How to Treat Mouth Ulcers with Salt Water

How Salt Water Works for Mouth Ulcers

Salt water is a simple yet effective remedy for mouth ulcers. By dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinsing your mouth with the solution, you can create an environment that is less favorable for bacteria to grow. This helps speed up the healing process and reduce pain. Remember to spit out the solution and not swallow it. You can repeat this as often as you like.

Other Measures for Mouth Ulcer Treatment

Alongside salt water rinses, there are several other things you can do to manage mouth ulcers. Avoiding irritating factors is crucial. This includes using a soft-bristled toothbrush, drinking cool drinks through a straw, and not consuming very spicy, salty, acidic, or rough foods. A balanced diet and regular dental check-ups are also important. If the ulcers persist for more than 3 weeks, are different from usual, bleed, become more painful and red, or if you have other related symptoms, it's advisable to consult a dentist or GP.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Most single mouth ulcers are caused by avoidable factors such as biting the inside of your cheek, poorly fitting dentures or braces, cuts or burns from food and drinks, food intolerances or allergies, damaging your gums with a toothbrush or irritating toothpaste, and feeling tired, stressed or anxious. Sometimes, they can be triggered by uncontrollable factors like hormonal changes, genetics, vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, or stopping smoking. Multiple mouth ulcers can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as hand, foot and mouth disease, oral lichen planus, Crohn's disease, coeliac disease, or a weakened immune system.

OTC and Prescription Treatments

A pharmacist can recommend treatments like antimicrobial mouthwashes, painkilling tablets, mouthwashes, gels or sprays, and corticosteroid lozenges. A GP or dentist may prescribe stronger medicine such as steroids, painkilling gels, ointments, sprays or tablets, and mouthwashes to kill or remove germs in severe, persistent or infected cases.

Home Remedies and More

There are various home remedies that can aid in the healing of mouth ulcers. For instance, baking soda mixed with water and applied as a paste, hydrogen peroxide solution dabbed on the ulcer with a cotton swab, honey applied directly or mixed with chamomile tea and consumed, coconut oil used through oil pulling, and apple cider vinegar rinse can all be beneficial. Sage mouth rinses and ice for numbing the pain are also options. Non-prescription treatments available in the market include antiseptic, oral pain relief, and anti-inflammatory products. Prescription medication like tetracycline suspension, corticosteroids, and gel treatments may be necessary for persistent or infected ulcers.

When to Seek Professional Help

If home remedies and over-the-counter treatments don't work, or if you have specific symptoms like ulcers lasting longer than expected, being different from usual, or accompanied by other concerning issues, it's time to see a healthcare provider. They can determine the underlying cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.