HOW DO I TREAT MOUTH ULCERS?

Q My 12-year-old daughter has mouth ulcers and she finds it difficult to eat fruits such as oranges. Can you suggest a remedy for her?

A This might be a common problem – canker sore, a painful, red spot or bump in the mouth that develops into a small open mouth ulcer. It may appear as a single bump or as a cluster. There are no particular known causes of canker sores on the tongue. They may arise associated with several conditions including a minor injury from a tooth brush, from spicy or acidic foods, or an accidental bite.

Chewing food and talking at the same time can cause minor trauma to the delicate lining of our mouth.

Other causative agents are food sensitivities/allergies to chocolate, coffee, eggs, cheese and acidic foods; Vitamin B-12, zinc, folic acid or iron deficiency; Helicobacter pylori, the same bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in most grains, inflammatory bowel diseases, hormonal shifts during menstruation, emotional stress, and certain toothpastes and mouth rinses.

In most cases, the canker sores go away without the need to use medication. Avoid foods that seem to irritate her mouth. These include hot and spicy foods, nuts, chips, pretzels, certain spices, salty foods and acidic fruits, such as pineapple, grapefruit and oranges. Avoid foods that could trigger allergies. Find a soft bristled toothbrush and and a gentle toothpaste (without foaming agents) for her. Rinse toothbrush well in hot water after use and store in a cool, dry place.

Dab a little honey on the sores on tongue. Rinsing mouth with water boiled with Thriphala, gargling with warm, salty water 2-3 times in a day, taking a nutritional supplement on prescription will also help. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Application of ice to canker sores also helps. Though it might smart for a few seconds, application of Ilaneerkuzhampu – 2 drops mixed with honey – gives quick results.