Mouth Ulcers and Ayurvedic Solutions for Relief

Ayurveda Singapore recommends adopting a balanced diet, incorporating herbal remedies, practising good oral hygiene, and managing stress levels to prevent the recurrence of mouth ulcers effectively

Mouth ulcers, canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are an oral condition that can cause discomfort and inconvenience. These small, painful lesions can develop on the inside of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue, says a consultant at Ayurveda Singapore. While they are usually harmless and tend to heal on their own within a week or two, their presence can disrupt daily activities such as eating, speaking, and even brushing their teeth.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

According to Ayurvedic Singapore experts, several factors can contribute to the development of mouth ulcers:

Trauma: Accidental biting of the cheek or tongue, dental work, or vigorous brushing can cause tissue damage, leading to ulcer formation.

Stress and Hormonal Changes: Emotional stress or hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women during menstruation, can trigger the onset of mouth ulcers.

Dietary Factors: Certain foods, such as acidic fruits, spicy foods, and nuts, can irritate the delicate tissues of the mouth and increase the risk of developing ulcers.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiency of essential nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and folate can weaken the immune system and can cause mouth ulcers.

Medical Conditions: Underlying health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and viral infections like herpes simplex can also contribute to forming mouth ulcers.

Signs and Symptoms

Ayurveda Consultants mention that the symptoms of mouth ulcers can vary depending on their size, location, and severity.

According to an Ayurvedic Consultant, the common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort while speaking, eating, or drinking
• Redness and inflammation around the ulcer site
• Formation of a white or yellowish coating over the ulcer
• Swelling of nearby lymph nodes
• Fever or general feeling of malaise in severe cases

Ayurvedic Management of Mouth Ulcers

Ayurveda Singapore views mouth ulcers as a manifestation of excess heat or “pitta” in the body, which disrupts the natural balance of doshas (bio-energies). The primary goal of Ayurveda for mouth ulcers is to pacify pitta and promote healing using natural remedies and lifestyle modifications.

Here are some Ayurvedic Singapore approaches to managing mouth ulcers:

Dietary Modifications: Avoiding spicy, acidic, and hot foods that can aggravate pitta is crucial. Instead, focus on incorporating cooling and soothing foods such as cucumber, coconut water, and coriander into your diet.

Herbal Solutions:

Triphala: This is a combination of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Triphala is renowned for its cooling and cleansing properties. According to an Ayurveda Consultant, gargling with Triphala water can help alleviate inflammation and promote ulcer healing.

Licorice (Yashtimadhu): Licorice root contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated mucous membranes and accelerate healing. Chewing on liquorice sticks or using liquorice powder mixed with honey can relieve mouth ulcers, mentions Ayurvedic Singapore Consultant.

Oral Hygiene Practices: According to Ayurveda consultants, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for avoiding infection and speeding up the recovery of mouth ulcers. Ayurvedic Singapore consultants recommend rinsing the mouth with warm water and salt. This helps to reduce inflammation and disinfect the ulcer site.

Ayurvedic Oil Pulling: Oil pulling, or “gandusha” in Ayurveda, involves swishing a tablespoon of coconut or sesame oil in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out. According to Ayurvedic Singapore consultants, this ancient practice helps remove toxins from the oral cavity and promotes oral health.

Stress Management: Since stress can worsen pitta imbalances, incorporating stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help prevent recurrent mouth ulcers.

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but with proper care and Ayurvedic management, you can alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Ayurveda Singapore recommends adopting a balanced diet, incorporating herbal remedies, practising good oral hygiene, and managing stress levels to effectively manage and prevent the recurrence of mouth ulcers. However, if mouth ulcers persist or worsen despite these measures, it's essential to consult an Ayurvedic Consultant for further evaluation and treatment. It is important to have a holistic approach to addresses the root cause of mouth ulcers for long-term relief and oral health.