May 15, 2025

Almost everyone has experienced mouth ulcers at least once in their lifetime. They often develop on the tongue, lips, gums, or inner cheeks and cause severe irritation and pain. Although they get cured within weeks, the period can be painful and frustrating. There are a variety of reasons why they occur, including stress, digestion issues, hormonal changes, etc. 

While there is no denying that the appearance of such ulcers disrupt one’s daily routine by causing unwanted pain and discomfort, there are several home remedies that help treat them in no time. In the blog below, we shall throw light on the various causes of ulcers, their symptoms, treatment options and ways to prevent them. 

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

While there is no definite cause behind the appearance of a mouth ulcer, there are several reasons that can act as triggers; ranging from small injuries and stress to other severe health conditions. Listed below are some of the common causes that often give rise to a mouth ulcer. 

1. Minor Injuries

Minor injuries caused by brushing aggressively, biting the inside of your cheeks, or irritation from braces can cause a mouth ulcer. Additionally, the food we consume also matters. Sharp-edged food items or foods you might be allergic to can cause an ulcer.

2. Stress and Fatigue

Emotional distress, lack of sleep, tiredness, etc., play a vital role in the development of an ulcer. High amounts of stress can lead to involuntary habits such as grinding teeth or biting the inside of the cheek, giving way to painful sores. 

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Certain vitamins, minerals and proteins play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. Consuming a diet rich in necessary vitamins and minerals is essential for the prevention of such sores. 

4. Specific Food Items

Foods that are extremely salty, acidic or spicy can cause an irritation triggering an ulcer. Processed food items and sugary products too act as major contributors to such sores.  

5. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes also trigger mouth ulcers. For example, bodily changes such as menstruations, menopause, pregnancy, etc., have an effect on saliva production which in turn affects oral health leading to dryness, irritation and moth sores. 

6. Medical Conditions

Several medical conditions trigger mouth ulcers or make their appearance a frequent affair. In some cases, the medications prescribed by doctors have a strong effect that is not easily manageable by some bodies, leading to sores. 

Medications for Ulcer Treatment

Mouth sores often heal on their own without any medications or treatments. However, some of the commonly prescribed medications include:

• Antiseptic gels
• Mouth rinses (Orajel)
• Antacids and Cytoprotective Agents
• Immunosuppressants

Home Remedies for Ulcer Relief 

While mouth sores can be painful and irritating, there are several home remedies that help relieve pain and discomfort and support the healing process. 

1. Honey

Honey has antibacterial properties that aid in reducing irritation and soreness, promoting quick healing. For best results, it is recommended to reapply it a few times every 2-3 hours. 

2. Aloe Vera Juice/Gel

Aloe vera is known to have soothing effects. Applying fresh aloe gel from the plant onto the wound helps fight bacteria and provides quick healing. 

3. Probiotic Food

Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, milk, etc., help promote overall health by ensuring a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth. They also aid in quick healing.   

4. Chamomile Tea

Drinking chamomile tea or applying the chamomile teabag straight to the ulcer helps in inflammation reduction and provides instant relief. Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory properties that promote natural healing and recovery. 

5. Saltwater Rinse

This is one of the most common home remedies for a mouth ulcer. Rinsing the mouth with warm water mixed with salt not only helps reduce swelling but also aids in disinfecting the sore and promotes better healing. Some people also prefer to apply salt straight to the sore. This technique often causes a sudden burning sensation but cleans the sore and provides relief nonetheless. 

6. Turmeric

Similar to other natural ulcer treatment options, turmeric, too, works wonders. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Making a little paste with turmeric and honey or water and applying it directly to the sore for 15-20 mins helps reduce soreness and inflammation. 

How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers?

While it is impossible to prevent them completely, there are several ways with which you could lessen your chances of developing ulcers. 

• Brush well and maintain oral hygiene.
• Avoid foods that irritate your mouth.
• Consume a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Reduce stress.
• Avoid biting the inside of your cheeks.
• Reduce the consumption of overly processed or sugary foods. 

Conclusion

At Zenplus, we value your health and well-being. Be it a simple sore or any other severe medical complication, we ensure you receive nothing other than the best medical treatment and services. Ensure you use the above-mentioned home remedies the next time you have a mouth ulcer or know of someone having one. Although highly common, they can be really frustrating, and therefore, knowing how to manage them is essential. Sometimes, ulcers can also be a sign of other underlying conditions, and therefore, it is important to take the right steps to treat them and consult your doctor if they fail to disappear within a few days or weeks.

FAQs

1. Can mouth ulcers be a sign of allergic reaction?

Yes, absolutely. Allergies can trigger mouth ulcers, leading to unwanted discomfort and pain. 

2. Do certain medications increase the risk of developing mouth ulcers?

Yes, sometimes certain medications are too strong for the body to handle, resulting in the development of ulcers.

3. Can dehydration contribute to mouth ulcers?

Yes, dehydration can contribute to mouth ulcers. It leads to dryness in the mouth due to a lack of saliva production, which plays an important role in maintaining oral health and protecting the mouth from irritation, which is one of the main causes of mouth sores.