What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
1. Ulcers caused by minor injuries:
The most common cause is mechanical injury, such as accidentally biting your cheek or from poorly fitting dentures.
2. Aphthous ulcers:
These ulcers are usually small (less than 5 mm in diameter) and painful. There may be just one or two at a time, or there may be very numerous ulcers in the mouth. People with this condition usually feel fairly well apart from the pain in their mouth. The ulcers usually heal in 1 to 2 weeks but they tend to recur at intervals over the course of many years. People may feel pain or tingling in the mouth for a day or two before aphthous ulcers break out. It's best to start treatment at this time if possible.
The exact cause of aphthous ulcers is unknown but it is thought that they may result from the body's own immune system attacking the mucosal lining of the mouth. They may occur after minor injury to the inside of the mouth.
What Can I Do About Mouth Ulcers?
Treatment of mouth ulcers may include soothing mouthwashes (such as salt and warm water or compound thymol glycerin mouthwash) or antiseptic mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine mouthwash or povidone iodine mouthwash. Pain can be relieved by using local anaesthetics such as benzydamine hydrochloride, choline salicylate gel or lignocaine. Local anaesthetics like this cause temporary numbness at the site where they are applied. These local anaesthetics may be used in the form of a mouthwash, a spray, a jelly or an ointment.
Echinacea: The antiviral, immune-enhancing, and wound-healing properties of echinacea make it a reasonable choice for mouth ulcers. Liquid echinacea in the amount of 4 ml can be swished in the mouth for two to three minutes, then swallowed. This can be repeated three times per day. Tablets and capsules containing echinacea may also be helpful.
Chamomile: Chamomile has a soothing effect on mucous membranes (including the lining of the mouth). It also has healing properties. A strong tea made from chamomile tincture can be swished in the mouth three to four times per day.
Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat cranker sore. An extract from aloe vera has been shown to be beneficial in one preliminary study. Some doctors of natural medicine recommend 1-3 tablespoons of aloe vera juice be used as a mouthwash then swallowed three times daily.
To be most effective, nutritional supplements work better in combination. It may be more beneficial to take a variety of Herbs or Nutrients for more rapid and complete healing...
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The following Combinations are those recommended for the treatment of Mouth Ulcers.
Supplements:
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Vitamins :-
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B Complex, Nicotinamide, C (frequent large doses)
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Minerals :-
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Zinc
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Amino Acids :-
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L-Lysine
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Food Supplements :-
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Acidophilus, Propolis
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Herbs :-
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Slippery Elm Lozenges, Golden Seal
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Notes :-
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(Many of these products are available combined in a specific formula for Mouth Ulcers. See related items.)
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Related Items:
(You can click on the product images for additional information)
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Caution: Always seek professional help for any serious disease. The products listed may be helpful in addition to Medical Treatment, however they are not intended to replace it. When in doubt seek Medical Advice.
