Difference between oral ulcers and thrush

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
38sec home-news-image

What should I do if a child has bad breath and oral ulcers?

If a child has bad breath and symptoms of oral ulcers, these issues are mostly caused by poor gastrointestinal health. Parents should first take their child to a hospital for a detailed examination. If it is oral ulcers, then some vitamins can be supplemented for the child. In their daily diet, they should eat more light and easily digestible foods, avoid heavy and spicy foods, and not eat junk food. It is better to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. (If medication is needed, please proceed under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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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.)

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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How many days will it take for oral ulcers to heal?

Oral ulcers are a common disease in the department of oral mucous membrane, prevalent among people of all ages, especially in children and the elderly who have lower resistance. If oral ulcers are caused by residues in the mouth or stimulation from sharp teeth edges, known as traumatic ulcers, it is necessary to promptly remove the irritants for the ulcers to heal. If the irritant factors are not removed, the oral ulcers will not improve, and severe cases may lead to cancerous changes. Generally, oral ulcers can heal on their own in about two weeks, or 14 days. If the ulcers do not heal after two weeks and keep recurring without improvement, one should be cautious about the possibility of cancer and further biopsy should be conducted for assessment.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What should pregnant women do about oral ulcers?

Generally speaking, for recurrent oral ulcers, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, most female patients experience fewer occurrences of oral ulcers. If oral ulcers occur during pregnancy, treatment can be based on the cause: First, if the oral ulcers are caused by bites or burns, Kangfuxin solution or watermelon frost spray can be used for local treatment to accelerate the healing of the ulcer. Second, if the oral ulcers are due to vitamin deficiency, the patient should pay attention to oral hygiene and can appropriately take oral vitamin tablets to enhance resistance and promote the healing of the ulcer. During the outbreak of ulcers, it is important to avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and antibiotics are not needed for oral ulcers. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)