[toc]Do you have annoying sores or blisters in your mouth that make you wince in agony? Such mouth sores usually appear white or yellow, often surrounded by a red area. They can pop up without any warning on your inner cheeks, gums or the inner sides of your lips.
Major causes of mouth sores are vitamin B-12 deficiency, hormonal changes, problems related to immunity or food allergies. Biting inside your cheek or tongue incessantly can also cause mouth sores. These usually go away within a week. However, the pain may be unbearable making it difficult to eat, drink or chew. Follow these simple yet effective home remedies to get rid of mouth sores.
6 Effective Home Remedies For Mouth Sores
Saline Rinse
Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with this saline rinse. Keep the solution in your mouth by swishing from side to side for 30 seconds or so before you spit it out. Saline rinse disinfects your mouth sores, killing any bacteria that may be present. Do this after meals and before bedtime to speed up healing.
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Ice Cube Or Cold Water
Gently place an ice cube directly over your mouth sore. Ice will on in the affected area. It also numbs the pain. Make sure you do not hold the ice above the sore for a long time. Repeat application as and when required. If you find ice cubes too cold, drink cold water whenever thirsty, holding it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing.
Aloe Vera
This thorny plant has effective healing powers. Simply cut out an aloe vera leaf vertically. Scoop out some aloe gel from the cut and apply it directly over your mouth sores. Aloe gel reduces inflammation, swelling and pain caused by mouth sores. It is also highly effective in fighting infection present in the mouth sores.
Turmeric Powder
Add a few drops of water to half a teaspoon of pure turmeric powder. Make a paste. Apply this directly over your mouth sores. Turmeric promotes healing besides reducing inflammation and pain associated with mouth sores. It is also a potent antiseptic that fights infection.
Yogurt
Consuming plenty of yogurt can bring down the severity of mouth sores. Have yogurt that contains live lactobacillus or acidophilus strains of bacteria. These bacteria reduce swelling and pain associated with mouth sores. For best results, eat yogurt preferably with breakfast, lunch as well as dinner.
Onion
Crush a few slices of onion to make a coarse paste. Apply this on your mouth sores. Onion is rich in sulfur. Sulfur is known to reduce the swelling, inflammation and pain, if any, associated with mouth sores. Using onion paste may sting a little and cause your mouth to smell unpleasant. However, onion does the trick of healing mouth sores, quite fast.
Mouth sores can be treated easily with the help of these home remedies. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it may indicate an underlying problem. In such a situation, it is best to consult a doctor.