Hyaluronic Acid for Mouth Ulcers: Why Aloclair Plus Actually Works

I'll be honest with you—I used to think mouth ulcer treatments were all pretty much the same. Numbing gel, bit of antiseptic, wait it out. That was my approach for years. But then I started properly researching hyaluronic acid for oral health, and it genuinely changed how I think about treating these miserable little sores.

If you've ever had a mouth ulcer flare up before a big presentation, a first date, or—heaven forbid—during a weekend of eating acidic foods, you'll know that desperate feeling of wanting relief now. The question is: does hyaluronic acid actually deliver, or is it just another skincare ingredient that's wandered into the wrong aisle?

Let me walk you through what I've found after testing Aloclair products and digging into the clinical research. Spoiler: there's genuine science here.

What Actually Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Before we talk treatment, it's worth understanding what we're dealing with. Mouth ulcers (or aphthous ulcers, if you want to sound impressive at dinner parties) affect roughly 20% of the population regularly. And here's the frustrating thing—we still don't have a definitive answer for what causes them.

The most common triggers include:

• Stress (which explains why they love appearing before important events)
• Minor mouth injuries from biting your cheek or aggressive brushing
• Hormonal changes
• Certain foods, particularly citrus, tomatoes, and spicy dishes
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in some toothpastes
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12, iron, and folate
• Underlying conditions like coeliac disease or Crohn's

Most mouth ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks. But when you've got an angry crater on your tongue or inner cheek making every meal feel like a punishment, "waiting it out" isn't exactly appealing advice.

Why Traditional Treatments Often Disappoint

I've tried the lot, frankly. The antiseptic mouthwashes that make you wince. The numbing gels that wear off in twenty minutes. The steroid pastes that taste awful and somehow never stay put.

The problem with many traditional treatments is they focus on one aspect—usually numbing or killing bacteria—without addressing the actual healing process. And some products contain alcohol, which can sting like blazes and potentially delay healing by drying out the tissue.

How Hyaluronic Acid Heals Mouth Ulcers

Right, here's where it gets interesting. Hyaluronic acid isn't just a buzzword from the skincare industry—it's a naturally occurring molecule in your body that plays a crucial role in tissue repair.

When applied to mouth ulcers, hyaluronic acid works through several mechanisms:

1. Tissue Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is what scientists call a "hygroscopic macromolecule," which essentially means it attracts and holds water like nothing else. In the context of a mouth ulcer, this helps maintain optimal hydration of the damaged tissue—something that's critical for proper healing.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Action

Research published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules shows that hyaluronic acid helps moderate inflammatory responses. Given that inflammation is what makes mouth ulcers so painful, this is significant.

3. Promoting Cell Migration and Repair

Here's the bit that really caught my attention. Hyaluronic acid promotes re-epithelialisation—the process where new skin cells migrate to cover the wound. Studies show it increases the proliferation of basal keratinocytes, essentially speeding up your body's natural repair work.

4. Protective Barrier Formation

When applied topically, hyaluronic acid forms a protective film over the ulcer. This shields those exposed nerve endings from further irritation—which is why the pain relief can be quite dramatic.

What Does the Research Actually Say?

A systematic review published in PubMed examined multiple studies on topical hyaluronic acid for oral ulcers. The findings were encouraging:

• Patients using 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel recorded significantly fewer ulcers by day five compared to placebo groups
• Occurrence of new ulcers was notably lower in the treatment group
• Both subjective measures (pain scores) and objective measures (ulcer size, healing time) improved significantly

What I found particularly interesting is that unlike corticosteroid treatments, hyaluronic acid is safe to use in patients of all ages—including babies and pregnant women. That's a meaningful advantage for families.

The Aloclair Plus Range: Gel, Spray, and Mouthwash

Alliance Pharmaceuticals, based in Chippenham, manufactures the Aloclair Plus range specifically formulated for mouth ulcer treatment. They've combined hyaluronic acid with aloe vera—another ingredient with well-documented wound-healing properties.

Aloclair Plus Gel (8ml)

The gel formulation is designed for targeted application directly onto ulcers. You apply one or two drops, avoid touching the area with your tongue for about two minutes while the protective film forms, and that's it.

What I noticed during testing:

• The no-touch applicator is genuinely useful—you're not poking at a sore spot with your finger
• Protection lasts up to 12 hours according to the manufacturer
• No stinging on application (the alcohol-free formula makes a difference)
• Mild liquorice flavour that's not unpleasant

The 8ml tube might look small, but you use such tiny amounts that it lasts surprisingly long.

Aloclair Plus Spray (15ml)

The spray version is particularly useful for ulcers in awkward spots—back of the mouth, soft palate, anywhere a gel would be fiddly to apply.

Honest assessment:

The spray mechanism has received mixed reviews online, and I understand why. It's more of a targeted squirt than a fine mist, which takes some getting used to. But once you've got the technique down, it works well for hard-to-reach areas.

Protection time is slightly less than the gel—up to 10 hours—but still substantial enough that three to four applications per day keeps things covered.

Aloclair Plus Mouthwash (120ml)

For multiple ulcers or general oral irritation, the mouthwash offers whole-mouth coverage. It's also useful for people undergoing orthodontic treatment or wearing dentures, where mouth sores can appear in multiple locations.

The mouthwash has earned strong reviews—Boots rates it 4.7 out of 5 stars—with users praising its effectiveness and lack of harsh taste.

Aloclair Plus vs Other Mouth Ulcer Treatments

Let me compare this to what else is on the market. I've tested most of these, so this is based on actual experience rather than just reading the packets.

Versus Bonjela

Bonjela uses choline salicylate—essentially an anti-inflammatory related to aspirin. It works, but differently. Bonjela focuses on reducing inflammation rather than forming a protective barrier. The downside? It's not suitable for children under 16 due to the aspirin-like compounds.

Winner for: Adults who prefer a gel and aren't concerned about age restrictions.

Versus Corsodyl

Corsodyl is chlorhexidine-based—an antiseptic that kills bacteria. It's effective for preventing infection but doesn't directly promote healing and can stain teeth with prolonged use.

Winner for: Situations where infection risk is a concern.

Versus Gengigel

Gengigel is actually quite similar to Aloclair—both use hyaluronic acid. Gengigel has its fans, and dental practices sometimes recommend it alongside Aloclair. You might find one works better for you than the other.

Winner for: It's essentially a tie—both are hyaluronic acid based.

Versus Anbesol and Orajel

Anbesol and Orajel are numbing agents (benzocaine-based). They're excellent for immediate pain relief but don't accelerate healing. The numbing effect also wears off relatively quickly.

Winner for: Acute pain relief when you need to eat or speak comfortably.

Versus Iglu

Iglu creates a physical barrier (similar concept to Aloclair) but uses different active ingredients. It's another solid option, though some users find the taste less pleasant.

Winner for: People who prefer an alternative barrier-based treatment.

My honest take? For overall healing speed and comfort, hyaluronic acid products like Aloclair have the edge. But for immediate numbing when you've got to get through a meal, benzocaine gels still have their place.

Using Aloclair Safely: From Babies to Adults

One of Aloclair Plus's significant advantages is its safety profile. Because it contains no alcohol, steroids, analgesics, or local anaesthetics, it's remarkably versatile.

Suitability by Age Group

• Babies from 2 months: The spray is specifically noted as safe for infants
• Children 4 years and older: Can use the gel
• Adults and elderly: All products suitable
• Pregnant women: Safe to use (always a concern with oral medications)

This makes Aloclair particularly useful for families. When your toddler develops mouth ulcers from teething-related trauma or biting their cheek, having a treatment that's actually safe for their age group is reassuring.

How to Use Each Product

For the gel:

1. Dry the ulcer area gently if possible
2. Apply 1-2 drops to cover the entire ulcer
3. Don't touch the area with your tongue for 2 minutes
4. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 1 hour
5. Use 3-4 times daily or as needed

For the spray:

1. Point the nozzle directly at the ulcer
2. Press to release product (it's a targeted squirt, not a mist)
3. Same 1-hour eating/drinking restriction applies
4. Use 3-4 times daily

For the mouthwash:

1. Use as a rinse, swishing for 30-60 seconds
2. Spit out (though it's safe if swallowed)
3. Avoid eating/drinking for 1 hour after
4. Use 3-4 times daily

What About Side Effects?

Aloclair Plus has no known significant side effects. The only contraindication is if you have a known hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients—which is rare but worth mentioning.

There's also no known interaction with other medications, which is useful if you're taking regular prescriptions.

Home Remedies vs Hyaluronic Acid: What Actually Works?

I know plenty of people prefer trying home remedies before reaching for pharmacy products. Let me give you my honest assessment of what works and what's a bit optimistic.

Salt Water Rinses

The verdict: Actually effective, and free. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds, spit. It won't heal ulcers faster, but it keeps the area clean and can provide temporary relief.

Aloe Vera

The verdict: There's genuine evidence for aloe vera's wound-healing properties—which is why Aloclair includes it alongside hyaluronic acid. Pure aloe vera gel applied directly can help, though it won't stick as well as a formulated product.

Honey

The verdict: Some antibacterial properties, but messy and not as effective as purpose-made treatments. I wouldn't rely on it.

Coconut Oil

The verdict: Limited evidence. It's not going to hurt, but it's not doing much either.

SLS-Free Toothpaste

The verdict: This one's interesting. Sodium lauryl sulfate (the foaming agent in most toothpastes) can irritate mouth tissue and trigger ulcers in susceptible people. Switching to an SLS-free toothpaste has helped many people reduce ulcer frequency. It's prevention rather than treatment, but worth trying if you get recurrent ulcers.

My recommendation: Salt water rinses are fine for mild ulcers. For anything persistent or painful, a proper hyaluronic acid treatment will work faster and more effectively.

When to See a Doctor About Mouth Ulcers

Most mouth ulcers are nothing to worry about. But you should see your GP or dentist if:

• An ulcer lasts longer than three weeks
• You're getting ulcers frequently (more than a few times per year)
• Ulcers are unusually large or spreading
• The pain is severe enough to affect eating and drinking
• You notice other symptoms like fever, feeling generally unwell, or ulcers elsewhere on your body

Persistent mouth ulcers can occasionally indicate underlying conditions—vitamin deficiencies, coeliac disease, Crohn's disease, or rarely, oral cancer. It's always better to get checked if something seems off.

Where to Buy Aloclair Plus in the UK

Aloclair products are widely available across UK pharmacies and supermarkets:

• Boots - Full range available, often with Advantage Card points offers
• Superdrug - Gel and spray typically stocked
• Tesco, ASDA, Morrisons - Usually available in larger stores with pharmacy sections
• Amazon - All three products available, sometimes at competitive prices
• Independent pharmacies - Can order if not in stock

Prices typically range from £6-12 depending on the product and retailer. The mouthwash offers the best value per application if you're dealing with recurrent ulcers.

You can also browse Aloclair products on Grocefully to compare prices across supermarkets.

The Bottom Line: Is Hyaluronic Acid Worth It for Mouth Ulcers?

After testing Aloclair Plus and reviewing the clinical evidence, I'm genuinely impressed. This isn't a case of marketing hype—there's solid science behind using hyaluronic acid for oral ulcers.

What I liked:

• Noticeable pain relief without numbing agents
• Faster healing compared to leaving ulcers untreated
• Alcohol-free formula means no stinging
• Safe for all ages including babies and pregnant women
• No drug interactions to worry about

What could be better:

• The spray mechanism takes some getting used to
• Prices are slightly higher than basic antiseptic treatments
• You need to avoid eating/drinking for an hour after application

Would I recommend Aloclair Plus? Yes—particularly if you get mouth ulcers regularly or want something safe for the whole family. The combination of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera genuinely promotes healing rather than just masking symptoms.

For occasional ulcers that don't cause much bother, salt water rinses might be all you need. But for anything more troublesome, reaching for a hyaluronic acid treatment makes sense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be triggered by stress, minor mouth injuries (like biting your cheek), hormonal changes, certain foods (citrus, tomatoes, spicy dishes), sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste, vitamin deficiencies (B12, iron, folate), or underlying conditions like coeliac disease. In many cases, the exact cause remains unknown, though most ulcers heal within one to two weeks without treatment.

How do you get rid of mouth ulcers fast?

For the fastest relief, use a hyaluronic acid-based treatment like Aloclair Plus which forms a protective barrier and promotes healing. Apply the gel or spray 3-4 times daily, avoid irritating foods (acidic, spicy, salty), and keep the area clean with salt water rinses. Most ulcers improve within a few days with proper treatment, though complete healing typically takes 7-14 days.

How can you cure mouth ulcers fast naturally?

Natural approaches include salt water rinses (one teaspoon salt in half a cup warm water, swish for 30 seconds), applying pure aloe vera gel directly to the ulcer, and ensuring adequate vitamin intake. Switching to SLS-free toothpaste can help prevent future outbreaks. However, natural remedies typically work more slowly than hyaluronic acid treatments, which combine natural ingredients with clinically proven wound-healing properties.

Is Aloclair Plus safe for babies?

Yes, Aloclair Plus Spray is safe for babies from 2 months of age, making it one of the few mouth ulcer treatments suitable for infants. The formula contains no alcohol, steroids, analgesics, or local anaesthetics. The gel is recommended for children aged 4 years and older. Always follow the application instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your baby's mouth ulcers.

What is the best mouthwash for mouth ulcers?

Hyaluronic acid-based mouthwashes like Aloclair Plus Mouthwash are among the most effective, as they promote healing rather than just providing antiseptic action. Corsodyl (chlorhexidine) is useful for preventing infection but can stain teeth with prolonged use. Peroxyl (hydrogen peroxide) helps clean ulcers but may cause irritation. For overall healing and comfort, alcohol-free hyaluronic acid formulations typically perform best.

Can you get rid of mouth ulcers overnight?

Unfortunately, no treatment can completely heal a mouth ulcer overnight—the tissue repair process takes time. However, treatments like Aloclair Plus can significantly reduce pain overnight by forming a protective barrier over exposed nerve endings. Starting treatment early when you first notice an ulcer developing can accelerate the overall healing process considerably.

What is hyaluronic acid and how does it help mouth ulcers?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in your body that plays a crucial role in tissue hydration and repair. When applied to mouth ulcers, it attracts moisture to promote optimal healing conditions, reduces inflammation, encourages new cell growth, and forms a protective film over the ulcer. Clinical studies show patients using hyaluronic acid treatments experience faster healing times and fewer new ulcers compared to placebo groups.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about persistent or severe mouth ulcers.