Understanding the Causes of Mouth Sores and DIY Remedies for Oral Ulcers

Last week, we started with our discussion of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) remedies for mouth sores that can be easily done at home:

So far, we have made mention of the following DIY remedies:

  1. Saltwater Rinse 
  2. Baking Soda Paste 
  3. Honey Applicationa
  4. Oil Pulling, 

Today, we give you other DIY remedies such as the following:

5. Aloe Vera Gel: Considered an option for pain relief for mouth sores, aloe vera gel feels both cool and soothing when applied to the affected area. Using a small amount and applying it directly to the ulcer using a cotton swab, aloe vera gel possesses anti-inflammatory and healing properties through the compounds it contains that reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. Hence, apart from being a painkiller, aloe vera gel also speeds up healing.

6. Chamomile Tea Bag Compress: Since chamomile possesses properties through its compounds like apigenin which are both soothing and anti-inflammatory, this remedy is also effective in reducing the pain and inflammation that accompanies oral ulcers. This can be accomplished by dipping a chamomile tea bag in warm water before applying it directly to the affected region once it has cooled for a few minutes. This is repeated 3-4 times.

7. Milk of Magnesia: As an antacid that aids in neutralizing acidity in the oral cavity, milk of magnesia, when dabbed in small amounts directly onto the ulcer, creates a cooling effect that can help reduce pain. As a bonus, it can create a protective barrier over the ulcer which reduces irritation and promotes healing.

8. Ice Application: Since ice is a popular pain-relieving option, wrapping an ice cube in cloth and then gently applying it to the ulcer can help numb the nerves and therefore reduce the sensation of pain whilst simultaneously minimizing the swelling by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow. This is often used on mouth sores specifically caused by traumatic injury.

9. Yogurt: Considered an effective remedy for mouth sores, yogurt—which is rich in probiotics that contribute to beneficial microbes—helps maintain a healthy oral microbiome. The beneficial bacteria can combat harmful bacteria that contribute to the production of further mouth sores. Additionally, yogurt has cooling and soothing properties that can reduce inflammation and mollify pain. While plain consumption also works, direct application by dipping a cotton swab in unsweetened yogurt and then applying it to the ulcer is also a method of using it.