Mouth sores can be a real nuisance, making it painful to eat, drink, or even talk. Whether it’s a canker sore, cold sore, or irritation from braces or dentures, these little lesions can be frustrating and uncomfortable.
In our situation, they ended up being hereditary from my husband’s side of the family. It seems to be linked more to stress and anxiety. Both my Husband and son suffer from severe sores. They have been tested and checked for multiple different causes or possible solutions that have not been successful. At times when agitated they will sometimes have up to 6 at a time. In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of mouth sores, effective remedies, and preventive measures to keep them at bay.
Common Causes of Mouth Sores
Canker Sores
Small, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth, often triggered by stress, acidic foods, or minor injuries.
- Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers): These small, shallow ulcers appear inside the mouth and can be triggered by stress, acidic foods, hormonal changes, or even minor injuries.
Cold Sores
Painful, fluid-filled blisters caused by the herpes simplex virus, typically appearing on or around the lips.
- Cold Sores (Fever Blisters): Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these painful, fluid-filled blisters appear on or around the lips and are highly contagious.
- Injuries and Irritations: Accidental bites, braces, ill-fitting dentures, or harsh brushing can lead to mouth sores.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins like B12, iron, or folic acid can contribute to recurring sores.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, infections, and gastrointestinal diseases (like celiac or Crohn’s) may cause chronic mouth sores.
Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Sores
- Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in warm water and rinse your mouth to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Baking Soda Paste: Mix baking soda with water and apply it directly to the sore to neutralize acids and ease discomfort.
Honey Application
Applying honey to mouth sores can help soothe and speed up the healing process due to its natural antibacterial properties.
- Honey: Its natural antibacterial properties help soothe and speed up the healing process.
Aloe Vera Gel
Applying fresh aloe vera gel to reduce pain and inflammation associated with mouth sores.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Apply fresh aloe vera gel to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Ice Chips: Let ice chips slowly melt in your mouth to numb the area and provide relief.
- Over-the-Counter Treatments: Medications like benzocaine gels and antiseptic mouthwashes can offer temporary relief.
- Some of the things we have tried and have worked are:
- Replacing toothpaste with baking soda. ( Toothpaste companies have change ingredients and studies have shown more people are becoming allergic to toothpaste causing the sores.)
- Boil toothbrushes after having a sore or replace toothbrush with new.
- Alum Powder: very successful and has helped improved in as little as 24hrs. Find it in the seasoning section at the grocery store.
Alum powder can be used as a home remedy for canker sores due to its astringent properties, which help to dry out and shrink the sore by drawing out excess fluid when applied directly to the affected area; simply mix a small amount of alum powder with a drop of water to create a paste, apply it to the canker sore for a minute, then rinse thoroughly. Also have applied directly to sore and allow powder to sit on sore for a minute, then rinse.
Preventing Mouth Sores
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or overly hot foods that may trigger or worsen sores.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Stress Management
Engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or exercise can help manage stress, a common trigger for mouth sores.
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques like meditation or exercise.
- If you wear braces or dentures, consult your dentist for adjustments to prevent irritation.
When to See a Doctor
Doctor Consultation
Consulting a healthcare provider if mouth sores persist or are accompanied by other symptoms.
While most mouth sores heal within one to two weeks, persistent or severe sores may indicate an underlying issue. Seek medical advice if:
- A sore lasts more than three weeks.
- You experience frequent, recurring sores.
- The sores are accompanied by fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes.
- The sores are spreading or becoming extremely painful.
Mouth sores can be a painful annoyance, but with the right care and preventive measures, they can be managed effectively. If you have any tried-and-true remedies, share them in the comments below!