Mouth sores are lesions in the oral cavity that prevent eating or speaking naturally. These are not serious for health, but they are quite uncomfortable due to the pain they generate, thus causing discomfort in the person who suffers from them.
In this sense, home remedies have been used for their effectiveness in reducing burning and swelling caused by sores. On some occasions, they also help to eliminate said lesions, which is why they serve as a good option to treat them.
In the following article, you will find the necessary information to know the causes of the appearance of sores in the mouth. Likewise, we will explain which home remedies can be used to alleviate the symptoms and even eliminate them.
What are mouth sores?
Mouth sores are wounds that we have from time to time due to an injury, which cause us discomfort and discomfort when eating and talking. These can appear for different reasons.
Said sores are located in the oral cavity, and are generally characterized by having a small size with a whitish color, the area around it is red, and presenting a slight swelling where it is located.
Causes of mouth sores
The causes of mouth sores are often uncertain, since the origin of their appearance cannot be determined exactly. However, it is possible to take into account the following circumstances that influence when presenting them:
injuries
Unintentional injuries or blows can cause the appearance of mouth sores, these can be due to bites on the cheeks, lips or tongue, it is also possible that they are caused by aggressive dental cleanings or orthodontic repairs.
food deficit
Having a low nutritional deficit influences the appearance of mouth sores, especially when there is a shortage of vitamin b12, folic acid and iron in the body. Since body weakness occurs and the immune system does not work properly.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections make it possible for sores to appear in the mouth, this is due to the creation of bacteria that form and accumulate due to not maintaining good oral hygiene.
Hormonal changes
The alteration of hormones has a detrimental effect on oral health, causing the appearance of temporary gingivitis or mouth sores. This is more common in women when they are going through puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstrual period.
Stress
The stress that people present due to their work or study occupations unknowingly affects their immune system, so that it can influence the appearance of mouth sores when they are subjected to a lot of pressure.
A study carried out at the San Gregorio de Portoviejo University on stress and the relationship between oral health in students, determined that when they were subjected to a lot of stress, they presented alterations in their oral cavity.
home remedies for mouth sores
Home remedies are a good alternative to treat mouth sores quickly, since they help us thanks to the therapeutic properties, vitamins and minerals they possess. Among which are the following.
1. Salt water
Salt water is a very common home remedy to treat mouth sores, because it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This remedy is used as a gargle as a mouthwash, helping to eliminate swelling and bacteria.
2. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is also an effective remedy that works as an antibiotic and antimicrobial, eliminating mouth sores faster. It also prevents the development of infections. You can apply it with a soaked cotton swab directly to the wound.
3. Water with baking soda
Baking soda water works as an antibiotic and antiseptic, eliminating germs that are in the area. This remedy can be applied as a gargle or as a paste spreading it, where the sore is with the support of gauze.
4. Ice
Ice is one option that works to quickly relieve the pain and swelling of mouth sores; but it should not be placed directly on the wound, but wrapped in cloth, and they must have rest times so as not to cause burns.
5. Mouthwash
Mouthwash, although not a remedy, does work as one for mouth sores. These have the function of eliminating germs, thanks to the antiseptic properties they have due to alcohol, and help relieve pain in the area.
6.Aloe vera
Aloe vera, better known as aloe vera, is a very good option to treat mouth sores, due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Its application can be directly on the wound in the form of a gel.
In this sense, a study carried out on the therapeutic application of Aloe vera in dentistry, mentions that its use works for healing, inflammatory and infectious treatments, which makes it recommended when sores appear in the mouth.
7. Basil infusion
The basil infusion works against the appearance of sores in the mouth, thanks to the fact that it has antiseptic, analgesic and healing properties, due to the flavonoids it possesses. Which makes it recommended to reduce pain and eliminate them faster.
In this sense, a study carried out on basil and its essential oil confirms that the spice contains these properties, which favor the elimination of mouth sores.
8. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is a home remedy that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce pain and swelling when mouth sores appear. In addition to having multiple vitamins and minerals that help with oral health.
9. Milk magnesia
Milk of magnesia, also known as magnesium hydroxide, is a remedy whose function is to fight the bacteria that cause infections in the mouth by altering the Ph. This can be applied directly to the sores several times a day.
10. Honey
Honey serves as a home remedy for mouth sores, thanks to its hydrogen peroxide and meltiglyoxal properties, which work as an antibacterial. This helps speed recovery time by just applying a little to the affected area.
In this sense, a study carried out at the Cira Garcia Central Clinic in Havana (Cuba), on the healing of septic wounds with honey, concluded that this remedy favors wound healing.
11. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a home remedy against mouth sores, whose functions are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. This is due to the lauric acid that it possesses, which attributes all these properties to it.
For its application, it is only necessary to place a little where the wound is located, with the finger or with the use of a cotton ball, leaving it to act for a few minutes and removing with water to clean the mouth.
12. Clove Oil
Clove oil is known to kill bacteria in the oral cavity, works as an antibacterial and analgesic, which also helps to relieve the pain of mouth sores. This is thanks to a component that it has called eugenol.
Clove oil is applied by cleaning the mouth with a rinse, then placing a little of this oil in the area where the sore is located, finally removing it with water until no residue remains.
Recommendations to avoid mouth sores
It is of great importance to take into account the following aspects, to avoid the appearance of sores in the mouth and thus not suffer from the discomfort or pain that they generate in our daily activities. Therefore, we can highlight the following:
Maintain proper oral hygiene
It is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene so that bacteria do not form or accumulate, thus avoiding infections. For this, it is recommended to brush your teeth at least 3 times a day or after each meal, and also the use of mouthwash.
take care of food
Taking care of the diet we have is recommended to prevent the appearance of sores in the mouth. Those foods that are very hot, spicy, spicy or acidic can cause an unfavorable reaction in the oral tissue.
Avoid brushing hard
Care should be taken not to brush in a strong and aggressive way, since it is possible to unintentionally injure the oral cavity, so it is advisable to do it with short and smooth movements in a calm manner so as not to cause any injury.
consume enough water
Consuming enough water throughout the day is good for our oral health, as it helps keep the mouth clean and prevent infections. In addition, it helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Consult the doctor if necessary
It is advisable to consult the doctor, when the sores in the mouth have not disappeared in 2 weeks or if they worsen becoming larger, because they may be ulcers or other lesions that cause a lot of pain.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.