What Causes Mouth Ulcers, and How Can I Heal Them Quickly?

Question

For the past few weeks, I’ve been getting frequent mouth ulcers, and they’re really painful. Some last for a few days, while others take over a week to heal. Eating spicy or acidic foods makes them worse, and sometimes they appear in the same spot repeatedly.

I started researching the reason for mouth ulcers, and it seems like there are so many possible causes—stress, vitamin deficiencies, injuries, infections, or even certain foods. How do I figure out what’s triggering mine? Could poor digestion or acidity be contributing to this?

I also read that certain vitamin deficiencies, like B12 and iron, are linked to mouth ulcers. Should I be taking supplements, or can I get these nutrients naturally through diet?

Since I prefer natural treatments, I started looking into Ayurveda’s approach to healing mouth ulcers. I read that Triphala, licorice root, and honey are often used for oral health—do these actually help with ulcers? Also, are there specific Ayurvedic remedies that help prevent them from coming back?

For those who have struggled with frequent mouth ulcers, what helped you heal them quickly? Did you change your diet, use natural remedies, or find other ways to prevent them? I’d love to hear any practical solutions that worked for you.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, can be triggered by various factors like stress, poor digestion, food sensitivities (e.g., spicy or acidic foods), vitamin deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and folate), or even minor injuries inside the mouth. To figure out what's causing your mouth ulcers, it might help to keep track of your diet, stress levels, and any potential trauma to your mouth. Digestive issues and acidity could definitely contribute, as they can irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth. As for vitamins, B12 and iron deficiencies are commonly linked to ulcers, and while supplements are an option, you can also increase intake naturally by eating foods like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and fortified cereals. Ayurvedic remedies like Triphala (known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties), licorice root (which soothes irritation), and honey (which has antibacterial and healing effects) can indeed help with mouth ulcers. Regular oil pulling with sesame oil is also recommended in Ayurveda to maintain oral health and prevent recurring ulcers. For those who have dealt with frequent mouth ulcers, dietary adjustments, managing stress, and using natural remedies like saltwater rinses or Ayurvedic herbs have been beneficial in speeding up healing and preventing recurrence.

What Causes Mouth Ulcers, and How Can I Heal Them Quickly? - #15682

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