Everyone has experienced mouth sores, right? Regardless of the severity, people around you often rush to offer various remedies, like applying salt or eating kiwi. But do these remedies actually work?
In general, remedies for mouth sores can be categorized into three types. Some remedies might have a stronger psychological effect than actual efficacy. However, if you identify the cause and treat it accordingly, such as supplementing with high-vitamin fruits for vitamin deficiency or applying anti-inflammatory ointments for inflammation, significant improvement can usually be seen within three days. Do common "mouth sore remedies" really work?
The first type includes remedies often recommended by grandmothers, such as watermelon frost, honey, and pickled plums. These remedies might have more of a psychological effect than actual efficacy. Ko Ren-Hung notes that the effectiveness of these remedies varies from person to person, and it's essential to pay attention to the source of ingredients and allergens to avoid worsening the problem.
The second type is the anti-inflammatory group, including oral ointments, mouthwash, and salt. These are highly effective for red and inflamed wounds. Ko Ren-Hung recommends using oral ointments as they form a protective film to prevent further irritation of the wound. Ointments containing steroids or anti-inflammatory components can significantly reduce the immune response of the oral mucosa, promoting faster healing.
The third type is the vitamin supplementation group, including kiwi, tomatoes, and guava. These are suitable for people whose mouth sores are caused by vitamin deficiency. Ko Ren-Hung points out that some mouth sores are due to a lack of vitamins A, B, C, E, or minerals like zinc and iron. Eating a kiwi a day can show noticeable effects within three days.
Kiwifruit doesn't have to be overly sour. You don't need to endure the sourness for a quicker recovery.(Image provided by Heho Health)
Additionally, doctors recommend "brushing teeth diligently" as an effective measure to keep the mouth clean, reduce bacterial growth, and promote healing. Sometimes, doctors may use "silver nitrate solution" to cauterize ulcers and promote new tissue growth, but this requires professional judgment and should not be done independently to avoid worsening the wound.
If a mouth sore lasts more than two weeks, it could be due to fungal infection, autoimmune disease, or oral cancer, and should be checked by a doctor promptly. It is crucial to take long-lasting mouth sores seriously to prevent minor issues from developing into major problems.
