Q. Are there any home remedies for mouth ulcers? They can be quite painful and sometimes take a long time to heal.
A. The official name for this condition is aphthous ulcers. They are commonly known as canker sores, and no one quite knows what causes them and why some people are especially susceptible. Although doctors have tried a number of pharmaceutical treatments, none stand out as superior.
One randomized study compared 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily to placebo for six months (Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, Feb. 2014). The 25 people taking the omega-3 supplement had significantly fewer mouth ulcers and less discomfort than the 25 assigned to placebo therapy.
Other remedies include drinking a glass of buttermilk once or twice daily, taking L-lysine supplements, swishing an ounce of sauerkraut juice in the mouth or applying aloe vera gel to the sore. Eating a kiwi fruit every other day works for many people.
