Good Mouthkeeping

Ulcers and gum infections are among the nasty oral niggles that can get you down, especially if they go on for too long. The secret is to treat them with some herbal remedies at the first sign of a twinge.

Mouth ulcers often seem to come from nowhere and can make eating and drinking difficult, especially if they hang around for days.  Fluoride in toothpaste, citrus fruits and food intolerance have all been cited as possible triggers. Stress is also thought to play a part.  Remedies that have been shown to bring relief include marigold and propolis.

Marigold

A tincture of marigold, otherwise known as calendula, works wonders on ulcers, sore patches in the mouth as well as toothache. Although the first twinge of pain you feel is often not toothache but the start of an infection and inflammation of the gum surrounding it.

In her book Helpful Herbs for Health and Beauty, Barbara Griggs suggests diluting half a teaspoon of marigold tincture in a tablespoon of water and applying it directly to the sore area, or soaking some swabs in the mixture before packing them around the problem tooth overnight. Your gum may feel a little numb, but hopefully it will help clear any infection. 

Propolis

Made up of resins from various aromatic tress harvested by busy bees and plastered around their hives to protect against infections that might otherwise take a hold in their warm crowded homes, propolis has amazing healing properties.

Propolis usually comes as a tincture. Keep it handy if you are prone to ulcers and apply at the first sign of a tingle. Coat a cotton bud with tincture and apply directly to the spot. It may sting a little at first but will bring fast relief.  Reapply several times a day as necessary.