Mouth ulcers - causes, symptoms, and treatment methods

As of now, the actual cause of mouth ulcers has not been definitively identified. However, there are many ways to quickly alleviate this uncomfortable sensation.

Mouth ulcers (also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis) are a very common condition, and almost everyone has experienced it at least once in their lifetime. Suffering from mouth ulcers can be extremely uncomfortable, making eating and drinking difficult, and can cause pain for an entire week.

However, not everyone is well-informed about the condition they are experiencing.

What are Mouth Ulcers?

Mouth ulcers (Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis – RAS) are inflammatory lesions that occur in the mouth. This condition is more common in women than in men. It is a mild but quite prevalent disease.

While mouth ulcers are not dangerous, they can significantly affect daily life and routines, especially eating. Those who frequently suffer from mouth ulcers often have a tough time, so it’s essential to identify the type they have to know the appropriate treatment.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

Many people believe that mouth ulcers are caused by internal heat or consuming “hot” foods such as jackfruit, mango, spicy food, and fried dishes. However, science has yet to determine a specific cause for mouth ulcers.

Mouth ulcers are a type of inflammation that leads to small lesions in the oral mucosa, characterized by a light yellow base surrounded by a bright red halo, causing pain and discomfort that impacts eating.

According to traditional beliefs, mouth ulcers are thought to be due to internal heat or the consumption of excessively hot foods. In modern medicine, there are several factors that can contribute to mouth ulcers, including:

Dental issues such as cavities, periodontal disease, and pulpitis.
Bacterial or viral infections, or reactions in the oral cavity to certain chemical components, such as toothpaste or mouthwash.
Injury to the oral mucosa from accidental biting or consuming overly hot foods.
Deficiencies in vitamins B12, B9 (folic acid), and minerals like iron and zinc.
Stress can also lead to mouth ulcers.

Mouth ulcers may also appear days after trauma to the oral mucosa caused by accidental bites or dental procedures.

Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers

The symptoms include: the appearance of one or more white spots measuring 1 to 2 mm on the oral mucosa, which gradually become swollen and burst within a few days, forming ulcers. The ulcers may grow larger, sometimes up to 10 mm, significantly affecting eating, daily activities, and communication.

If there are no complications, the ulcers will heal on their own after 10 to 15 days, only to reoccur in similar episodes.

One or more white spots measuring 1 – 2 mm appear on the oral mucosa.

Types of Mouth Ulcers

Minor Aphthous Ulcers (RAS minor)

This is the most common type of mouth ulcer, accounting for up to 80%. In this form, the ulcers are shallow, painful, and occur as individual lesions (each ulcer), measuring from 3 mm to less than 1 cm in diameter. The number of lesions can range from 1 to 5 ulcers.

This type of ulcer often occurs on the lips, cheeks, and floor of the mouth. These lesions typically heal within 7 to 10 days without leaving scars.

Major Aphthous Ulcers (RAS major)

Major aphthous ulcers are less common. The ulcers in this case are usually larger, ranging from 1 to 3 cm, deeper, with raised edges, and may cluster together, often found on the lips, soft palate, or throat.

If you experience this type of ulcer, it can significantly affect you as the lesions may last up to 6 weeks, potentially leaving scars or causing constriction of the mouth.

Herpetiform Aphthous Ulcers (Herpetiform RAS)

This type of mouth ulcer is the least common. The lesions are only about 1 to 3 mm, but they appear in clusters. These clusters can be concentrated in a small area or spread over a larger area.

Note: When suffering from mouth ulcers, check which type you have to determine the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Mouth Ulcers

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing infections of the ulcers.

For mild ulcerative lesions, rinsing with diluted saltwater, or applying honey and natural extracts from aloe vera, licorice, or chamomile directly on the ulcer can be quite effective. Among these, chamomile extract is considered one of the most effective herbs with anti-inflammatory properties that help heal lesions in the oral cavity.

Diluted Saltwater: Use saltwater to rinse your mouth daily or hold it in your mouth for a while before spitting it out. Saltwater has high antibacterial properties that will eliminate bacteria at the ulcer sites and promote quick healing.
Coconut Water: Mash coconut flesh and extract the juice to rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day. Coconut water contains coconut oil that helps eliminate bacteria, cleans the mouth, soothes pain, and promotes healing of ulcers caused by heat.
Coriander Seed Water: Use 1 tablespoon of coriander seeds with 1 cup of boiling water, strain the seeds, and use the water to rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day. Coriander seed water has antibacterial properties and is effective in treating bad breath and mouth ulcers.
Radish Water: Use 300g of white radish, crush to extract the juice, mix with a little water, and use to rinse your mouth 3 times a day. After 2 days, the condition can be completely resolved. Additionally, you can rinse with hot or cold water, or use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain from ulcers.
Traditional Remedies for Mouth Ulcers: Applying these traditional remedies can lead to complete healing in just 2-3 days, with lesions no longer appearing white or swollen.

Use fresh tomato juice to rinse and slowly swallow.

Fresh Tomato Juice: Use fresh tomato juice to rinse and swallow gradually like you would with star fruit juice, or you can chew raw tomatoes. Use this 3-4 times a day for quick results.
Star Fruit Juice: Use 2-3 star fruits, crush them, and boil them in water until cool, then use the liquid to rinse and swallow gradually. Repeat this several times a day whenever you have free time without eating or talking a lot.
Astringent Substances: Astringent substances such as green tea, dried tea, fig fruit, mango peel, and Vietnamese balm help fight bacteria, cool the mouth, and effectively eliminate bad odors.
Apply Honey or Honey with Turmeric: Use honey or mix it with turmeric powder and apply it to the ulcerated areas in the mouth. Honey has antibacterial properties, while turmeric is anti-inflammatory, helping ulcers heal quickly without scarring and stimulating tissue growth.
Apply Water from Mucilage Grass with Honey: Crush mucilage grass leaves, extract the juice, and mix with honey. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to the affected areas. Apply 2-3 times a day.

Apply honey or mix with turmeric powder and apply to the ulcerated area in the mouth.

Applying Mallow Leaf Juice: Wash thoroughly, take only the leaves, crush them, and extract the juice. Mix with a little honey. Use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to the swollen and ulcerated areas. Apply 2-3 times a day.
Using Ice: Suck on a small piece of ice to soothe ulcers and reduce inflammation. The cold of the ice slows blood circulation to the ulcer, thus alleviating pain and swelling.
Choosing Appropriate Foods: Avoid coarse, hard, spicy, or acidic foods (such as orange juice, lemon juice, etc.) as they can cause irritation and increase pain.
Supplementing with B Vitamins: Some nutritional deficiencies can lead to canker sores. A study found that sublingual vitamin B12 supplementation helps prevent canker sore recurrence even in those not deficient in B12. The dosage used in the study was 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) twice a day for six months.
Using Yogurt: Yogurt contains high-quality probiotics that are beneficial for treating canker sores. The movement of beneficial bacteria from the probiotics through the mouth helps soothe and heal the ulcers. Additionally, the coolness of yogurt also aids in pain relief.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar: Patients can mix apple cider vinegar and warm water in equal parts and use this mixture as a daily mouthwash to help ulcers heal faster. This is because apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties and promotes the growth of good bacteria.
Using Tea Bags: After drinking tea, individuals can leave the tea bag on the ulcer. This practice helps effectively reduce pain and inflammation due to the tannins in tea, which have anti-inflammatory effects that support ulcer treatment.

Preventing Canker Sores

Limit spicy and hot substances, especially during hot summer days. Not only can this cause heat in the body and mouth ulcers, but it can also lead to skin breakouts, liver heat, itching, and toxin buildup in the liver.
Avoid alcohol, fried foods high in oil, and sugary foods.
Increase the intake of cooling foods that have high heat-clearing properties to help the body cool down.
Drink plenty of water to relieve heat in the body.
Maintain regular oral hygiene.

Important Reminders to Prevent Canker Sores

Follow Oral Hygiene Regulations

During the treatment and prevention of canker sores, it is crucial to adhere to proper oral hygiene practices. This is key to eliminating harmful bacteria.

Brush your teeth regularly every day after waking up and before going to bed.
Visit the dentist regularly even if you are not experiencing any dental issues.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush properly to avoid damaging or scratching the oral cavity.
Replace your toothbrush every three months to ensure hygiene.

Stay Hydrated Daily

Drinking enough water (2-3 liters) is essential every day. In addition to plain water, you can also drink other canker sore-preventive beverages such as: orange juice, lemon juice, pennywort juice, green tea, or sweet potato starch water.

Eat Desserts Made from Beans

You can make black bean soup, mung bean soup, or job’s tears soup to provide nutrients while effectively cooling the body and detoxifying.

Consume Cooling Foods and Vegetables

Individuals with canker sores should eat cooling vegetables like: tomatoes, starfruit, water spinach, pennywort, and meats that have cooling properties (duck, goose meat)…