Asked by
ramukuru
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Personal Health
at
8:05 PM on May 22, 2008
Vidya Anand's Answer
A mouth ulcer, also known as canker sore is basically an inflammation that appears on the tongue, lips, gums or inside of the cheeks. It is caused due to numerous factors including stress, vitamin deficiency, poor nutrition, poor dental hygiene, food allergies, etc." informs Dr. Kapil Salgia, General Physician, Bombay Hospital.
The ulcer can range in size from a sore as big as a pin head to a 25 paisa coin. And like a sore thumb, it either stands out individually or appears in clusters.
You don't have to fast or live on a diet of juices. Tackle ulcers with these handy remedies.
regular mouth ulcer can be safely ignored as it tends to heal itself in a span of a week to ten days. You can quicken the healing process by avoiding foods that aggravate ulcers. Some such foods include chewing gum, coffee, meat, spicy food, vinegar and other acidic food.
Be careful not to irritate the gums with hard toothbrush bristles or sharp edged foods such as chips etc.
Lack of vitamin C also causes ulcers. So when you feel a canker sore starting, have orange juice or eat fruits that are rich in vitamin C.
simple remedy to alleviate the tingling and burning sensation is to suck on ice cubes. This tends to numb the pain over a period of time.
Rinse your mouth at least twice a day with a mouthwash that contains glycerine, which protects the sores and peroxide which fights the bacteria.
Also, rinse your mouth four to five times a day with warm salt water to keep the inflammation under control.
Yogurt contains bacteria that can keep your system healthy and helps in healing the canker faster. Have a cup of yogurt a day.
If the discomfort is unbearable, apply any of the topical creams that are available over the counter. However, it is advisable to consult your physician before using any.
Just used a tea bag? Don't throw it away yet. Use it to cover the sore. The tannin in it will help dry up the sore.
Make room for salads in your diet. Include plenty of raw onions It contains sulphur that has healing properties.
Do not use your toothbrush for more than a month. Since cavities tend to build up, it can aggravate the condition.
Include in your diet, yogurt and other soured products like buttermilk and cottage cheese.
Do not eat fish or meat. It increases the body's acidity and slows down the healing process.
Ask your doctor for OTC medications for the pain.
Take vitamin and mineral supplements, either in pill form or include these in your diet.
If your ulcer does not heal within a week, consult your dentist
Answered at
9:14 AM on May 23, 2008
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