Ayurvedic Treatment for Mouth UlcersAphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores or Mouth ulcers are round, painful sores that develop inside the mouth. They are among the most prevalent oral ulcers, affecting both sexes equally frequently in their twenties and thirties.

They typically appear as oval or round lesions that are inflamed at the borders and are typically white, yellow, or red in color. It is commonly seen inside the inner surface of the lips, buccal mucosa, tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate.

What causes Mouth ulcers?

The exact cause leading to the formation of aphthous ulcers (Mouth ulcers) is not well understood, but the factors contributing to the formation of ulcers can be summarized as:

1. Nutritional deficiencies such as Vitamin B12, iron, folic acid, and zinc.
2. Mechanical trauma such as injuries from sharp or broken teeth, biting tongue, cheeks or lips, by dental braces, etc.
3. Stress and emotional factors such as anxiety, and depression.
4. Intake of hot, spicy, and oily food.
5. Smoking and chewing tobacco.
6. Abnormalities of the immune system.
7. Complications of diseases such as gastritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.

Types of Aphthous Ulcers

There are three main types of Aphthous ulcers with distinct features:

1. Minor ulcers: 80% of the Aphthous ulcers are included in this category with a diameter of less than 5 mm. The ulcers have round yellowish elevated spots with a red halo. These types of ulcers are painful but tend to heal within 1-2 weeks.
2. Major ulcers: Major ulcers are less common having a diameter greater than 10 mm and have irregular shapes. These ulcers are painful, deeper and take months to heal with scarring.
3. Herpetiform ulcers: These ulcers are multiple pinpoint ulcers seen mostly in the tongue and heal within a month.

Symptoms of Aphthous ulcers

The main symptom of an aphthous ulcer is painful sores inside the mouth. The symptoms may vary according to the severity of the ulcers. The common symptoms seen are:

1. Painful sores inside the mouth.
2. Tingling or burning sensation over the affected area.
3. Red, white, or yellowish sores with red halos.
4. Difficulty in eating, drinking, and speaking.
5. Inflammation over the surrounding area.

Aphthous ulcers are not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another. The ulcers usually heal within a week or so with no scarring or minimal scarring.

Aphthous Ulcers / Mouth Ulcers in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, aphthous ulcers can be correlated with the disease Pittaja Mukhapaka. The imbalance of pitta dosha along with the accumulation of ama(toxins) in the body leads to the formation of the disease.

An increase in pitta dosha results in increased heat production in the body and thereby formation of the ulcers. The ama (toxins) gets accumulates in the body resulting in impaired digestion. Improper digestive function plays a significant role in the formation of aphthous ulcers.

Management of Aphthous ulcers in Ayurveda

Ayurveda follows a holistic approach to the management of aphthous ulcers. The correction of pitta dosha along with the elimination of accumulated toxins from the body is necessary for the management of aphthous ulcers. The normalcy of the body can be maintained by:

1. Virechana (medicated purgation): Virechana is considered the best treatment for the management of pitta disorders. By performing medicated purgation, the vitiated pitta dosha along with the toxins get eliminated from the body.
2. Panchakarma is the best way to cure mouth ulcers. Treatments include Gandusha or holding the medicated decoction or oil and Kavala (gargling) inside the mouth promotes wound healing, improves oral hygiene, and destroys the microorganism in the mouth.
3. Dhoomapana or inhaling medicated smoke through the mouth.
4. Lepam – applying the medicated paste over the sore promotes wound healing faster.

The intake of medicinal or herbal supplements that alleviate the pitta dosha and remove the toxins must be taken along with the above approaches.

Diet and Lifestyle Modifications to be followed

1. Follow a pitta pacifying diet that includes sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes in the diet.
2. Maintain oral hygiene.
3. Reduce stress and tension.
4. Avoid food items that exacerbate the ulcer.
5. Includes dietary supplements such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid in the diet.
6. Eat at regular intervals.
7. Drink at least 2 liters of fluids a day.
8. Practice yoga or meditation for managing stress

Conclusion

Mouth ulcers are not a serious issue but a very painful and annoying disturbance will be caused if not treated on time.  By identifying the root cause of the disease, At Ayurclinic, our expert Ayurvedic doctors provide well natural internal and external medications and recommend diet plans according to the patient’s health to treat mouth ulcers fast.

Contact us online for all your health-related concerns and get proper Ayurvedic treatment at the earliest