If lip and mouth is sore You can do this against agonizing apices

Small ulcers in the mouth: home remedies also help against aphthae

Most people have probably suffered from aphthae. The painful mucosal changes in the mouth are increasing in the autumn. Health experts explain what you should avoid with the small ulcers and what can be done about it.

Inflammatory mucous membrane disease

According to experts, aphthae (also known as aphthae) are the most common non-infectious inflammatory oral mucosal disease. The most painful ulcers can occur on the cheek, on the palate, but also on the tongue. "The reddened mucosal defects can be very small, but also the size of a lens," writes the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Zahngesundheit (AGZ) on its website. "Often they are covered with a whitish yellow liquid," say the experts. Aphthae are common in infancy, but come back again and again throughout life. There are some things that should be taken into account.

Although the exact causes of aphthae are still unknown, there is a lot to be done to relieve the painful sores in the mouth. (Image: charnsitr / fotolia.com)

Causes still largely unknown

The causes of aphthae are still largely unknown. Bacteria and viruses are suspected as causative agents. Certain risk factors can promote the development of ulcers.

As the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) explains on their website, aphthae occur more frequently in spring and autumn in connection with colds.

Strong sun exposure, menstruation, stress, gastrointestinal disturbances, bite or pressure when brushing teeth, dental tools, or food intolerance can also cause small ulcers.

According to the TK also certain underlying diseases favor the occurrence of aphthae. These include, among others, anemia, folic acid, vitamin B3 and iron deficiency or a disorder of vitamin B12 intake.

In addition, a herpes infection, hand-foot-mouth disease or severe bowel inflammation associated with aphthae.

"Hereditary predisposition also seems to play a role," says TK.

Aphthae usually heal after a few days

As the health insurance explains, about 80 percent of the aphthae have a diameter of less than one centimeter. Most of them heal after four to fourteen days.

Large aphthae, which make up about ten percent, can have a diameter of one to three centimeters. They often persist for ten days to six weeks.

And another ten percent of sufferers have numerous small, herpetiform aphthae, which are found throughout the oral cavity.

Keep complaints low

Health experts say no treatment is required for most aphthous ulcers. However, sufferers can do a lot to keep the symptoms down.

Since aphthae cause a disturbance and one is constantly seduced to play with the tongue on the small ulcers or to chew lightly with your teeth, you should be careful not to do just that.

Otherwise the vacancies can become more inflamed and hurt even more.

In addition, foods that may cause the aphthous ulcer should be avoided.

For example, hard foods such as rusks, hard bread and nuts, as well as salty or sour foods such as citrus or pineapple or spicy foods, as well as alcoholic or carbonated drinks may favor the development of aphthae in some people.

Cool and soft foods like yoghurt, on the other hand, can relieve the pain.

In addition, it may be helpful not to use toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Even home remedies can help

If you have severe symptoms you can contact a doctor who may prescribe mouth rinses, ointments, gels or sprays.

For example, chlorhexidine rinses, chamomile extracts, various preparations containing local anesthetics or a salicylic acid-containing cream may be used.

For persistent cases, the doctor may also prescribe a drug containing cortisone.

Although there are also over-the-counter medicines, health experts advise on prescription drugs.

Home remedies can also help: "To alleviate the symptoms, you can rinse with sage, chamomile or marshmallow tea," writes the AGZ.

"Likewise, a dabbing of the aphthous with chamomile extract or myrrh tincture can provide relief," the experts said. (Ad)