How to Treat Canker Sores When Pregnant
Usually canker sores (mouth ulcers) during pregnancy are caused by changes in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. This hormone can cause changes in the tissue in the gums, tongue and mouth, so that it can increase the risk of canker sores during pregnancy. Usually, canker sores during pregnancy can heal on its own within 1-2 weeks. However, to relieve pain and speed up the healing process, you can try how to treat canker sores when pregnant. To find out how, please read the following explanation to the end.
How to Treat Mouth Ulcers When Pregnant
The following are various safe and relatively easy ways to treat canker sores during pregnancy:
1. Apply coconut oil or honey
Coconut oil and honey are known to have natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Several studies have also proven that coconut oil and honey are effective in reducing the pain, size, and redness of canker sores. The trick is to apply coconut oil or honey to the canker sores at least 4 times a day until the canker sores disappear. If pregnant women prefer to use honey, then choose pure honey that is not processed or filtered so that the results can be maximized.
2. Compress with ice cubes
To reduce pain and inflammation caused by canker sores, pregnant women can also use ice cubes. The trick is to compress canker sores using ice cubes slowly and carefully. Do not let the ice cubes used actually hurt the inside of the mouth.
3. Gargle with salt water
How to treat mouth ulcers while pregnant that is quite effective can be by gargling with salt water. The trick is to dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in half a glass of warm water (250ml), then use it to gargle for about 30 seconds and repeat every few hours.
4. Compress or gargle with chamomile tea
Chamomile tea contains azulene and levomenol which have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects that are good for treating canker sores during pregnancy.
To use it, you can gargle or drink chamomile tea. In addition, you can also compress canker sores with a wet chamomile tea bag for a few minutes. For maximum results, you can repeat the compress and gargle 3-4 times a day.
In addition to how to treat canker sores while pregnant above, pregnant women must also maintain oral hygiene. Therefore, brush your teeth regularly using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and use a non-foaming (non-sodium sulfate) toothpaste and mouthwash.
How to Keep Canker Sores from Coming Back
Canker sores during pregnancy may make pregnant women lazy to eat because it hurts when chewing. Even though during pregnancy it really needs adequate nutritional intake so that the immune system is maintained as well as to support the development and growth of the fetus.
The following are some ways you can do to prevent canker sores from coming back during pregnancy:
- Maintain dental and oral health.
- Drink lots of water.
- Be careful when chewing food.
- Consumption of healthy foods so that nutritional needs are met properly, such as low-fat milk, fruits, green vegetables, eggs, meat, and yogurt.
- You should avoid foods that can irritate the mouth, such as chips, nuts, salty foods, and acidic fruits.
- Control stress well, for example by doing yoga or meditation, and getting enough rest.
Although canker sores can heal on their own, to reduce pain and speed up the healing process you also need to do how to treat canker sores when pregnant. But if it still doesn't heal for more than 2 weeks, then immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
