Mouth ulcers can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, nutritional deficiencies such as vitamins, brushing teeth too hard, biting, and medication.
If they are mild, they can be left alone and usually heal within a week or so, but because they are painful, many people want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
What are mouth ulcers?
Stomatitis is an inflammatory disease of the oral mucosa.
They occur mainly on the tongue, inner cheeks, and lips, and are painful.
It often causes discomfort in daily living, eating, and speaking, and contributes to a decreased quality of life.
Symptoms and Causes of Mouth ulcers
The main symptom of stomatitis is the formation of small ulcers in the mouth and inflammation around them.
It is painful and can make eating and speaking difficult.
Aphthous stomatitis: often caused by stress, poor nutrition, or fatigue
Catarrhal stomatitis: caused by oral contamination or mechanical irritation (e.g., accidental biting)
Viral stomatitis: caused by viral infections, often herpes viruses are a contributing factor
kabakoThe over-the-counter medications discussed primarily in this article are used for aphthous and catarrhal stomatitis
How long does it take for mouth ulcers to heal?
Recovery time for mouth ulcers depends on their cause and treatment.
However, if your mouth ulcers do not heal for more than two weeks or if the symptoms worsen, we recommend that you consult a medical specialist or pharmacist.
A medical examination at a medical institution will help you receive more appropriate treatment.
Types of Over-the-Counter Medicines for Mouth ulcers
There are many different types of over-the-counter medications for mouth ulcers, the most common of which are patch, ointment, spray, and drinkable types.
The following is a detailed description of the characteristics and recommended situations for each.
Patch type
Patch-type over-the-counter medicines are effective when applied directly to the affected area of mouth ulcers.
This type is characterized by the fact that it protects the affected area while treating it.
“Aftouch A” is a recommended over-the-counter patch-type medication.
These medications are also recommended by pharmacists and are supported by many users because they are easy to use.
Aftach A: Aftach A is a patch medication whose main ingredient is Triamcinolone acetonide, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Ointment and spray type
Ointment and spray-type over-the-counter medications are effective when applied directly to the affected area of mouth ulcers.
They are especially suited for use when the mouth ulcers are large in area or develop on uneven surfaces.
They are easy to apply and adhere firmly to the affected area for effective treatment.
They are very convenient because they relieve pain and support early healing.
Aftaguard: This is an ointment whose main ingredient is Triamcinolone acetonide, a steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
Traflu Quick Shot: A spray containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ingredient called Sodium azulenesulfonate.
kabakoThis is recommended for those who are not comfortable with steroidal drugs!
Drinkable type
Over-the-counter medications of the oral medication type are a way to treat mouth ulcers from the inside of the body.
Many medications contain vitamins B2 and B6 and are effective in preventing mouth ulcers.
Medicines containing Tranexamic acid are also effective, especially when the pain is severe.
kabakoAlthough ointments are the basic treatment for mouth ulcers, their effectiveness for early improvement may be further enhanced when used in combination with oral medications.
Recommended over-the-counter medications of the oral medication type include ”Taisho Mouth ulcer Stomatitis Chewable Tablets” and ”Chocola BB”.
These approach mouth ulcers from the inside out and promote smooth healing.
Taisho Stomatitis Stomatitis Chewable Tablets: Contains not only Tranexamic acid but also vitamins B₂, B₃, and B₆.
Chocola BB: Contains B vitamins, Nicotine dispersal amide, and Calcium pantothenate.
It is important to understand the characteristics and benefits of both types of over-the-counter medicines and choose the one that best suits your symptoms and lifestyle.
Pharmacist’s Recommendations for Over-the-Counter Medicines
The key to quickly relieving the pain and discomfort of mouth ulcers is to make good use of over-the-counter medications.
The following are pharmacists’ recommendations for over-the-counter medications based on the ingredients of the drugs!
The basics of mouth ulcer treatment are the steroid “Triamcinolone” or the anti-inflammatory drug “Azulene.”
Although there is no data to indicate which is better than the other, it is recommended to choose “Triamcinolone” for severe symptoms and “Azulene” as the main ingredient for mild symptoms.
Both drugs are said to be safe for use by pregnant and nursing women.
Over-the-counter drugs containing the steroid Triamcinolone
Steroidal medications are highly effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain quickly.
Recommended steroidal drugs include “Aftaguard” and “Taisho Quick Care” mouth ulcer ointment. These are applied directly, adhere firmly to the affected area, and effectively treat mouth ulcers.
Over-the-Counter Medicines Containing “Azulene”
Non-steroidal drugs are recommended if you are not comfortable with the use of steroids or for mild mouth ulcers.
Non-steroidal drugs contain ingredients with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and are safe to use because they have fewer side effects.
We recommend products such as Traflu Quick Shot, which contains “Azulene.”
Recommendations for drugs that can be used in children
Mouth ulcers in children are also common.
It is important to choose a drug that is safe for children to use.
In this case, we recommend over-the-counter drugs that have been proven to be safe for children.
Pitattre Stomatitis Patch A is a patch containing the steroid Triamcinolone and can be used by children as young as 5 years old.
If you are concerned about steroids, we recommend “Muhi’s Throat Spray”.
Self-care for fast healing
Self-care for fast healing is important for mouth ulcers sufferers.
The following tips will help you get the most out of over-the-counter medications and improve the symptoms of mouth ulcers.
Prepare the mouth environment.
To heal mouth ulcers quickly, it is important to maintain a good oral environment.
To keep the mouth clean, be sure to brush your teeth after every meal.
It is also helpful to reduce oral bacteria by gargling.
Do not forget to hydrate your mouth adequately to avoid mouth dryness.
Using an oral rinse is also effective.
Maintaining a proper oral environment will help speed up the healing process of mouth ulcers.
Dietary tips
Diet is also an important factor in the quick healing of mouth ulcers.
Mouth ulcers can make eating difficult, but the key is to choose foods that are less irritating.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods, and soft foods and warm soups are gentle to mouth ulcers.
These vitamins also help prevent mouth sores.
How to Reduce Stress
Stress is considered one of the factors that contributes to the development of mouth ulcers.
Reducing stress is also important for faster healing of mouth ulcers.
It is important to make time to relax and get enough sleep.
Enjoying hobbies and exercise can also help relieve stress.
Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques are also effective.
By balancing your mind and body, you can promote the improvement of mouth ulcers.
Conclusion
This article has mainly discussed the treatment of aphthous stomatitis and catarrhal stomatitis.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible in the following cases
Viral infections (e.g., herpesvirus), autoimmune diseases (e.g., smallpox), and side effects of medications can also cause mouth ulcers.
- It doesn’t go away after more than 5 days of treating it with OTC medicines or at home.
- Symptoms continue to worsen after 1~2 days of medication
- Small blisters form on the lips along with tingling neuralgia (possibly herpes labialis)
- Systemic symptoms are present
- You have a fever.
- You are taking anticancer or immunosuppressive drugs
If you have been previously diagnosed with herpes labialis, an OTC topical medication called ”Aracena S (ingredient name: vidalabine) is also available.
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