Mouth ulcer doctor near me
Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural Mouth ulcer treatment
Recommended health tests for Mouth ulcer
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about Mouth ulcer
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small, painful lesions that develop in the mouth or at the base of the gums. They can make eating, drinking, and talking uncomfortable. Although mouth ulcers can be painful and inconvenient, they are usually not serious and tend to heal on their own within a week or two. The prevalence of mouth ulcers varies widely, affecting about 20% of the general population at some point in their lives. This widespread issue has led many to seek both traditional and natural treatment options for relief and healing.
Causes
Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including minor mouth injuries from dental work, hard brushing, sports accidents, or accidental cheek bites. Other causes include stress, hormonal changes, food sensitivities, particularly to acidic or spicy foods, vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, zinc, folic acid, and iron, and certain diseases, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and HIV/AIDS. Understanding the root causes is crucial for prevention and effective treatment.
Signs and symptoms
- Painful sores on the tongue, gums, or inside of the cheeks - Sores that are white, yellow, or gray with a red border - Difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking due to pain - Swollen skin around the sores - In severe cases, fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes
Diagnosing Mouth ulcer
Mouth ulcers are typically diagnosed based on a visual examination by a healthcare provider. In cases where mouth ulcers are frequent, severe, or not healing as expected, further testing might be conducted to rule out underlying conditions. This could include blood tests to check for vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or signs of an underlying health issue, as well as swabs of the ulcer to check for viral infections.
Prevention and natural treatment
Preventing mouth ulcers involves addressing potential causes: maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding foods that trigger ulcers, managing stress, and ensuring a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. When an ulcer does occur, natural treatments focus on promoting healing and reducing pain. Options include: - Rinsing the mouth with a saltwater solution to reduce inflammation and disinfect the area - Applying a baking soda paste on the ulcer, as baking soda is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties - Consuming a diet high in fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in vitamins C and E, to support immune function and promote healing - Avoiding spicy, acidic, or sharp foods that can exacerbate pain and inflammation - Using supplements, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, to address any vitamin deficiencies In addition to these treatments, some find relief by applying natural remedies directly to the ulcer, such as honey, coconut oil, or aloe vera gel, all of which have properties that can aid in healing and offer pain relief. It's essential to bear in mind that while these natural treatments can provide relief, they should complement traditional medical advice, especially in cases of recurrent or exceptionally painful mouth ulcers.
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