Mouth ulcers can occasionally occur if your general health is low. The first thing to do is get some rest; this will give you the best chance of recovery.
Natural Mouthwashes
At the same time you can help get relief from the ulcers by using a mouthwash. The simplest mouthwash to use is salt water. Simply dissolve ¼ teaspoon of salt in a glass of water; rinse this around your mouth and spit the salt water out.
Sage tea is an excellent remedy for mouth ulcers; make up a tea with 1 teaspoon of sage; let it stand for 10 minutes, then wash your mouth out with the sage tea. The herb Myrrh can be used in the same way if you have recurrent mouth ulcers.
Chamomile tea; can help both as a mouth wash and when drunk as a tea can also give relief and is a relaxing herbal tonic.
Vegetables and Nutrients
You also need to make sure you are eating the best you can. Include plenty of vegetables. Salads are a great way to help you get the vitamins you need, especially vitamin C which is likely to be low when you have mouth ulcers [1]. Other important nutrients to help stop mouth ulcers include Zinc [2], Iron [1, 2] and all the B vitamins [1-4]. At times of physical or emotional stress the body needs more B vitamins, Vitamin C and Zinc. So often mouth ulcers occur during or after a stressful time.
Cooking destroys some of the nutrient content, so if salads are too harsh on your mouth, try juicing your own vegetables. However, even cooked vegetables will help; so include plenty at every meal. Remember that homemade soups can be a great way to boost your vegetable intake. If I do recommend nutrients, I suggest the Entire Katoa Food State supplements for the best absorption.
Protein to recover from any illness
Protein is always necessary to recover from any illness, so include fish, meat (organic if possible), eggs, and nuts. You may find it easier to eat nut butters instead of whole nuts; try almond nut butter, or hazelnut butter instead of just peanut butter.
Food allergies or food intolerances
Persistent or frequent mouth ulcers can occur due to food allergies or food intolerances. A naturopath will be able help you identify if you have any of these and guide you towards the best diet.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid
Generally, a diet low in nutrients will mean you are vulnerable to mouth ulcers. If you frequently have coffee, alcohol, sugars, and poor quality fats (found in many fast foods and overheated foods), it is likely you are not getting the nutrients you need to keep well and prevent mouth ulcers [5-10]. So cut out the unhelpful foods and include all the foods to help you feel your best right now!
The high quality fats found in Cold pressed oils, fish and organic meat will help your body to absorb vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Contact Bay Health Clinic today to find out more and to book your Naturopathic consultation; call 07 571 3226 or email us: ask@bayhealth.nz
Original article June 2010 Copyright Jaine Kirtley
References
1. Masayuki, O., et al., A case-control study on food intake of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral radiology, and endodontics, 2001. 91(1): p. 45-49.
2. Benjamin, W.L. and A.Y. James, Contact stomatitis. Dermatologic clinics, 2003. 21(1): p. 105-114.
3. S Piskin, C.S.N.D.M.S., Serum iron, ferritin, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels in recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology & Venereology, 2002. 16(1): p. 66-67.
4. Serap, K., et al., Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: investigation of possible etiologic factors. American journal of otolaryngology, 2006. 27(4): p. 229-232.
5. Dietrich, T., et al., Association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and periodontal disease in the US population. Am J Clin Nutr, 2004. 80(1): p. 108-113.
6. Chapple, I.L.C., M.R. Milward, and T. Dietrich, The Prevalence of Inflammatory Periodontitis Is Negatively Associated with Serum Antioxidant Concentrations. J. Nutr., 2007. 137(3): p. 657-664.
7. Battino, M., et al., Oxidative Injury and Inflammatory Periodontal Diseases : the Challenge of Anti-Oxidants to Free Radicals and Reactive Oxygen Species. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, 1999. 10(4): p. 458-476.
8. Merchant, A.T., et al., Whole-grain and fiber intakes and periodontitis risk in men. Am J Clin Nutr, 2006. 83(6): p. 1395-1400.
9. Moynihan, P.J., Dietary advice in dental practice. Br Dent J, 2002. 193(10): p. 563-568.
10. Chapple, I.L.C., Potential Mechanisms Underpinning the Nutritional Modulation of Periodontal Inflammation. J Am Dent Assoc, 2009. 140(2): p. 178-184.
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