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 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.)

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can mouth ulcers patches be used for tongue ulcers?

When a patient has a tongue ulcer, it is possible to use oral ulcer patches. Since tongue ulcers are a type of oral ulcer, the same medication used in traditional Chinese medicine can also be applied. This includes using oral ulcer patches or lozenges, which can be directly applied to the ulcerated surface. These treatments can promote the healing of the ulcer and play a crucial role in the treatment of the ulcer. Additionally, when experiencing a tongue ulcer, patients should drink more water, eat a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from overeating, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, and appropriately supplement with some vitamins, all of which can help in the body’s recovery and adjustment.

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Written by Liu Li
Pediatrics
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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 Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
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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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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.