I was going through a rough period not so long ago. I kept getting mouth ulcer after mouth ulcer, sometimes having three at once! This made eating extremely painful. When one would heal, then another would pop up in its’ place.
I went to see my naturopath about it, and she recommended boosting my vitamin A levels, as being severely depleted in vitamin A can result in mouth ulcers that won’t heal. A deficiency in B vitamins, zinc, folate and/or iron can contribute to mouth ulcers, too.
Talk to a medical professional before self-diagnosing or incorporating any new dietary supplement into your routine.
Below are some natural remedies to help ease the pain of mouth ulcers while you’re rebalancing your nutrient levels (or dealing with the underlying issue).
DIY Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers
These are the home remedies I used, along with supplements, to help my body heal stubborn mouth ulcers.
Slippery Elm Powder
This powder is great for coating the affected area and providing a protective barrier to help it to heal faster. I applied it regularly, daily, by dabbing a little straight onto the sore, holding it on for a couple of seconds to make sure it stuck, then leave it there. I also took it internally by adding 1 tbsp to 1 cup of water, and drinking that a couple times a day.
Salt Water Rinse
This was recommended by my naturopath, and proved to be very helpful (albeit, slightly painful, too). You swirl this rinse around in your mouth to help kill bacteria and viruses that may inflame mouth ulcers.
To make:
- Dissolve 1 tsp sea salt in 1/2 cup warm water, then swirl the solution around your mouth for 1-2 minutes (if you can). Spit out once finished.
- Repeat every few hours as needed.
Chamomile Compress
I’ve talked about the wonderful benefits of using herbs for things like poultices and tinctures, and a chamomile compress is no different. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat mouth ulcers.
To use:
- Apply a wet organic chamomile tea bag or black tea bag to your mouth where the ulcer is, and leave it on for a few minutes. You can also rinse your mouth with freshly brewed chamomile tea.
- Repeat treatment 3-4 times daily or as needed.
Sage mouthwash
This was instantly relieving on my sore mouth ulcers, and became one of my go-to treatments to provide pain relief. Sage contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent properties, making it helpful for soothing mouth ulcers.
To make:
- Add 1-2 tbsp fresh sage leaves to 1 cup boiling water, and let steep for at least 5 minutes.
- Strain and let the solution cool, then swish around your mouth for a couple minutes.
- Spit and rinse your mouth when finished.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help prevent mouth ulcers from spreading, as well as reduce redness and pain.
To use:
- Apply oil generously to affected area.
- Reapply several times per day until your mouth ulcer has gone.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water in a cup, and gargle for 30 seconds. Do this daily. The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can help to kill “bad” bacteria while also fostering the growth of beneficial “good” bacteria.
As Dr. Axe states;
It essentially acts as a natural antibiotic for the canker sore.
This DIY homemade canker sore mouth rinse has also proven to be very effective.
These home remedies may prove to be helpful in relieving pain and potentially speed up the healing process for mouth ulcers. Always use with caution, and if reacting to any of the remedies negatively, discontinue use immediately. Also, they’re no silver bullet. So if symptoms of mouth ulcers persist, see a medical professional.
As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor before trying or using any new products. It’s important to check with a doctor before taking this or any new product, especially if taking any other medicine or supplement or if pregnant or nursing. Be sure to check ingredients to make sure there is no risk of an allergic reaction.
Do you have any recommendations on natural remedies to try for mouth ulcers? Share below.
Lots of love,
🖤 Vanessa
Sources:
McDermott, Annette. (Updated: March 7, 2019). 16 Ways to Get Rid of Canker Sores. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-canker-sores
Petre, Alina, MS, RD (NL). (November 4, 2019). 8 Common Signs You’re Deficient in Vitamins. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-deficiency#:~:text=Mouth%20ulcers%20or%20cracks%20in,in%20iron%20or%20B%20vitamins.
Price, Annie, CHHC. (November 29, 2015). How to Get Rid of Canker Sores — 13 Natural Ways. Dr. Axe. Retrieved from https://draxe.com/health/canker-sore/
Canker sore. (April 3, 2018). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370620
Watson, Shawn. (Updated: August 19, 2021). How To Get Rid of Canker Sores. Very Well Health. Retrieved from https://www.verywellhealth.com/canker-sore-remedies-that-actually-work-1058925
Straus, Rebecca. (September 28, 2016). 6 Easy Ways to Make Canker Sores Less Painful. Women’s Health. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g19905922/canker-sores-natural-remedies/
5 Ways to Quickly Get Rid of a Canker Sore. (September 28). Candlewood Dental Care. Retrieved from https://mycandlewooddental.com/5-ways-to-quickly-get-rid-of-a-canker-sore/