Diet for Ulcers in the Mouth

There are several types of mouth ulcers, which are caused when the sensitive mouth lining is damaged. Damage can be caused by stress or viruses, hot food, biting the inside of your mouth or brushing your teeth too aggressively. BBC Health notes that in more serious cases, mouth ulcers can be a symptom of herpes, inflammatory bowel syndrome or immune disorders. Most mouth ulcers (commonly known as canker sores) typically last seven or so days. Paying close attention to your diet can help ease any pain and shorten the healing time.

Preventive Eating

• According to Herbs 2000, a website that focuses on holistic health, consume a wholesome diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, dairy products and lean meats to supply your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to avoid and fight off the infections that cause some ulcers.

While You have an Ulcer

• Try a purifying diet to cleanse your system and ease the pain and duration of mouth ulcers by avoiding fried, oily and spicy foods. Follow a purifying diet of juices, various fruits and plenty of vegetables for two days from the onset of an ulcer. If your mouth is too sore to allow you to eat most foods, try juicing fruits and vegetables or mixing up healthy smoothies. Be aware that the acid in citrus products will likely irritate the ulcer.

Deficiencies

• Many people who suffer from chronic mouth ulcers are often deficient in iron, zinc and vitamin B-12, says Herbs 2000. Foods that are rich in in B-12 and zinc include liver, clams, beef, cheese, eggs and lamb, while beans, spinach, tofu and broccoli are rich in iron. According to Ayushveda, an online magazine, eating these foods and taking supplements as needed helps the body fight future ulcers and shortens the duration of current sores.

Herbs

• Herbs 2000 recommends that people with mouth ulcers supplement their diet with a daily vitamin A capsule or supplement, as well as 250mg of Vitamin E.