Dos and Donts when having mouth ulcers (canker sores)

Index of Medicines

✅ DO’s

1. Maintain good oral hygiene

   • Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

   • Use mild, non-alcoholic mouthwash or saltwater rinses (½ tsp salt in a glass of warm water, rinse 2–3 times daily).

2. Stay hydrated

   • Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and help healing.

3. Eat soft, bland foods

   • Choose yogurt, soups, boiled vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal.

   • Let hot food cool down before eating.

4. Use topical gels or mouth rinses

   • Over-the-counter options like benzocaine (Orajel), lidocaine, or chlorhexidine mouthwash can help numb pain and prevent infection.

5. Try home remedies

   • Honey: Dab a little on the ulcer—it’s soothing and antimicrobial.

   • Aloe vera gel: Promotes healing and reduces discomfort.

   • Coconut oil: Can reduce pain and prevent infection.

6. Manage stress

   • Stress can trigger or worsen ulcers. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or short walks.

7. Identify triggers

   • Note any foods, toothpaste ingredients (like sodium lauryl sulfate), or medications that might be linked to your ulcers.

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❌ DON’Ts

1. Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty foods

   • Foods like pickles, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chips, or chili can sting and delay healing.

2. Don’t consume very hot beverages

   • Allow tea, coffee, or soup to cool before drinking.

3. Avoid hard or crunchy foods

   • Crackers, toast, nuts, or chips can scrape or irritate the ulcer.

4. Don’t touch or poke the ulcer

   • It can worsen the pain, introduce bacteria, and slow healing.

5. Avoid alcohol and tobacco

   • Both irritate the mouth lining and delay recovery.

6. Don’t skip meals

   • Even if it’s painful, eat soft foods to maintain nutrition.

7. Don’t ignore persistent ulcers

   • If ulcers last more than 2 weeks, are unusually large, or keep recurring, see a dentist or doctor.

   • Persistent ulcers may indicate nutritional deficiencies (like vitamin B12, folate, or iron) or other underlying issues.

Advice from ChatGPT 5 Tags: Medicine,