A mouth ulcer (or sometimes colloquially known as a ‘mata ikan‘) can be quite painful, but the good news is you can learn how to cure a mouth ulcer rapidly, often without pharmacy medicines. By using simple, natural ingredients found at home, many of our patients in Penang successfully recover in just a few days, free from complications.
The key to learning how to cure mouth ulcers fast is knowing what to avoid and treating the lesion early. If your mouth ulcers are recurrent or persistent, a dental check-up is vital to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious health risks.
Quick Answer: How to Get Rid of Mouth Ulcers Without Medicine?
Most minor mouth ulcers typically heal on their own in about 7 to 10 days. However, if you practice the right home remedies from the very first day the ulcer appears, the healing process can be significantly quicker and less painful.
In this article, we at Chin Lim Dental Surgery will share proven, safe tips for getting rid of mouth ulcers at home.
What Is A Mouth Ulcer and Why Is It Painful?
In simple terms, a mouth ulcer occurs when the delicate lining of the oral mucosa (the inner lining of the mouth) is damaged. This damage exposes highly sensitive nerve endings to the digestive enzymes and acids present in your mouth, which causes that sharp stinging sensation every time you eat, talk, or touch the area.
Causes of Mouth Ulcers That Are Often Overlooked
Mouth ulcers often do not stem from a single cause. Many people are unaware that daily lifestyle, diet, and stress can also play a major role in developing them. Understanding these factors is key to curing a mouth ulcer. Here is a complete explanation of the common, yet often missed causes:
Sharp Teeth or Damaged Fillings
Sometimes, mouth ulcers recur due to issues within the mouth itself. For example, a broken or chipped tooth with a sharp edge, or an old, worn-down dental filling, can injure the inside of the cheek, tongue, or gums without you noticing immediately. If this happens repeatedly, the injured tissue becomes inflamed and an ulcer forms.
This issue can be resolved with dental filling treatment to repair the uneven surface structure of the tooth. With a smoother and more appropriate surface, friction can be avoided, and the oral tissue will recover faster without the risk of recurrent ulcers. Early examination is very important to prevent these small injuries from becoming a bigger problem.
Infections and Nutritional Deficiencies
To effectively address mouth ulcers, we must also consider causes related to infections and diet.
Viral, Bacterial, or Fungal Infections
Some ulcers are caused by infections such as herpes simplex (herpes ulcers), oral thrush (Candida fungus), or bacterial infections that cause severe inflammation. Signs of these infections are usually accompanied by fever or swollen glands. This condition often arises when oral hygiene is not properly maintained. Therefore, getting a routine scaling and polishing treatment is essential to reduce the risk of infection and ensure your gums and oral tissues remain healthy.
Lack of Essential Nutrition
Deficiencies in Vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid are among the causes frequently associated with ulcers. These nutrients are vital for tissue healing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Without sufficient nutrients, the lining of the mouth becomes easily injured and is slow to heal.
Stress, Hormones, and Chemical Irritants
Diet and infection side, your lifestyle and environmental factors also contribute to the development of ulcers in your mouth.
Stress, Hormonal Changes, and Lack of Sleep
Emotional stress, extreme fatigue, and hormonal changes (especially in women) can also trigger mouth ulcers. A weakened immune system due to stress or lack of sleep increases the risk of developing an oral inflammation.
Chemicals in Toothpaste or Oral Products
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a common foaming agent in toothpaste, is frequently associated with oral irritation. Easily sensitive individuals may develop ulcers after prolonged exposure to this ingredient.
5 Ways to Cure Mouth Ulcers Fast
Mouth ulcers are indeed painful, especially when you eat spicy food or drink acidic beverages. While pharmacy medications are available, many prefer to try natural treatments first. Here are five easy tips that you can try at home:
1. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
Salt water is a natural antiseptic that can help reduce inflammation and eliminate bacteria in the ulcer area. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle for 30 seconds, two to three times a day.
In addition to aiding healing, this practice is also an important part of dental care for reducing the risk of oral infections. You are also encouraged to schedule regular dental check-ups to maintain overall oral health and ensure the ulcer is completely healed.
2. Apply Honey to the Ulcer Area
Honey contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps moisten the ulcer area and reduces the stinging sensation. Use raw honey (not processed) and apply it directly to the ulcer several times a day. It may not heal instantly, but it can accelerate the natural healing process.
3. Use Ice to Reduce Pain
Ice acts as a natural numbing agent. Place a small piece of ice directly on the ulcer and let it melt slowly in your mouth. This can temporarily reduce pain and swelling.
However, if you frequently suffer from painful tongue ulcers, it might be a sign of a weakened immune system or other internal issues. Seek advice from a specialist for further evaluation.
4. Avoid Spicy, Acidic, and Rough Foods
Spicy and acidic foods such as chilli paste (sambal), pickles, pineapple, or heavily salted items can irritate the ulcer and cause the pain to worsen. It is best to consume soft foods like porridge, yoghurt, or clear soups until the ulcer is fully healed.
5. Take Supplements or Nutrient-Rich Foods
A lack of nutrients such as Vitamin B12, iron, and folic acid can slow down the ulcer healing process. You can start taking supplements or increase your intake of foods like green vegetables, fish, chicken liver, and whole grains.
Mouth Ulcer or Mouth Cancer? Know the Difference
Many people assume all mouth ulcers are common and harmless. However, in rare cases, an ulcer that does not heal can be an early sign of mouth cancer.
What Is Mouth Cancer?
Mouth cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that can occur anywhere inside the mouth, including the tongue, gums, inner cheek walls, and palate. It usually begins as a small lesion resembling a common ulcer, but it fails to heal and can worsen over time.
Differences Between a Common Ulcer and Mouth Cancer
Type | Normal Ulcer | Mouth Cancer |
Recovery Period | 7–14 days | More than 2 weeks |
Pain Level | Stinging and sensitive | May not even be painful |
Visual Look | Round, transparent or semi-transparent, and white in the centre | Uneven texture, bleeding, and rough edges |
Development | Shrinks and heals on its own | Grows or spreads to other areas |
Additional Symptoms | Nothing | Swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mouth Ulcers
Not necessarily. While spicy food can trigger irritation, ulcers usually occur due to a combination of factors such as stress, vitamin deficiency, trauma inside the mouth, or sensitivity to ingredients in toothpaste.
Yes, rinsing with warm salt water is one of the effective methods because it helps kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
A common ulcer usually heals within 7 to 14 days. If it persists for more than 2 weeks or gets larger, you should get an examination at a dental clinic immediately.
A common ulcer is not contagious. However, if it is caused by a viral infection such as herpes simplex, it can be contagious through direct contact.
Recurring ulcers can be a sign of other health problems, such as nutritional deficiency or a weakened immune system. Further examination may be required to find the true cause.
Dental Clinic PEnang
Unbearable Ulcer Pain? Time to Act with Chin & Lim Dental
An ulcer that doesn’t heal or frequently recurs may not just be a common problem. If you are experiencing prolonged discomfort or difficulty eating, talking, or sleeping, the best course of action is to seek an early examination from a specialist.
At Chin Dental Clinic, we provide professional treatment and comprehensive dental check-up services in Penang. Book your appointment today, and we will help you recover comfortably and quickly.
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