How to treat mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are signs of stress and usually mean you are over-working, over-training or overwrought. Appearing alone or collectively, mouth ulcers are red with a yellow centre and measure about one centimetre in diameter. Mouth ulcers may occasionally reflect other health problems such as inflammatory bowel disease or an allergy to gluten (found in wheat, rye, barley and oats), fluoride or some other substance. Mouth ulcers may also indicate an iron deficiency. This can be ascertained with a blood test.

To relieve pain and hasten healing, suck on a zinc and vitamin C lozenge every two hours. If the ulcers are extremely painful, for instant (but temporary) relief, make a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water and pack it on the ulcer. Sucking on an antacid tablet will have a similar effect.

Physical trauma to the mouth can also precipitate an outbreak – for example, braces, chewing the inside of the cheek and over-enthusiastic tooth-brushing. Anything spicy or acidic will hurt. Instead, choose cooling foods such as watermelon, pears, cucumber and lettuce. If the ulcers make it too painful to chew, try smoothies, pureed soups and vegetable juices.  Acidophilus yoghurt is both calming and healing.

If you are prone to mouth ulcers, it is important to boost your immune system. This can be done by routinely taking immune-enhancing herbs and supplements.  These include vitamins C, A and zinc as well as herbs such as echinacea, astragalus and wild indigo. In addition, two B vitamins in particular – folic acid (B9) and thiamine (B1) – have been shown to heal and prevent mouth ulcers.

If stress is the trigger, take this sign as an opportunity to look at removing and reducing the causes of the stress, and try stress-diffusing activities such as yoga, meditation and walking the dog.