Oral Lesions? Try These Natural Remedies
Oral lesions basically refer to those shallow, round shaped ulcers that grow right on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. These are also known as canker sores, and can cause significant oral pain and discomfort. They usually make it very difficult to chew food, drink something or even move our mouth while talking.
While minor ulceration usually heals on its own in a period of few days, the major sores tend to take longer to heal and often require medical intervention to treat. Also, depending upon the trigger behind their development, they are quite likely to recur. Therefore, treating them is more or less insufficient. Finding the root cause behind becomes equally important, so that we can take all precautions necessary so as to prevent them from recurring and going through all that discomfort all over again.
What Triggers the Growth of Oral Ulcers?
- Brushing our teeth too hard or not using gentle means while maintaining our oral care and hygiene remains one of the most common causes behind oral lesions.
- Wrong food choices, such as eating excessively spicy or sharp foods such as chips can cause injuries inside our mouth that may lead to oral lesions. Certain acidic foods can also cause irritation in our mouth.
- These oral lesions can also happen if we end up biting our tongue accidentally, or put hot food right into our mouth.
- Minor dental injury can also develop these sores
- Infections, including viral, bacterial and even fungal are other common reasons that lead to their growth.
- Chewing tobacco can also be very harsh on the insides of our mouth.
- Hormonal changes among females and adolescents often lead to surfacing to these sores.
- Vitamin or mineral deficiencies can also trigger these sores.
- Excessive stress or a consistent lack of sleep is other couple of reasons that have a potential to contribute towards oral lesions.
Natural Health Tips to Treat Oral Lesions
As discussed, most oral lesions tend to go away on their own in a matter of some 7-10 days. However, that does not necessarily mean that you must bear the pain and discomfort for that period. There are several natural remedies you could rely on, in order to make that period less torturous, and speed up the healing process. Let us take a look at some of them
- Make a homemade rinse using saltwater and baking soda.
- Make a baking soda paste to apply over the ulcers
- You may apply some ice onto the affected area
- Take some damp tea bags and place them right onto the sores
- Take nutrition supplements in case you feel that the reason behind could possibly be a deficiency.
There is a reason why we should not talk while eating, and that we should not try to eat slowly, so that we do not end up biting our tongue accidentally.
Herbal Remedies that Heal
Turmeric
Curcumin, one of turmeric’s active ingredients, is loaded with some incredible healing properties. These include anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti bacterial, anti viral, anti fungal, etc. Consume turmeric milk, or apply a thick paste of turmeric, honey and milk on the sores. Keep this paste on for a few minutes, and rinse your mouth afterwards. Do this several times a day for a few days, and this would not only accelerate the healing process, but also offer great immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
Tea Tree Oil
The tea tree oil makes a prominent appearance in various oral ointments and mouth rinses. The reason can be attributed to its enormous healing potential. It not only exhibits antimicrobial activity, but also possesses disinfectant properties, which go a long way in treating as well as preventing the oral lesions. It also keeps mouth odour at bay, and also helps ease toothaches. However, make sure to consult your dentist on the usage of this oil, and never ever end up consuming this oil as it can be extremely poisonous.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an ancient herb which is loaded with some incredible healing and curative prowess. The stems of aloe vera plant contain this thick gel like substance. Simply known as Aloe vera gel, it is known for addressing various skin conditions. In case of oral lesions, this gel is again extremely effective. The best practice is to topically apply freshly sourced gel on the sore, 2-3 times a day for a few days. We can also consume aloe vera juice, which offers a host of other health benefits as well.
Also Take Care
Oral lesions can be extremely painful and discomforting, and only someone who has experienced them can tell just how difficult they can make life. But there is nature to the rescue, and there are so many ways to find relief in nature. So do try out the above stated Natural remedies, and see which one works best for you!
About the Author:
Dr Sonica Krishan is Author and Speaker in the areas of Healthy and Joyous Living through Ayurveda, Meditation, Yoga and other Contemplative practices. She is a leading Ayurveda Professional in India. She is also Health Writer, Columnist, Editor, Ayurveda Consultant and Holistic Healing Coach. Dr Sonica is open for National as well as International Collaborations with interested people / institutions in fields of Ayurveda, Meditation and Yoga.
Dr Sonica Krishan’s Books are available at Amazon
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