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Mouth ulcers, or tongue ulcers, are a condition where open wounds form on the tongue or inside of the oral cavity; thus, eating becomes difficult, mouth breathing is totally out of the question, and you cannot chew your favorite foods. It is possible that swallowing, drinking, and talking may be painful and disturbing because these physiological functions appear to be affected by cold exposure.
Nevertheless, it is about 1 week or even 2 weeks after which they normally cure by themselves. There are a great number of non-prescription medications that ease the attacks. It is up to the patients to try different ones and pick the most effective. Here, we would like to examine the most efficient home treatment methods for tongue ulcers so that you can use them effectively with easy access.
1. Causes of Tongue Ulcers
Distinguishing the causes of tongue ulcers is the primary way to come up with remedies that will help overcome this disease. While the exact cause is not always clear, several factors can contribute to their development, like:
1.1 Trauma:
There is a vast variety of ulcers occurring due to accidental structural changes, for example when the lining is scratched during improper brushing of the tongue or the cheek, or if there are any injuries during the dental procedure.
1.2. Nutritional Deficiencies:
Anemia is the body’s deficiency in the production of red blood cells, which may be attributed to the deficiency of vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and zinc that are involved in taking care of the cells’ formation (tongue ulceration).
1.3. Hormonal Changes:
The decline in hormone levels is based on the differences between the two gender groups, with women being more prone to bleeding gum.
1.4. Stress:
In scientific terms, it is the stress, whether it is physical or emotional– kind, that can negatively influence the immune system and so the mouth ulcers get firmer ground.
1.5. Food Sensitivities:
Acidic or very spicy foods that lead to tears or burning of the mucous membrane of the mouth, may result in the inner wall being broken and consequently ulcers may start to develop.
1.6. Underlying Medical Conditions:
Specific underlying causes might be celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or the disorders of the immune system.
2. Home Remedies for Tongue Ulcers:
2.1. Salt Water Rinse:
Coming up with a solution of salt water is undoubtedly one of the easiest and most helpful natural approaches to an at-home cure for tongue ulcers. Saltwater leads to the reduction of inflammation and balancing pH levels which is found to be beneficial for the creation of a healthy mouth.
- Procedure:
- In a glass of warm water, mix one teaspoon of salt. Dissolve it until the solution is ready.
- Temporarily or frequently rinse your mouth with this solution to help reduce the acidity.
- Swish the solution around in your mouth for a few seconds, then wash it away.
2.2. Honey:
Honey has been used for healing purposes since ancient times, and its specific capacity to heal wounds and assuage pain has immortalized it in our minds. Raw honey put directly on the tongue ulcer will have a pain-relieving effect and help treat the ulcer.
- Procedure:
- Apply a small amount of pure honey from your finger or cotton wool onto the ulcer and let it stay there for around 15 minutes.
- You should repeat this process several times a day, also right before sleeping, for the best results.
2.3. Coconut Oil Pulling:
Coconut oil pulling has been, according to Ayurveda, an old practice of putting coconut oil into your mouth for a long time to achieve better teeth health. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can relieve pain and assist in the healing of tongue ulcers.
- Procedure:
- Take about one teaspoon of coconut oil and hold it in your mouth for 15 minutes.
- Spit out the oil and rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Carry it out every day (better in the morning soon after waking up and before brushing your teeth), repeating it to treat inflammation and speed up the healing process.
2.4. Aloe Vera Gel:
Aloe vera is a reliable first aid for a tongue ulcer, as it works like a charm with soothing and healing benefits. Bringing fresh aloe vera gel onto the ulcer is an inevitable step that can help to decrease pain and inflammation, leading to increased healing.
- Procedure:
- Slice open a leaf of aloe vera with a knife and extract the gel within.
- Apply the aloe vera gel mass onto the ulcer.
- The gel should soak for about a minute before washing it with water.
- Do this routine a couple of times a day until the ulcer is completely healed.
2.5. Licorice Root:
Licorice root is endowed with components that have the capacity to inhibit inflammation and fight bacteria, reducing pain symptoms and, at the same time, promoting the formation of healthy tissues. Making a tea brew of licorice root and rinsing the mouth with it to relish its benefits becomes an effective method.
- Procedure:
- Add one teaspoon of licorice root pieces into a cup full of hot water; steep it for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and let it cool down until it gets to room temperature.
- Drink the tea as a mouthwash, keeping it in your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out.
- Go back to this process many times a day with the objective of lowering inflammation and speeding up healing.
2.6. Chamomile Tea:
Chamomile tea is a time-tested remedy that contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic components. It has been used for a variety of diseases since time immemorial. Sucking on a chamomile tea ice cube can alleviate pain and suppress the development of lesions in the mouth.
- Procedure:
- Concoct one glass of chamomile tea, ensuring it reaches room temperature before consumption.
- Rinse your mouth with tea for a few seconds before you wash away the residue.
- Rinse your mouth with the cooled tea in the morning several times a day. Do the rinsing, especially after meals, more frequently.
- Continue to do this process as long as the ulcer is still not healed completely.
2.7. Baking Soda Paste:
Sodium hydrogen carbonate, or baking soda, normalizes the acidity level in the oral mucosa that otherwise would lead to a painful process of ulcerative colitis. The pasting of baking soda on the diseased area of the ulcer will be a rescue, as the healing process will be promoted and the agonizing pain will be reduced.
- Procedure:
- Concoct a mixture of baking soda and water in such a way that the aim is to create a paste.
- Take an appropriate amount of the paste with your fingers or a cotton swab and apply it to the ulcer, making sure every part is covered accurately.
- Without rinsing it with water leave it in your mouth for a minute or two, and then, when you are done, simply use water to clean your mouth.
- Apply the paste after each meal and leave it in for a few minutes, repeating every hour until the ulcer heals completely.
2.8. Turmeric Paste:
Turmeric has curcumin; the key ingredient which is called an ‘anti-inflammatory’ and ‘antimicrobial activator’. Turmeric paste is directly utilized in curing tongue ulcers, it can put off pain and send away inflammation.
- Procedure:
- Prepare the paste by mixing pure turmeric powder with water thoroughly.
- Smear the medicine on the skin with the ulcer using a clean finger or soft cotton swab.
- It takes 10–15 minutes to warm up, hence, take the time to remove all the remnants with water.
- Repeat it for several days a bit until the ulcer is fully healed.
3. Tips for Managing Tongue Ulcers:
3.1. Avoid Irritating Foods:
Along with hot, sour, or abrasive foods, we should not consume irritating foods that may trigger pain or cause an uncomfortable feeling in the ulcerated area. These consist of crunchy snacks such as chips or hard candies that can potentially touch the ulcers with their rough edges, which might cut or hurt them. Rethink your diet choices and go with soft, bland foods that are easy to chew and swallow to reduce aggravation and facilitate healing.
3.2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene:
Taking care of oral hygiene during tongue ulcer care is of great importance in order not to aggravate the infected spot and for a quick recovery. Use a toothbrush with very soft bristles and brush your teeth and tongue, making little circles, paying attention not to aggravate the ulcerated area.
Perhaps change to a toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive mouths. The latter can calm inflammation and reduce overall discomfort. Furthermore, you also have to floss regularly to get rid of the particles of food and bacteria that worsen the ulcer.
3.3. Stay Hydrated:
Enough hydration is of the utmost importance for healthy oral cavity function, in addition to aiding the body in the healing process. The consumption of a sufficient quantity of water at periodic intervals supports the moistness of the mouth.
Moistness helps to fight the dryness and pain-related problems of tongue ulcers. Opt for eight glasses of water daily and attach a humidifier to your home so the dry air does not aggravate your condition of the ulcerated area.
3.4. Manage Stress:
Stress actually hinders the work of the immune system and thus escalates already existing inflammation processes, such as tongue ulcers. You can significantly reduce your stress level and advance the healing process by incorporating various relaxation techniques into your daily routine.
Meditation, deep breathing, and yoga are all excellent methods of going into one’s inner world, which can result in being calm and stress-free, also bringing harmony to one’s body. More so, discover ways to improve on self-care activities like a walk in the park, finding hobbies, and being involved with your loved ones so that you too can de-stress and achieve the peacefulness you are looking for.
3.5. Consult a Healthcare Professional:
Despite the fact that the majority of tongue ulcers heal sufficiently without a lengthy period of medical care, some may require a visit to a doctor if they are present for an extended period of time or if they occur continuously. If your tongue ulcers last more than two weeks, come back frequently, or if they are accompanied by other common symptoms (fever, struggle to swallow, or inexplicable weight loss), you must go visit a doctor for additional evaluation and care.
The healthcare practitioners may conduct comprehensive examinations and diagnose any health issues present that have contributed to the ulcers, and the recommended treatment options can be strictly tailored to your needs and requirements.
A combination of the strategies above in your daily life can prove to be quite beneficial in managing tongue ulcers, and how they heal quite naturally. While implementing self-care practices regularly, also remember to be patient with yourself and approach the situation with consistency. No matter what, do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns regarding your oral health.
4. Closing Remarks
In summary, utilizing natural remedies to manage tongue ulcers is a compromise between pain relief and maintaining oral health. Through the use of these home remedies, you will have the ability to channel nature’s power and thus boost your well-being and health. Additionally, it is worth acknowledging the fact that not every person will react similarly to every single treatment; hence, you can try different remedies to find the best one for you. Besides this, healthy dental habits, controlling stress, and eating a healthy diet should be an integral part of life in order to prevent tongue ulcers from being repeated again.
Though home remedies can bring about positive change for mild cases of tongue ulcers, you should still visit the doctor if your ulcers refuse to go away, get worse, or when you face any other disturbing symptoms. One of the important things that a healthcare professional will do is give you a comprehensive evaluation, decipher any disease that may be occurring, and provide you with treatments that are target-oriented and in conformity with your particular needs.
If you have some patience and persistence and are willing to invest in self-care, no tongue ulcers can become a reason for you to feel pain in the world.
Last Updated on by Dr. Lehri Srivastava
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