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Also known as a canker sore, the ulcer can cause difficulties with eating or drinking. Fortunately, they’re usually not something to worry about, and home remedies can speed up the healing process.
The NHS confirmed tongue ulcers “are harmless”, and can be safely managed at home.
Typically round or oval in shape, they can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour.
It’s possible to have more than one mouth ulcer at a time, with some appealing on the cheeks or lips – as well as the tongue.
This is because they can spread and grow (and they’re not usually a pretty sight).
To help ease swelling and discomfort while the mouth ulcer heals, Holland & Barrett suggest a few natural home remedies.
This includes doing a saltwater rinse, which involves using 1/2tsp of salt in one cup of water.
Swish the saltwater mix around in your mouth, then spit it out in the bathroom sink.
You can even use baking soda in place of salt, which does just as good of a job.
Baking soda can also be applied as a paste over the sore, which may be helpful.
To help soothe a tongue blister, drink a cold beverage through a straw – the iciness will provide some much-needed relief.
It’ll also help to avoid hot or spicy food while you’re giving the sore time to heal.
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In addition to home remedies, there are certain practices which can help prevent the formation of mouth ulcers in the first place.
To help prevent a tongue ulcer, practise good dental hygiene that involves brushing your teeth and flossing twice daily.
Soft-bristled toothbrushes can also help reduce mouth irritation, and try to avoid toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate.
If you find mouth ulcers keep on coming back, it may be worthwhile keeping a food diary.
Keeping a food diary can identify foods you may be allergic or intolerant to, which may lead to the development of an ulcer.
Common food culprits include: crisps, nuts, spicy dishes and acidic foods.
The NHS adds chocolate, coffee, strawberries, cheese, tomatoes and whet flour to common food culprits.
The national health body also adds that tongue ulcer triggers can include stress and anxiety.
This is why it’d be beneficial to implement relaxation techniques into your everyday life.
Examples of relaxation techniques include deep breathing or visualisations.
There are several types of mouth ulcer treatments available from a pharmacy.
If mouth ulcers last for longer than three weeks, then medical advice is recommended.
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