Mouth Ulcer Remedy

Overview

Mouth ulcers are known by many other names, including canker sores, cold sores, oral mucositis and aphthous stomata. Regardless of what they're called, they can be painful, embarrassing and cause difficulty eating, drinking and speaking. The specific causes of mouth ulcers are often blamed on anything from bacteria or viruses to physical to chemical trauma, infections, secondary infections or even medications. Mouth ulcers generally follow the same pattern of development, from a sore spot to a reddened area, to an open sore on the side of the mouth, most commonly found on the inside of the cheek. Finding effective remedies provides relief from pain and swelling.

Step 1

Mix a home treatment for a mouth ulcer or canker sore. Dissolve 1 tsp. of salt into about 1/2 cup to 1 cup of warm water to create a saltwater solution. Gargle or rinse the mouth with this solution twice a day, but be careful not to overdo the salt, as it may cause stinging at the site of the open sore.

A gargle can also be made by combining 1 cup of warm water with 1 tsp. of coriander seed. Gargle with this solution up to four times a day for effective relief.

Step 2

Massage the gums with a mixture of honey and coconut milk for relief of canker sores or open sores on the gums. This home remedy is effective for mild to moderate sores, and involves mixing about 1/4 cup of coconut milk with 2 to 3 tbsp. of honey. Dip a clean finger or cloth into the mixture and gently rub the solution over the affected area three times a day.

Peppermint oil rubbed on the sore area also provides relief of pain and inflammation.

Step 3

Mix commercial products like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for another type of rinse. Combine 2 oz. of hydrogen peroxide and 2 oz. of water with 1 tsp. each of salt and baking soda. Rinse or gargle with this solution, but don't swallow. Hydrogen peroxide is effective in killing bacteria and is for topical use, not to be ingested.

Step 4

Chew on basil leaves, and then rinse the mouth with water. This process can be done up to six times a day and has been used for generations for the relief of mild mouth ulcer pain and inflammation. Another tried and true favorite is to apply a paste of 1 tsp. powdered Indian Gooseberry root bark and 1 tsp. of honey, which is then applied to the mouth ulcer.