Canker Sores – Mouth Ulcers – Aphtous Ulcers
Canker sores are usually small red swellings or tiny blisters that occur on the membrane which lines the mouth, on the under surface of the tongue, on the gums, and on the soft palate. Occasionally numerous, they may fuse together and become large. The pain may make eating and speaking difficult.
A number of conditions may bring about canker sores. These include:
- Injury due to a jagged tooth
- Lowered resistance due to some illness or from fatigue
- Emotional stress
- Nutritional deficiencies of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron
- A virus infection such as herpes simplex
- Menstrual period.
Canker sores are known to affect girls and women more than boys and men. This usually self-limiting disease appears once or twice a year and causes little inconvenience except soreness of the mouth. A mouth ulcer may indicate a more serious problem, such as leukemia or a local malignancy.
Things you can do.
Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water or with an antiseptic mouthwash will relieve the pain. Ointments and lozenges may also provide relief. Avoid any foods that produce discomfort, such as spicy or highly acid foods.
Herbs you can use for canker sores.
New Jersey Tea – Also known as Red Root is one of the vegetal remedies used by North American natives. The balk of the root contains an alkaloid (ceanotine), tannin, resin, and traces of an essential oil. It is successfully used in Mouth and Throat afflictions.
Sticklewort – This plant contains flavonoids, essential oils, and mainly tannins, to which it owes most of its medicinal effects. Due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory effects on the mucous membrane, it is very useful for mouth sores.
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