Natural Home Remedies to Relieve for Mouth Ulcers

Overview Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are minor sore spots that occur on the mucous membranes or inside of the mouth. While they usually heal naturally within a week or two, they can cause discomfort and disrupt eating and speaking during that time. Around 1 in 5 Australians¹. experience recurrent mouth ulcers. Let’s explore several natural home remedies for mouth ulcers that help alleviate symptoms and promote faster healing, but remember to consult a online doctor if symptoms persist Approximately 20% of Australians deal with recurring mouth ulcers². The positive aspect is that there are safe, natural treatments that may relieve the pain and accelerate healing.

Causes

Mouth ulcers often occur without warning, but several common triggers can include:

• Lifestyle factors – stress, anxiety, or hormonal fluctuations (like pregnancy, menstrual cycles, or menopause).
• Injuries or irritation – accidentally biting your cheek, dental braces, dentures, or burns from consuming hot beverages.
• Dietary triggers – consuming acidic or spicy foods, citrus fruits, or very hot meals.
• Health conditions – deficiencies in vitamins (like B12, iron, folate), coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, or certain medications.
• Products – using harsh toothpastes or mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulphate, or having food allergies.

Symptoms

Mouth ulcers can vary in size and severity, but they usually share some standard features. Typical symptoms include:

• Small, round, or oval sores inside the mouth — often on the tongue, inner cheeks, gums, or lips
• White, yellow, or grey centres surrounded by a red, inflamed border
• Burning or tingling sensation before the ulcer appears
• Pain or discomfort when eating, drinking, or speaking
• Swelling or tenderness in the affected area
• Increased sensitivity to spicy, salty, or acidic foods

Natural remedies

Most mouth ulcers resolve on their own, but these natural remedies may help alleviate pain and promote healing.

1. Topical applications

• Honey – apply a small amount of raw honey for its antibacterial and soothing properties.
• Aloe vera gel – gently apply pure gel to soothe irritation.
• Coconut oil – both antibacterial and soothing when directly applied to the ulcer.
• Baking soda mixture – combine with water and apply to the ulcer to lower acidity.

2. Herbal mouth rinses

• Saltwater rinse – mix 1 tsp of salt in warm water and swish it around your mouth several times a day.
• Chamomile tea – cool the tea and use it as a rinse to alleviate pain and swelling.
• Green tea – contains antioxidants that may help decrease inflammation.
• Turmeric paste – create a paste with turmeric and water, and apply gently.

3. Nutritional advice and supplements

• Increase your intake of vitamin B12-rich foods like eggs, dairy products, fish, or meat.
• Consider including probiotics (such as yogurt and kefir) to boost gut and immune system health.

4. Lifestyle suggestions

• Stay away from irritating foods until the ulcer is healed.
• Incorporate stress management techniques (like deep breathing, yoga, or mindfulness) into your routine.
• Ensure you get adequate rest to assist your body's recovery.

Safety reminder: Always dilute essential oils like tea tree or clove before application, and refrain from swallowing them.

What foods make mouth ulcers worse?

If you currently have an ulcer, certain foods and beverages can aggravate the pain and prolong healing:

• Spicy dishes or foods high in chilli
• Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, or pineapples
• Salty snacks (like chips)
• Very hot tea or coffee
• Alcohol and tobacco

Opt for soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, or soups until the ulcer fully heals.

When should I worry about mouth ulcers?

Most mouth ulcers are not severe, but consult a doctor if

• They persist for over 2 weeks.
• They are extremely painful or recur frequently
• Eating or drinking becomes challenging
• You experience fever, rash, or swollen lymph nodes
• You have an impaired immune system

When to consult a doctor

Most mouth ulcers are harmless and heal naturally, but if they persist, recur frequently, or cause severe discomfort, it's best to consult a healthcare professional. Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

• Ulcers lasting longer than two weeks
• Severe pain that interferes with eating, drinking, or speaking
• Frequent recurrences or multiple ulcers appearing at once
• Accompanying symptoms such as fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or fatigue
• White or red patches that don't heal, as these may require further investigation

How Hola health can help

Through Hola Health's online telehealth consultations, you can conveniently access care from home. Our Australian-registered GPs can:

• Assess your mouth ulcers and identify possible causes
• Recommend safe, effective treatments or prescribe medicated gels or rinses if required
• Provide a medical certificate online if your condition affects work or study
• Arrange referrals for further tests or specialist care if ulcers are recurrent or linked to other health issues

Hola Health offers affordable telehealth appointments, available Australia-wide — including bulk-billed services for eligible patients. You can get trusted medical advice, treatment, and prescriptions quickly and securely, without needing to visit a clinic.

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers can be bothersome yet are generally harmless. Natural remedies, such as honey, aloe vera, and saltwater rinses, may provide relief while the wound heals. If ulcers are recurrent or particularly painful, a healthcare provider (including those available through telehealth) can investigate underlying issues and recommend treatments.

FAQs

Can honey help with mouth ulcers?

Absolutely. Honey possesses antibacterial and soothing qualities. Applying a small amount can alleviate pain and accelerate healing.

Is using a saltwater rinse beneficial for ulcers?

Yes. Saltwater is safe, helps decrease bacteria, and aids in healing. It's preferable to apply salt directly to the ulcer, as that can cause pain.

Can I put salt directly on a mouth ulcer?

Putting salt directly on a mouth ulcer can be painful and may aggravate the affected area. However, rinsing your mouth with salt water can help ease the discomfort and promote healing.

Which foods or beverages can exacerbate ulcers?

Spicy, acidic, and salty foods, very hot beverages, alcohol, and tobacco can irritate ulcers and inhibit healing.

Can stress lead to mouth ulcers?

Yes. Stress, fatigue, and inadequate sleep are common triggers. Techniques for relaxation can help lessen the frequency of outbreaks.

Can you put anything on a mouth ulcer?

Yes, several remedies can be applied to mouth ulcers to promote healing.

1. Honey
2. Aloe vera gel
3. Vitamin E oil
4. Coconut oil
5. Liquorice root extract
6. Over-the-counter oral gels

Natural home remedies for mouth ulcers can be effective for many people. However, it is essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional if mouth ulcers persist, worsen, or are accompanied by other alarming symptoms.

When is it necessary to consult a doctor?

If ulcers persist for over two weeks, are extremely painful, or are accompanied by additional symptoms like fever, schedule a visit with a GP or a telehealth consultation.