Which department should I go to for oral ulcers?

Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
Updated on September 26, 2024
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Oral ulcers are manifestations of other diseases in the oral cavity and are not a singular oral disease. However, oral ulcers are primarily investigated in the department of stomatology, specifically within the oral mucosa department. Common causes of oral ulcers include a weakened immune system, which requires strengthening resistance through methods such as enhanced physical exercise or consuming more vegetables and fruits to increase vitamin intake. Oral ulcers may also be caused by irritation from dental calculus or tooth roots, categorizing them as traumatic ulcers, which necessitate the timely removal of irritating factors. Additionally, oral ulcers may be related to genetic factors or result from viral infections. Therefore, it is important first to identify the underlying cause for further investigation.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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What vitamins should be taken for oral ulcers?

Patients with oral ulcers should analyze the cause of the ulcers to determine what vitamins to take. If the ulcers are caused by a vitamin deficiency, oral intake of some B vitamins, such as B1, B2, B6, B12, or some complex B vitamins, can be beneficial. However, if the ulcers are due to other reasons, supplementing with B vitamins does not yield particularly good results. It is recommended that patients use local treatments such as watermelon frost or boric acid powder to promote the healing of ulcers. If the pain is severe, local use of lidocaine gel can be applied for pain relief. In daily life, it is advisable to consume fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid spicy, stimulating, and overly greasy foods.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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Can oral ulcers be contagious?

Mouth ulcers are generally caused by localized mucosal erosion in the patient's mouth, often due to internal heat in the body or a deficiency of certain nutrients. They are not contagious and thus do not spread from one person to another. However, it is advised that patients pay close attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouth promptly after meals, and brush their teeth regularly in the morning and evening using the correct brushing technique to maintain good oral care. When there is pain or noticeable erosion due to the mouth ulcer, patients can appropriately apply an oral ulcer spray. This can effectively help heal the ulcerated area and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. Patients should also be sure to drink plenty of water.

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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 Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Can frequent oral ulcers turn cancerous?

There are many causes of oral ulcers, they recur easily, and heal slowly. Frequent ulcers make many people worry about the possibility of cancerous changes. If an oral ulcer does not heal over a long period, there indeed is a tendency for it to turn cancerous. Chronic ulcers are also a cause of cancer, so it is essential to pay attention to one's oral health. For instance, oral ulcers must be treated promptly to eliminate the cause and provide symptomatic treatment. Treatment methods should combine systemic and local treatments. It is especially important to pay attention to those oral ulcers that do not heal over an extended period, as they are precancerous lesions and are very likely to turn cancerous. A biopsy may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to facilitate timely treatment.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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What should I do if I have mouth ulcers due to excessive stomach fire?

Mouth ulcers due to excessive stomach heat are primarily caused by improper diet. For this condition, one should consume more foods and fruits that reduce stomach heat, such as apples, pears, watermelon, and grapefruit, as well as vegetables like lettuce and celery to effectively regulate stomach heat and improve symptoms. It is crucial to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, and avoid consuming foods that increase internal heat and irritant foods to prevent exacerbating the condition. One must also ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, particularly staying up late, and spend time in the sun to increase calcium absorption.