Introduction
Aphtae are small inflamed bulges in the oral cavity, which are perceived by those affected as extremely disturbing and painful. In most cases they appear directly on the oral mucosa in the area of the cheeks and the oral vestibule (vestibule), sometimes they can also be found on the tongue, the palate, the gums and even in the genital area. Usually they heal without problems after 1-2 weeks.
Not every conspicuous bulge in the oral cavity is an aphtae. With small, yellow-whitish coloured blisters, however, it can be assumed with some certainty that it is an aphthae. Unfortunately, the causes for the formation of aphthae are still largely unexplained, but it is assumed that stress, lack of sleep, small injuries of the oral mucosa and/or acidic foods are involved in the formation of aphthae.
Even common infectious diseases, which are accompanied by a weakening of the immune system, favour the development of aphthae in the oral cavity. The treatment of these small vesicles does not necessarily have to be complicated. In a large number of cases, some household remedies already help to induce regression.
Homeopathic remedies are also frequently used. Among the helpful home remedies are camomile extracts or simply a bag of camomile tea. This should be boiled and then carefully applied to the affected area with a cotton swab.
However, it is important to make sure that the liquid is not too hot, as this can cause burns or scalding of the oral mucosa. Furthermore, the slow chewing of a piece of papaya should help against aphthae. This is due to an enzyme in this fruit which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membrane.
Another household remedy for the treatment of aphthae is baking powder, which is applied to the aphthae. The powder has a painkilling effect on the one hand and an anti-inflammatory effect on the other. A far more drastic and unpleasant method is the chewing of raw onions or cloves.
If aphthae occur in children for the first time, it is advisable to consult a doctor to rule out other diseases. Since aphthae disappears on its own within 1-2 weeks, the doctor usually prescribes a gel to relieve the pain. However, there are also home remedies that can relieve the pain.
First of all, it is important that the child still takes in sufficient amounts of fluid, even if the aphthae makes it uncomfortable. It is best to avoid sour drinks and make sage tea. The child can drink this tea or gargle, as it has a calming effect and helps the inflammation to subside.
Camomile or marigold tea can also be used as a supplement. In addition, special solutions that also have an anti-inflammatory effect can be bought in pharmacies. When preparing food, one should cook particularly mild and nutritious meals during this time, preferably in the form of porridge and soups.
The many nutrients strengthen the immune system and thus help to fight the aphthae from within. It can also be helpful to give small ice cubes to the child to suck on. The cooling effect also relieves pain.
Salt: In case of inflammation of the oral mucosa, which also includes aphthae, rinsing with a saltwater solution is often recommended. Salt has been known as a remedy for thousands of years, whether as a bath additive or as a compress. It is best to use sea salt to make a saline solution.
Iodized salt is preferable. An alternative is Emser salt, which has a particularly high mineral content. The production is simple.
You need a few teaspoons of the salt, put it into a glass and pour lukewarm water over it. Stir for a few seconds and the solution is ready for gargling. After rinsing your mouth with the salt water, spit the solution out again and do not swallow it.
The salt water kills bacteria, has an anti-inflammatory, decongestant and analgesic effect. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is very popular as a household remedy. It is a liquid substance obtained by steam distillation from the leaves and branches of the tea tree found in Australia.
It belongs to the myrtle family. The substance obtained is said to have anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Thus it is used in many inflammatory processes, such as pimples, warts or even aphtae.
Either it is used as a solution by mixing 4-5 drops of the oil with water and then rinsing the mouth with it or alternatively the tea tree oil can be dabbed directly onto the aphthae using cotton swabs. Especially with tea tree oil it is advisable to drip a little bit of the oil on your skin before application to exclude an intolerance or an allergy. Honey: In order to protect the mucous membrane and to relieve the pain of an aphthae, honey is one of the most popular household remedies.
This household remedy is especially popular with children, as it has a sweetish taste. Simply dab a little bit of the honey directly on the aphthae and a short time later relief will be noticeable. The sweet honey obtained by bees has a long tradition as a household remedy, because it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
With children, however, caution is advised in the first year of life, because honey can contain a poison which the baby cannot yet process at this age. If the honey is added to a tea in order to rinse the oral cavity and strengthen the effect of the tea, the honey should not be put into too hot water, as it will lose its healing properties. First let the tea cool down to drinking temperature and then add the honey.
Baking powder: The baking powder found in every kitchen can also be used to relieve the pain of aphthae. The white powder is simply applied to the aphthae and can spread its pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effect. This process can be repeated several times a day.