8 natural ways to treat mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers can be extremely painful, causing you discomfort while eating and speaking. These painful, sores may appear on the inside of your cheeks, lips, under the tongue, or else where inside the mouth.

While there are a plenty of over-the-counter medication available to help keep them at bay, prolonged use may not be advisable.

Listed below are some easy and simple home remedies, most of which you can find in your kitchen.

1. Honey

The antibacterial properties in honey make it a natural moisturiser and that helps prevent your mouth from drying.  Using a cotton swab, directly apply some raw homey to the ulcer. You can also mix equal amount of honey with turmeric or amla powder to help fasten the healing process. Follow this method twice a week, till you find relief.

2. Baking soda

Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda helps neutralize acid in the mouth caused after consuming acidic foods or drinks. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of water so as to make a thick paste. With a cotton swab, gently apply it over the affected area. Repeat this several times a day.

3. Castor oil

This oil is long known to help relieve heat from the body, the major cause of mouth ulcers. Apply some castor oil to the affected area every night before sleeping. It’s best to follow this method every day in case you frequently get mouth ulcers.

4. Aloe vera

5. Basil leaves

Basil leaves help speed up the healing process for mouth ulcers. Furthermore, their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties help combating other oral health problems.  Chew on some basil leaves after thoroughly washing them, and follow it up by drinking some water. Repeat this process twice daily.

6. Ghee

This age-old remedy helps reduce swelling and soothes the pain. Generously apply some ghee directly over the affected area. After a few minutes, spit out the ghee and rinse your mouth. Follow this several times a day.

7. Apple cider vinegar (ACV)

The acidity of ACV helps kill the bacteria causing the mouth ulcers, thereby soothing and healing them. Mix one tablespoon ACV in half-a-cup warm water and swish this solution around in your mouth for about a minute or two. Later, rinse your mouth with some water. Follow this process twice every day until mouth ulcer heals.

8. Salt

Salt has antiseptic properties that help heal the ulcer. Mix one tablespoon salt in a glass of lukewarm water and gargle thoroughly with it. Rinse your mouth later with plain water to get rid of the saltiness. Salt water gargle helps flush any bacteria and germs in your mouth and also has a soothing effect on the ulcer. You can follow this several times a day for better results.