How to Relieve the Pain of Mouth Ulcers

Mouth ulcers are open sores inside of the mouth that come in a variety of shapes and sizes and appear for any number of reasons. No matter the cause of the ulcer(s), frustrating pain is a typical symptom that doesn't go away until the sore completely heals. Here are a few methods that have proven the most effective for relieving mouth ulcer pain.

Instructions

• 1

  Eat foods that are bland and soft. Spicy, hot and acidic foods and foods with textured or scratchy surfaces can cause or increase pain. Most mouthwashes and many strong oral hygiene products will also irritate mouth ulcers, so it's best to leave them in the cabinet until the ulcer heals.

• 2

  Clean the affected area gently and maintain good oral hygiene to reduce inflammation and the chance of infection.

• 3

  Mix together 1 cup of warm water and 2 tbps. of salt and use as a mouth rinse. Salt might cause initial pain when it touches the ulcer, but warm salt water is a "tried-and-true" method for cleaning ulcers to promote faster healing.

• 4

  Use over-the-counter or prescribed rub-on (topical) or liquid antihistamines, corticosteroids, antacids, anesthetic or protective gels. These products not only relieve symptoms, but also promote faster healing by protecting the ulcer(s) from future abrasion and bacteria.