Mouth sores are small sores or lesions that occur inside the mouth and are quite common. These are often painful and can make it difficult to talk, eat, and even smile. Mouth sores can occur for many different reasons and are usually harmless, but in some cases they can be serious. Mouth sores are harmless in most cases and can be treated with simple home remedies. However, if mouth sores reoccur or cause severe pain, it is important to consult a dentist.
What causes mouth sores?
Mouth sores, also known as canker sores, are small, white or yellow ulcers that form on the oral mucosa. They can often be painful and uncomfortable and make it difficult to eat, drink and talk. Factors that can cause mouth sores include:
- Stress
- Tiredness
- vitamin deficiency
- Weakening of the immune system
- dental prostheses
- Side effects of some medications
- Some diseases such as Crohn’s disease, Behcet’s disease, HIV/AIDS
- Smoking and alcohol use
- Not paying attention to oral hygiene
- Consuming too much acidic fruits and vegetables, spicy foods and hard foods
- Hormonal changes (Menstruation, pregnancy)
It is important to see a doctor if you have a persistent mouth sore or if your mouth sores last longer than 2 weeks, if you have severe pain or bleeding, or if you are experiencing other symptoms.
Although the exact cause of mouth sores is unknown, it is thought that they may be triggered by factors such as stress, fatigue, vitamin deficiency, weakened immune system, some medications and dental prostheses. We can give the following answers to the question of how to cure mouth sores:
- The first suggestion for what is good for mouth sores is to gargle with salt water. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and mix well. Gargle with this mixture for 30 seconds several times a day. Salt helps dry mouth sores and speed up healing.
- Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water and mix well. You can gargle with this mixture several times a day or dip a cotton swab and apply it to the wound.
- You can apply aloe vera gel directly on the wound or gargle with aloe vera juice.
- Melt 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and apply it to the wound with your finger.
- Make sure to consume plain yoghurt several times a day.
- You can wrap an ice cube in a clean cloth and apply it to the wound for 10-15 minutes.
- Be careful to consume soft, cold or warm foods.
- Smoking and alcohol can delay the healing of mouth sores, so limit their use or stay away.
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day. You can use mouthwash.
This information is for informational purposes only. If you have a medical problem, please consult your doctor.