What is Good for Mouth Sores? How to Pass?
Oral and dental health is extremely important both for aesthetic reasons and to protect general body health. Sores and canker sores in the mouth negatively affect daily life by causing difficulty in performing functions such as speaking, swallowing and chewing. Oral sores can sometimes appear as a small incision and heal on their own within a few days, and sometimes they can turn into painful sores called aphthous ulcers. In the treatment of mouth sores, gargles with natural ingredients are generally used. Considering that recurrent mouth sores occur as a symptom of more serious diseases, research should be conducted on different possible diseases. When talking about mouth sores symptoms and treatment, consulting a physician is not usually what comes to mind. However, if there are mouth sores that do not go away and recur frequently, it is necessary to consult an ear, nose and throat specialist or dentist.
What is Mouth Sores?
When mouth sores are mentioned, we are talking about mucosal damage that develops on the lips, tongue and sublingual, palate, gums and inner cheeks. There may be simple injuries that go away on their own after consuming hot substances or accidental bites, or painful sores caused by viruses such as herpes may occur. One of the most common lesions in the mouth is the pathology defined as aphthous or aphthous ulcer. They are usually white, inflamed-looking and quite painful lesions. Canker sores, which occur especially during flu infections, usually heal spontaneously within a few days. In the presence of aphtha that recurs frequently and takes a long time to heal, there are usually underlying diseases that suppress the immune system. In such cases, medical examinations should be performed for these diseases. Gum diseases and tooth abscesses can also cause mouth sores. It has been observed that mouth sores are more common in women than in men.
What are the Types of Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores can occur in different ways. Lesions of different shapes may indicate different diseases.
- Aphtha (Aphthous Ulcer): These are painful sores that are white on top and red around. It usually settles in the mouth and is not seen on the lips. It can be observed in small, large or clusters. Frequently recurring canker sores develop on the basis of a disorder in the immune system.
- Herpes: These are painful, fluid-filled, raised lesions that are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are usually observed around the lips. These are wounds caused by the Herpes simplex virus, which was previously in the body and remained latent, especially during flu infections, when the body’s immune system is weakened.
- Thrush: These are lesions caused by a type of fungus called Candida albicans, also known as candidiasis. They are yellow-white, soft, painless lesions on the mucosa. It is usually seen in babies, individuals with dentures, or patients with suppressed immune systems.
- Leukoplakia: These are white, off-white, sometimes yellowish lesions that are slightly higher than the surrounding mucosa and may be smooth or rough. They can be seen on the tongue or oral mucosa. It is thought to develop mostly due to smoking and use of smokeless cigarettes. When these are stopped, leukoplakia usually ends.
- Erythroplakia: It is the red colored wound described in leukoplakia.
- Lichen Planus: These are raised purplish lesions seen especially on the tongue.
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores symptoms can be listed as follows:
- Sores inside the mouth that appear redder or whiter than the surrounding tissue.
- Inflammation in the lesion
- Swelling, pain and tenderness in the wound area
- Difficulty in speaking and chewing due to pain and stinging sensation due to the lesion
- Pain while brushing teeth
- Decreased appetite due to pain
- Sore throat
- Fire
What Causes Persistent Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores usually heal on their own within 1-2 days. In some cases, lesions may last up to 10 days. If mouth sores do not go away during this period or if there are frequently recurring mouth sores, other underlying causes should be investigated. Nutritional deficiencies and other vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C, or smoking may cause recurrent oral sores. Recurrent wounds may also occur in diseases that suppress the immune system. The main findings of Behçet’s Disease, a rheumatic disease, include recurrent aphthous ulcers in the mouth.
Mouth Sores During Pregnancy
Hormonal activity in the body increases during pregnancy. Gum problems and gingivitis are frequently observed in pregnant women, especially under the influence of the estrogen hormone. Gums are sensitive, they swell quickly and bleeding occurs more frequently. To prevent these situations, oral and dental care should be taken seriously during pregnancy and should not be interrupted.
Mouth Sores in Babies and Children
In babies born naturally, sores may occur around or inside the mouth due to fungal infections passed from mother to baby during birth. These lesions disappear spontaneously in babies who do not have immune system problems. Additionally, white lesions called thrush can be seen in the mouth in breastfeeding babies. Thrush can also be seen in children who do not take adequate oral and dental care and who have poor oral hygiene. Herpes can rarely be observed during febrile illnesses in children.
What is Good for Mouth Sores?
Mouth sores are usually healed by gargling with natural ingredients. Human beings seeking answers to the question of how to cure mouth sores have been using natural methods since ancient times. Antibiotics or antiviral agents can be used to treat mouth sores that do not heal with natural methods. Creams containing antiviral substances may be beneficial in the treatment of herpes that develops on the lips. Here are some natural ingredients that can heal mouth sores.
Baking soda
Baking soda is often used for lesions that occur in the mouth. With the effect of baking soda on reducing inflammation, the wound heals and the pain subsides. The mixture, which is prepared to a paste consistency by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with some warm water, should be applied to the wound and left on the lesion for a while. Then this mixture should be rinsed with clean warm water.
Salt
Gargling with salt water may be beneficial in the treatment of mouth sores. Salt also relieves canker sores. Dissolve a teaspoon of normal household salt in half a glass of warm water and gargle with this water for 15-30 seconds without swallowing, several times a day or even every few hours.
clove oil
Clove oil has pain-relieving properties. It can be used to relieve pain in oral aphthous-like lesions that can be very painful.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera plant gel can be applied directly to the aphthous ulcer to reduce pain and speed up the healing process. Aloe vera juice also has the same effect. It has also been observed to be beneficial in other oral lesions such as cracked lips and herpes.
Licorice
The natural healing properties of licorice root also give positive results in mouth sores.
coconut oil
Coconut oil is a natural antimicrobial agent. Coconut oil gargle mixed with sesame oil or other edible oils has been used in the treatment of mouth sores since ancient times.
sage
Sage, one of the oldest known germicidal plants, can also be used in the treatment of mouth sores. Leaf-shaped sage tea, which can be easily found everywhere, can be used either by gargling after brewing in hot water or by keeping some in the mouth and drinking it. Sage gargle provides oral hygiene, reduces inflammation and is beneficial in treating pain.
Mouth sores that do not heal with the natural methods mentioned or that recur frequently may be a sign of more serious diseases. In such a case, do not forget to make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist or dentist.
