaction to certain bacteria allergens in food or water.
Underlying gastrointestinal diseases like Crohn’s disease.
Using harsh and strong toothpaste or brushing teeth with hard bristles can erode the mouth lining.
Females during their periods, pregnancy, puberty and menopause undergo hormonal changes. It might lead to mouth ulcers.
Excessive acidic fruits like oranges, pineapples, strawberries or high acidic foods or spices may cause mouth ulcers.
Orthodontic braces can hurt the mouth while wearing them.
Minor dental work, like cavity filling, or poor-fitting dentures might cause injury and later turn into mouth ulcers.
Quitting smoking can aggravate mouth ulcers.
Medications comprising beta-blockers and painkillers.
What is the treatment for mouth ulcers?
Usually, mouth ulcers heal themselves in about 10-14 days. Some topical treatments may be prescribed to reduce discomfort and minimize complications.
As stress is a major cause of mouth ulcers, practice yoga, pranayama and meditation to have a relaxed state of mind.
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that involves swishing pure coconut (preferably) oil in your mouth to remove bacteria and promote oral hygiene as it has anti-fungal and antiseptic properties. Keep the oil for 10 minutes in your mouth and swish it. Coconut oil forms a protective layer on the ulcers to reduce their sensitivity.
Applying the paste of a pinch of turmeric and a teaspoon of glycerin or baking soda and water can soothe the sores.
Drink water after chewing 4 -5 tulsi leaves.
A decoction of Triphala or Yashtimadhu serves as an excellent herbal mouth rinser. This practice is in addition to maintaining oral hygiene.
Warm salty water is also a good mouth rinser in case of mouth ulcers.
Gargling with fenugreek or methi water at least 2 - 3 times a day can relax mouth ulcers. Boil some fenugreek or methi seeds in a glass of water.
Yashtimadhu is an effective herb to heal ulcers.
Raw coconut milk, when applied to the sores, can heal them.
Drink sufficient water to reduce the painful mouth.
Avoid hot and spicy food to avoid the aggravation of ulcers.
Avoid pitta aggravating food like non-vegetarian food.
Vitamin B12 reduces the possibility of recurrence and the course of treatment. It speeds up ulcer recovery.
If mouth ulcers prolong for more than three weeks, or there is pain and a frequent recurrence of mouth ulcers, it is safer to consult your doctor or Nadi Vaidya. Everyone has a unique body constitution, so there will be different problems and requirements. Thus, get a complete ayurvedic check-up to get a customized treatment plan.
Based on inputs by Dr. Sharika Menon, Vaidya, Sri Sri Tattva
Written by: Pratibha Sharma
Reference link
Psychological stress and Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis
Related link
FAQs
- Keep oral hygiene.
- Reduce stress, as stress is a major cause of ulcers.
- Do not make it a habit of having hot and spicy food.
- Keep track of foods that are causing allergies to you.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious like cold sores.
Mouth ulcers are an inconvenience. They are not dangerous but are linked to serious conditions like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease.
