Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are painful minor ulcers inside the mouth that make eating, drinking, or speaking uncomfortable. The right mouth ulcer gel will heal you faster and provide you with some relief from the ache and irritation. With many gel products available in the market, it might prove daunting to choose the right one for your needs. This blog will lead you through the factors that you must look for while selecting a mouth ulcer gel, especially for fast pain relief.
Know More About Mouth Ulcers
Mouth ulcers are shallow, painful sores on the inner linings of the mouth, which can occur on the cheeks, lips, or tongue. Their causative factors include stress, slight trauma in the mouth through biting on the cheek or the tongue, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and reactions to some foods. However, most mouth ulcers heal within one to two weeks; most people tend to seek relief from the pain and discomfort caused.
Mouth ulcer gels are one of the most popular remedies, which not only soothe the pain but also protect the ulcer so that it can heal sooner. However, all gels are not the same. Here is how you can get the best one for yourself.
Some Considerations While Choosing A Mouth Ulcer Gel
1. Active Ingredients
The active ingredients in mouth ulcer gels are what primarily help to soothe the pain, speed up the healing process, and prevent infection. Note that the following are the typical active ingredients for gels:
- Benzocaine or Lidocaine: These local anaesthetics numb the area and usually act as painkillers within minutes. When the pain is severe, gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine would be beneficial.
- Hydrocortisone: Some gels have a minute amount of corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, swelling, or redness around the ulcer.
- Choline Salicylate is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic that can be applied to reduce the discomfort and pain caused by mouth ulcers.
- Cetylpyridinium Chloride: This is an antiseptic that stops infection brought by growing germs around the ulcer from arising.
- Aloe Vera Extract: Some of the natural ingredients incorporated in this gummy, such as the soothing and healing properties of aloe vera, make mouth ulcers.
- Hyaluronic Acid: It hydrates the area of damage and creates a protective cover over the ulcer, allowing for quicker healing.
2. Efficacy in Pain Relief
One of the first important considerations while choosing a mouth ulcer gel is how well it relieves the pain. Oral ulcers cause sharp, stinging pain that aggravates with foods and drinks. These gels may remove the pain sensation right then and there or lessen it gradually over time.
- Fast-acting gels: For immediate pain relief, choose a gel with an over-the-counter topical anaesthetic containing ingredients like benzocaine or lidocaine. This gel can transfer the numbing effect almost immediately within a few minutes.
- Longer-acting gels: If your body hurts regularly and you have pain that occurs frequently and constantly, seek gels offering long-term relief. Some products are formulated with a mixture of anaesthesia ingredients along with other active ingredients, offering pain relief to ensure that one experiences comfort all through the day.
3. Healing Properties
These gels may alleviate pain but should also promote healing. Those with aloe vera or hyaluronic acid elements have been shown to decrease inflammation within the tissue and stimulate regeneration of tissue while creating a protective barrier that prevents further irritation to the ulcer, letting the body heal naturally over time.
Anti-inflammatory gels would act to control swelling and decrease inflammation within the tissue of an ulcer.
Barrier-forming gels are effective at protecting the ulcer from further irritation, especially if eating or drinking irritates the sore.
4. Ease of Application
The ease with which you can apply the gel to the ulcer may even impact its effectiveness and your comfort with the therapy. Depending on the type of gel, it may be contained in a fairly thin applicator tube or shipped as part of a squeeze bottle.
Gels that use strict applicators allow you to apply the gel directly to your ulcer since anything that is wasted is avoided. Gels or pastes that are a bit thicker will stay in position much better than most, so the slightly thicker gel will form a barrier for a longer period of time over the ulcer.
You should also pay attention to the fact that the gel’s taste shouldn’t be too harsh. You do not want something else irritating your pain as you try to calm it by using the gel.
5. Ulcer Type and Intensity
Mouth ulcers differ in terms of size, area, and intensity. You will need the right gel for your type of ulcer.
For minor ulcers you might find solutions at pharmacies over-the-counter with superficial anesthetics.
For more severe ulcers or recurrent mouth ulcers, stronger numbing and anti-inflammatory agents would alleviate pain. Your dentist may also prescribe Hydrocortisone gels or other medicated gels for major ulcers.
If your mouth ulcers are symptomatic of an underlying condition-for instance, nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune disorders-you may need to address the root cause.
6. Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities
Before you choose an oral ulcer gel, check the ingredient list for possible allergens or irritants. Some people react to preservatives, artificial flavours, or alcohol.
Alcohol-free gels are preferred for sensitive persons, or those having a dry mouth since alcohol can irritate the ulcer even more and dry out the area surrounding it.
Natural ingredient gels, especially those containing aloe vera, chamomile, etc., may be less irritating to allergic or sensitive skin.
7. Long It Lasts
Mouth ulcer gels differ in how long they soothe the pain. While some gels soothe for a short period, and you have to apply them again, others soothe for a longer period.
Long-term gels are the best option for those with chronic discomfort who would like to use fewer gels.
For people experiencing discomfort while eating only occasionally, short-term gels will be more ideal since they give immediate but short-term relief.
8. Age and Age Applicability
Gels for mouth ulcers are generally appropriate for adults; however, some brands are formulated for children as well. When you buy a gel for your child, ensure that it is suitable for the child’s age group and also contains milder ingredients. Make sure to seek your paediatrician or dentist’s advice before using over-the-counter products on your child.
For adults, the more potent medicines available at the stores can contain anaesthetics or anti-inflammatories. For kids, opt for mild gels that cure without tasting bitter or having harsh ingredients.
9. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Many mouth ulcer gels have very good reviews to prove them. In such a case, a parent can shop for the product knowing they are going to get some relief. Brands with a good reputation for effective relief will deliver.
Read reviews from people with similar symptoms to determine if the gel’s application helped them and how it could best work for their problem. Did they experience relief promptly? Was the application painless and easy? Check known side effects and issues for a specific product.
Conclusion
Knowing which mouth ulcer gel to choose makes all the difference in how quickly and effectively you will enjoy relief. Focus on which of the active ingredients is necessary for your needs, whether pain relief, healing, or ease of application. Knowledge of personal care preference coupled with the severity of the ulcer will drive one to a more appropriate product.
Therefore, by considering all the above considerations, you will be able to find a mouth ulcer gel that soothes your pain and promotes healing, and you may eat, drink, or speak as soon as possible.
