How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast: 15 Quick Fixes for Oral Comfort

Discover 15 proven methods on how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast. Get instant relief and heal sores quickly with our expert-backed, easy-to-follow guide.

Quick Relief for Busy Readers

Need instant relief? Try these top 3 methods:

Rinse with salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water)
Apply honey directly to the ulcer
Dab on milk of magnesia

Now, let’s explore all 15 methods to banish those painful sores!

Understanding Mouth Ulcers

Before we jump into the remedies, let’s quickly understand what we’re dealing with. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that appear inside the mouth. They’re not contagious but can be incredibly uncomfortable.

As someone who’s battled recurring mouth ulcers for years, I’ve tried countless remedies.

Top 15 fixes for How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast

The following 15 methods are the ones I’ve found most effective in how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast.

1. Saltwater Rinse: The Classic Solution

Saltwater is my go-to remedy when a mouth ulcer comes on. It’s simple, effective, and always available.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with salt water:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water
Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds
Spit it out and rinse it with plain water
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Salt creates an alkaline environment that bacteria struggle to thrive in, promoting faster healing.

2. Honey: Nature’s Sweet Healer

I’ve found honey to be incredibly soothing and effective in treating mouth ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with honey:

Apply a handful of raw honey directly to the ulcer
Leave it on for at least 5 minutes (or as long as you can)
Rinse gently with warm water
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up healing and provide pain relief.

3. Milk of Magnesia: The pH Balancer

Milk of magnesia has been a significant change for me in treating mouth ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with milk of magnesia:

Dab a handful directly onto the ulcer using a cotton swab
Leave it on for as long as possible
Rinse with water after 15-20 minutes
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Milk of magnesia neutralizes acid in the mouth, creating an environment that promotes healing.

4. Coconut Oil Pulling: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Woes

I was skeptical about oil pulling at first, but it’s become an essential part of my mouth ulcer treatment routine.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with coconut oil pulling:

Take a tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth
Swish it around for 15-20 minutes
Spit it out (not in the sink as it can clog pipes)
Rinse your mouth with warm water
Do this once daily, in the morning

Why it works: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

5. Aloe Vera Gel: Nature’s Soothing Balm

Aloe vera has been my secret weapon for quick mouth ulcer relief.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with aloe vera:

Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf
Scoop out the gel
Apply directly to the mouth ulcer
Leave it on for at least 5 minutes
Rinse gently with warm water
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Aloe vera has natural healing, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties.

6. Chamomile Tea Bag Compress: Soothing Herbal Relief

I’ve found chamomile tea bags to be surprisingly effective for mouth ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with chamomile tea:

Steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for 1 minute
Remove and let it cool slightly (should be warm, not hot)
position the tea bag on the ulcer
Hold for 5-10 minutes
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can reduce pain and speed up healing.

7. Baking Soda Paste: Alkaline Wonder

Baking soda has been a lifesaver for me when dealing with particularly painful ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with baking soda:

Mix a handful of baking soda with water to form a paste
Apply the paste directly to the ulcer using a cotton swab
Leave it on for 1-2 minutes
Rinse gently with warm water
Repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Baking soda neutralizes acid in the mouth, creating an unfavourable environment for bacteria and promoting healing.

8. Ice Cube Method: Numbing Relief

This simple method has provided me with instant relief countless times.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with ice:

Take a small ice cube or ice chip
Hold it directly against the ulcer
Let it melt slowly
Repeat as needed for pain relief

Why it works: Ice numbs the area, providing immediate pain relief and reducing inflammation.

9. Vitamin E Oil: Healing Boost

I’ve found vitamin E oil to be incredibly effective in speeding up the healing process.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with vitamin E:

Break open a vitamin E capsule
Apply the oil directly to the ulcer
Leave it on for as long as possible
Repeat 2-3 times daily

Why it works: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that promotes tissue repair and healing.

10. Sage Leaves: Nature’s Antiseptic

Sage has become one of my go-to remedies for its potent healing properties.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with sage:

Steep 1-2 sage leaves in hot water for 5 minutes
Remove the leaves and let the tea cool
Use the tea as a mouth rinse, holding it over the ulcer for 30 seconds
Spit out and repeat 3-4 times daily

Why it works: Sage has natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed up healing.

11. Licorice Root: Sweet Relief

Licorice root has been a significant change in my mouth ulcer treatment routine.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with licorice root:

Mix 1 tablespoon of licorice root powder with 1/4 cup of warm water
Stir to form a paste
Apply directly to the ulcer
Leave on for a few minutes before rinsing
Repeat 2-3 times daily

Why it works: Licorice contains compounds that form a protective coating over the ulcer and have anti-inflammatory properties.

12. Turmeric Paste: Golden Healer

I was skeptical about turmeric at first, but it’s proven to be incredibly effective.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with turmeric:

Mix 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a little water to form a paste
Apply the paste directly to the ulcer
Leave it on for 5-10 minutes
Rinse gently with warm water
Repeat 2-3 times daily

Why it works: Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties that can reduce pain and speed up healing.

13. Probiotics: Balancing Act

Incorporating probiotics into my diet has significantly reduced the frequency and severity of my mouth ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with probiotics:

Take a high-quality probiotic supplement daily
Alternatively, consume probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, or kombucha
For direct application, break open a probiotic capsule and apply the powder to the ulcer

Why it works: Probiotics help balance the oral microbiome, reducing the occurrence and duration of mouth ulcers.

14. Zinc Lozenges: Mineral Boost

Zinc lozenges have become an essential part of my mouth ulcer first-aid kit.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with zinc:

Take a zinc lozenge and place it directly over the ulcer
Let it dissolve slowly
Use up to 3 times daily

Why it works: Zinc is crucial for wound healing and can boost your immune system, speeding up ulcer recovery.

15. L-lysine Supplement: Amino Acid Aid

L-lysine has been a revelation in my battle against recurring mouth ulcers.

How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast with L-lysine:

Take 1000mg of L-lysine supplement daily when you feel an ulcer coming on
Continue for a few days after the ulcer heals
For direct application, crush a tablet and mix with a little water to form a paste, then apply to the ulcer

Why it works: L-lysine is an essential amino acid that can help prevent and treat mouth ulcers, especially those caused by viral infections.

Combining Methods for Maximum Effect

In my experience, the most effective approach to how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast is to combine multiple methods. Here’s my routine when I feel an ulcer coming on:

Start with a saltwater rinse
Apply honey directly to the ulcer
Use the ice cube method for immediate pain relief
Take zinc and L-lysine supplements
Before bed, apply turmeric paste to the ulcer

Remember, consistency is key. Apply these treatments regularly throughout the day for the best results.

Tracking Your Progress

To find the most effective method for you, try keeping a mouth ulcer journal. Note which treatments you use, how often, and how quickly the ulcer heals. This can help you identify your personal best method for how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast.

By following these methods and finding the combination that works best for you, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle mouth ulcers quickly and effectively. Remember, if ulcers persist or recur frequently, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions.

Preventing Future Mouth Ulcers

While knowing how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast is crucial, prevention is even better. Here are some tips I’ve found helpful:

Manage stress (mouth ulcers often appear during stressful periods)
Avoid foods that trigger ulcers (common culprits include citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods)
Practice good oral hygiene
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
Consider taking vitamin B12 and zinc supplements (consult your doctor first)

When to see a doctor

While most mouth ulcers heal on their own within 1-2 weeks, sometimes professional help is needed. Seek medical attention if:

Ulcers are larger than 1 cm in diameter
You have persistent ulcers that don’t heal within three weeks
You get frequent mouth ulcers (more than 3-4 times a year)
The pain is severe and interferes with eating or drinking

FAQs: How to get rid of mouth ulcers fast

How do you get rid of mouth sores ASAP?

To get rid of mouth sores as quickly as possible, combine multiple methods. Start with a saltwater rinse, then apply honey or milk of magnesia directly to the ulcer. Use an over-the-counter pain relief gel for immediate comfort. Remember, consistency is key – apply treatments several times a day for the best results.

How do you get rid of mouth ulcers in one night?

While it’s unlikely to completely heal a mouth ulcer overnight, you can significantly reduce pain and speed up healing. Before bed, rinse with salt water, apply honey to the ulcer, and leave it on overnight if possible. In the morning, do an oil-pulling session with coconut oil and apply aloe vera gel to the ulcer.

Does putting salt on mouth ulcers help?

Yes, salt can help mouth ulcers heal faster. It creates an alkaline environment that inhibits bacterial growth and reduces inflammation. However, don’t apply salt directly to the ulcer as it can be painful. Instead, use a saltwater rinse as described earlier in this post.

Why do mouth ulcers hurt so much?

Mouth ulcers hurt because they’re open wounds in the sensitive lining of your mouth. They expose nerve endings, which is why they’re so painful. The constant movement and exposure to food and drink in your mouth can further irritate the ulcer, increasing pain. That’s why treatments that form a protective layer over the ulcer (like honey or milk of magnesia) can be so effective in reducing pain.

Conclusion

Armed with these 15 methods on how to get rid of mouth ulcers fast, you’re now prepared to tackle these painful sores head-on. Remember, everyone’s body is different, so what works best for me might not be the top solution for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect mouth ulcer-fighting routine. Thank you for reading, and here’s to a future with less oral discomfort!