Mouth ulcers are common and can be very painful. They are tiny wounds that occur inside the mouth, on the tongue, or at the base of the gums. Canker Sores can make it difficult to eat or drink and can cause a lot of discomfort.
There are many different causes of mouth ulcers, including viral infections, trauma, acidic foods, and certain medical conditions.
Ayurveda offers effective and natural ways for canker sores or mouth ulcers treatment. In addition, Ayurvedic remedies for canker sores can help to speed up the healing process and provide relief from the pain.
In this post, we will go through Ayurvedic home remedies and treatment options that will help you to get rid of canker sores and prevent them from coming back.
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth Ulcers are small, shallow ulcers that develop on the soft tissues in your mouth. They can occur on the inside of your cheeks, lips, tongue, or even on your gums. Mouth Ulcers are usually white or yellow in color and have a red border.
Blisters, bleeding, pain while eating, drinking and talking are all possible symptoms of canker sores. These symptoms vary according to the location, intensity and type of the mouth ulcers.
Canker sores can be painful, especially when they come into contact with food or drink. They can also make it difficult to eat or talk. Mouth Ulcers typically resolve on their own within two weeks.
If you are experiencing mouth ulcers, it is best to consult with a doctor or dentist to find out the exact cause and determine the best course of treatment. In some cases, mouth ulcers will go away on their own, but in other cases they may require medication or other treatment.
Types of canker sores
Canker sores come in three different types: minor, major, and herpetiform.
- Minor canker sores are the most common, and they usually heal within a week or two.
- Major canker sores are less common but quite painful. They are bigger, deeper and take longer to heal.
- Herpetiform canker sores (ulcers) are the least common, but they tend to occur in clusters of several sore at once.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers
Canker sores and mouth ulcers are common problems that people often experience. There are a number of different causes for canker sores and mouth ulcers, but the most common cause is due to an infection or inflammation.
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a number of things, including:
- A cut or scrape inside the mouth due to wearing braces and other dental appliances, due to cheek biting or due to eating hard or sharp foods
- Excessive intake of hot, spicy and sour foods that aggravate pitta dosha
- Hormonal changes such as during puberty, menstruation or menopause
- A deficiency of vitamins (especially B12, folic acid and Vitamin D) or minerals (such as Iron and zinc) in the diet
- Stress, anxiety or depression
- Certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs
- Autoimmune disorders such as Crohn’s disease or Behcet’s disease, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory bowel disease
- Illness, such as a cold or flu
- Digestive disorders such as Gastritis, Ulcerative Colitis or Stomach Ulcers,
- Certain medications such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) like Ibuprofen, Aspirin and Naproxen.
- Candida (Yeast Infection) that leads to oral thrush
Mouth ulcers can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as oral cancer, so it’s important to see a doctor if you experience mouth ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks.
Ayurvedic Approach to Mouth Ulcers
Ayurveda calls mouth ulcers as mukhapaka. Chronic mouth ulcers are a classical symptom of chronic Pitta imbalance, inflammation and low immunity due to build up of “Ama” – toxins in the body.
Ayurvedic treatment of mouth ulcers involves pitta pacifying herbs, diet and lifestyle to soothe the symptoms and relieve pain. In addition, Ayurvedic detox is helpful to remove “ama” and boost the immunity so that mouth ulcers do not happen in future.
Ayurveda recognizes that each person is unique and thus, the best way to treat mouth ulcers is to find the underlying cause. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, Ayurveda prescribes multiple internal and external treatment options for canker sores.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Canker Sore Treatment
There are a number of Ayurvedic herbs that can be used to treat canker sores. Here is a list of highly effective herbal remedies that will help to reduce the pain, heal the ulcers and prevent them from coming back.
- Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb that can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores. It can also speed up the healing process.
- Amalaki is an Ayurvedic herb that is known for its ability to boost the immune system. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Neem is an antibacterial herb that can help to kill the bacteria that may be causing your canker sores. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Gotu kola is an Ayurvedic herb that is known for its ability to speed up the healing process. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Chandana (Sandalwood) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores. It can also speed up the healing process.
- Usheera is a pitta pacifying herbs that acts as a natural coolant to reduce heat and inflammation in the body. It also helps to soothe the pain.
- Musta is a digestive herb that promotes metabolism, pacifies pitta and reduces inflammation in the body.
- Khadira is an excellent astringent and pitta pacifier that helps to purify the blood and reduce inflammation.
- Licorice is an immunomodulatory herb that helps to reduce inflammation and pain. It can also help to speed up the healing process.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is a natural healing agent that can help to speed up the healing process. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Triphala is an Ayurvedic rasayana that is known for its ability to cleanse the digestive system. It can also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Best Foods to Prevent & Treat Canker Sores
There are a number of foods that can help to prevent and treat mouth ulcers. These foods provide with sufficient levels of required vitamins and minerals, a deficiency of which can cause canker sores.
Some of the best foods for canker sores are as follows:
- Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. They also help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Yogurt : Yogurt is a probiotic food that helps to promote gut health. It also helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Honey: Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent that can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores.
- Avoid Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can aggravate Pitta and lead to mouth ulcers. Avoid spicy foods as much as possible.
- Eat Cooling Foods: Eat cooling foods such as cucumbers, melons, and coconuts to help reduce the heat in your body.
- Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking plenty of water will help to flush out toxins from your body and keep you hydrated.
- Avoid Acidic Foods: acidity can aggravate Pitta and lead to mouth ulcers. Avoid acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Mouth Ulcers Treatment
A pitta pacifying lifestyle is recommended to prevent the inflammation and heat that causes mouth ulcers in the first place. Here are Ayurvedic lifestyle guidelines that are helpful for canker sores treatment:
- Reduce Stress: Stress is one of the major causes of Pitta imbalance. Find ways to reduce stress in your life through yoga, meditation, or other relaxation techniques.
- Avoid putting hard substances and sharp foods that can create lesions. Also remind yourself to not bite cheeks if you are used to doing that.
- Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic technique that helps to detoxify the body and prevent mouth ulcers. It supports healthy bacteria in the mouth, prevents bad bacteria and reduces inflammation.
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing regularly.
- Herbal Teas: Drinking herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or hibiscus can help to soothe Pitta and reduce the inflammation associated with canker sores.
- Yoga: Yoga helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. It is also beneficial for Pitta balance. Practice cooling pranayama such as Sheetkari and Sheetali that can reduce the heat in the body.
- Meditation: Meditation helps to calm the mind and reduce stress. It is also helpful for Pitta balance.
Natural Home Remedies for canker sores
There are a number of home remedies that can be used to treat canker sores and help ease the discomfort. These include:
- Milk of magnesia: Milk of magnesia can help to neutralize the acids in your mouth that may be causing your canker sores.
- Alum: Alum is a natural astringent that can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores.
- Baking soda: Baking soda can help to neutralize the acids in your mouth and speed up the healing process.
- Rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day. This will help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Herbal Supplements: There are many herbal supplements that can support balanced nutrition, help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with canker sores. These include amla, licorice root, raisins, dates and figs.
- Ayurvedic Mouthwash : There are many Ayurvedic mouthwashes that can help to soothe the pain and inflammation associated with canker sores. These mouthwashes contain herbs such as neem, triphala, and aloe vera that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- You can also try using over the counter oral numbing gel or cream to help relieve pain. These products contain ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine, which can numb the area around the mouth ulcer.
Takeaway
There are a number of different treatments available for canker sores and mouth ulcers, but the most effective treatment is to avoid the trigger that caused the canker sore or mouth ulcer in the first place.
Treatment for mouth ulcers depends on the cause, but can include home remedies such as salt water rinses, over the counter medications like oral numbing gel or cream, or prescription medication. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Prevention of mouth ulcers can include avoiding foods that irritate the mouth, using a soft toothbrush, and managing stress. If you experience mouth ulcers on a regular basis, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.
Consult with Medhya’s Ayurvedic Doctor to get your personalised health plan involving prescription for Ayurvedic medicine, diet, yoga and lifestyle guidelines.
FAQ
1. What is the Ayurvedic treatment for mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are a common problem that can be very painful and frustrating. While there are many conventional treatments available, some people prefer to seek out an Ayurvedic approach. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine from India that takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. According to Ayurveda, mouth ulcers are often caused by Pitta imbalances. Pitta is one of the three Ayurvedic constitutional types, or doshas, and is associated with the elements of fire and water. When Pitta is in balance, it helps to ensure good digestion and a healthy appetite. However, when Pitta is out of balance, it can lead to problems like indigestion, heartburn, and mouth ulcers. To treat mouth ulcers from an Ayurvedic perspective, it is first important to identify any underlyingPitta imbalances. Once these have been addressed, there are a number of herbs and other natural remedies that can be used to soothe and heal the ulcers. Some of the most commonly used Ayurvedic treatments for mouth ulcers include aloe vera gel, turmeric paste, and licorice root powder. By following an Ayurved
2. What gets rid of canker sores fast?
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. Though canker sores are not contagious, they can be quite bothersome. Fortunately, there are a number of effective home remedies that can help to speed up the healing process. One of the most effective ayurvedic treatments is to mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. This paste can then be applied directly to the sore. Another option is to mix one tablespoon of salt in a glass ofwarm water and use it as a mouthwash. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards. You should also avoid eating spicy or acidic foods, as they can irritate the sore and prolong healing. In most cases, canker sores will heal on their own within a week or two. However, if the sore does not improve after two weeks, or if it is especially large or painful, you should see your doctor for further evaluation.
3. What is the root cause of canker sores?
The root cause of canker sores is difficult to determine. However, there are a few possible explanations. One theory is that canker sores are caused by an imbalance in the digestive system. When the digestive system is unable to properly break down food, it can lead to the formation of canker sores. Another theory is that canker sores are caused by a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12. This vitamin helps to keep the lining of the mouth healthy, and a deficiency can lead to the formation of canker sores. Finally, some experts believe that stress is a factor in the development of canker sores. When the body is under stress, it may suppress the immune system, making it more susceptible to developing canker sores. While the exact cause of canker sores remains unknown, there are a number of possible explanations.
4. What herbs get rid of canker sores?
Canker sores are a common nuisance that can make eating, talking, and even breathing painful. There are a number of herbal remedies that can help to speed up the healing process and help in in treating canker sores. Licorice root helps to reduce inflammation and pain, while milkweed and plantain promote healing by forming a protective barrier over the sore. For the best results, these herbs should be taken in tea or tincture form. To make a healing tea, simply steep one teaspoon of dried herb in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. If you prefer, you can also add these herbs to your favorite mouthwash or toothpaste. With regular use, you will see a noticeable decrease in the frequency and severity of canker sores.
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