Oral ulcer

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
59sec home-news-image

Are mouth sores the same as oral ulcers?

Mouth sores, also known as oral ulcers, are a disease of the oral mucosa, which often occur when a person's immune system is weakened. When oral ulcers occur, the symptoms can include localized redness and pain in the mucous membranes, starting with redness followed by the onset of clinical pain. Oral ulcers generally heal on their own in about two weeks. There is also a condition commonly known as mouth sores, which, clinically speaking, is specifically herpetic stomatitis caused by herpes zoster virus infection. This is characterized by small white or yellowish bumps near the corners of the mouth, containing a yellowish fluid. This condition, also popularly referred to as mouth sores, is actually a disease resulting from herpes zoster virus infection of the oral mucosa.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
51sec home-news-image

How many days does it usually take for oral ulcers to heal?

Oral ulcers occur on the mucous membranes of the mouth and are a common disease caused by low immunity, or a lack of vitamins and trace elements, leading to a mucosal disease of the mouth. Generally, oral ulcers can heal on their own in about 14 days, or two weeks. If the ulcers do not improve after two weeks, a biopsy is necessary to avoid potential malignancy. Oral ulcers may also be due to sharp tooth cusps or dental roots within the mouth, which are referred to as traumatic ulcers; these can be examined. If dental roots or other irritating factors are present near the ulcer, it is important to promptly remove these external irritants. Oral ulcers that do not heal on their own after two weeks require further biopsy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Jun
Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
1min 19sec home-news-image

What is oral ulcer?

Oral ulcers refer to the erosion and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the mouth, a common ulcerative condition occurring on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. They commonly appear on the inner side of the lips, tongue, underside of the tongue, cheek mucous membranes, vestibular groove, soft palate, etc. They may be accompanied by symptoms like bad breath, chronic pharyngitis, constipation, headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, irritability, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. There are two types of conditions: one is recurrent mouth sores, also known as aphthous stomatitis; characterized by repeated outbreaks but heals without scarring. The other type is called periadenitis, where there is a red halo around the eroded area that heals with scarring. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse with saltwater regularly, maintain oral hygiene, consume zinc-rich foods, regulate emotions, avoid staying up late, smoking, and drinking. This can promote the healing of oral ulcers. Additionally, under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist, some heat-clearing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicines can be taken.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
1min 3sec home-news-image

What to do about baby's oral ulcers?

Children's oral ulcers are often caused by a deficiency of trace elements, a deficiency of B vitamins, a decrease in immune function during illness, or insufficient intake of vegetables and fruits, which often leads to oral ulcers. Therefore, the following methods can be adopted: 1. You can grind vitamin B2 into powder and apply it externally to the mouth; 2. You can use Kangfuxin solution for topical use 3-5 times daily, where topical means applying drops to the ulcer; 3. You can spray watermelon frost on the affected area 3-5 times daily; 4. You can use oral ulcer patches. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced and reasonable diet in daily life, and to pay attention to the regulation of children's immune function. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
46sec home-news-image

Does frequent mouth ulcers indicate a zinc deficiency?

Oral ulcers are a common and frequently occurring disease, with many causes. A lack of trace elements, such as zinc, is also a factor in their development. In addition to this, the causes of oral ulcers include genetic factors, immune factors, infectious factors, and deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B2 and iron among other trace elements, all of which can lead to the occurrence of oral ulcers. Apart from comprehensive treatment, it is important to pay close attention to our diet regularly, supplementing vitamins and trace elements, for instance by eating more fruits and vegetables, and increasing intake of eggs and lean meat to replenish trace elements, thus preventing the recurrence of oral ulcers.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
1min 13sec home-news-image

What are oral ulcers like?

Oral ulcers refer to localized lesions occurring on the oral mucous membranes, such as the inner cheeks, the underside of the tongue, and the mucous membrane of the tongue. There are various causes of oral ulcers. Commonly seen causes in clinical practice include repeated dental calculus, irritation from dental caries, prolonged intake of spicy foods, gastrointestinal dysfunction, acid reflux irritation, and endocrine disorders. Nutritional deficiencies due to selective eating can also lead to such mucosal lesions. Upon examination, scattered, isolated, crater-like ulcers can be found in any part of the oral cavity. The pain is significant in the affected areas, and bloody secretions may be observed when pressed. For treatment, patients are initially advised to use watermelon frost spray for external application, which has been found to be effective. Additionally, maintaining a bland diet, abstaining from smoking and alcohol, avoiding spicy foods, and controlling acid reflux with regular meals can gradually lead to improvement. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
47sec home-news-image

Difference between oral ulcers and thrush

Oral ulcers and thrush are somewhat different. First, oral ulcers can occur in people of any age, but are more common in the elderly and children, mainly due to a low immune system. Thrush, on the other hand, commonly occurs in infants within the first six months after birth, mainly caused by an infection with Candida albicans. Clinically, oral ulcers may present with redness, swelling, and significant pain. Thrush is an infection by Candida albicans that occurs on the newborn's tongue, which may affect the infant's feeding, causing crying or refusal to eat. Generally, thrush is caused by an infection with Candida albicans and is a type of fungal infection, whereas most oral ulcers are due to poor nutrition or unbalanced nutrition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
42sec home-news-image

Can stomach fire cause oral ulcers?

When there is excessive stomach fire, it can cause oral ulcers. This is because excessive stomach fire leads to poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, where food cannot be digested in time and regurgitates into the mouth. It can also cause throat pain and oral inflammation, so it is crucial to treat stomach fire promptly. For severe cases, medication that improves stomach fire should be taken, and for mild cases, the condition can be managed through diet. Eating more watermelon, apples, and similar foods can help reduce stomach fire. Most importantly, avoid alcohol, smoking, and staying up late. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional doctor.)