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

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 12, 2024
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat baby's oral ulcers

Babies with oral ulcers definitely need active treatment. There are many common causes of oral ulcers. If it is caused by viral infection and accompanied by fever, children should be given some antiviral medications. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees, fever-reducing medications should be administered. Additionally, local ulcers can be treated by applying some mucosal protectants to promote the healing of the ulcers. At the same time, administering some compound B-group vitamins to the child is also very important for the repair of oral ulcers. Furthermore, it is important to strengthen the adjustment of the child's dietary structure. Ensure a diet rich in a variety of vitamins from fruits and vegetables. If the child's oral ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor. Local oral ulcers should still be treated with mucosal protectants and healing agents. Meanwhile, timely supplementation of B-group vitamins is necessary.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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What is good to eat for oral ulcers caused by excessive internal heat?

Patients with mouth ulcers caused by excessive internal heat can take some Chinese patent medicines that clear heat and eliminate fire. They should also drink more water, eat light meals, and consume fresh fruits and vegetables. This not only supplements various trace elements and vitamins but also enhances the body's immunity and promotes quick healing of the ulcers. The exact cause of mouth ulcers is not yet fully understood, but the disease is self-limiting and usually heals completely within about seven to ten days, so patients need not worry too much. If the ulcers cause severe local pain, lidocaine gel can be used for local treatment. Applying watermelon frost or borax powder locally can also promote the healing of ulcers.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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What are the signs before the onset of oral ulcers?

Oral ulcers are a type of erosion of the oral mucosa that generally do not show any particular signs before they develop. They may occur when a person’s immune resistance is low, possibly associated with symptoms of "getting heated" (a traditional Chinese medicine concept often referring to inflammation or infection). When oral ulcers occur, the affected area of the mucous membrane becomes eroded and painful, creating a sensation of a foreign object in the mouth that can disrupt the eating and drinking habits of the patient. Eating can become painful, and in severe cases, the patient might be unable to eat at all. Therefore, it is advised that patients seek timely treatment for oral erosion to avoid affecting their intake of food. During this time, nutritional supplementation is necessary for healing. If nutrition is not adequately maintained, it might impede the healing of the eroded oral tissue.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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How should oral ulcers be treated to get better?

A very obvious symptom of oral ulcers is pain, which severely affects the patient's life, especially when abstaining from spicy foods. So how should oral ulcers be treated? First, the principle is to use local anti-inflammatory treatments to relieve oral pain and promote the healing of the ulcers. Generally speaking, the acute phase can be quite painful. Local medication can be used, including some pain relief medications. These can be appropriately applied to the ulcer site and reapply twice to achieve temporary pain relief. Generally, we can eat more fruits and vegetables and appropriately supplement water to keep bowel movements smooth and the mouth moisturized. Avoid excessive fatigue, strengthen physical exercises to enhance immunity, and locally use pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications. Some powders that can be applied to the ulcer site also promote healing. For those with recurrent systemic episodes, medications that enhance resistance and appropriate supplements of vitamin C can be used. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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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.)