What are oral ulcers like?

Written by Zhang Jun
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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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 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 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.

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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 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.)

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Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
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What should a child with oral ulcers eat?

When children have oral ulcers, their oral intake of vegetables should primarily consist of green vegetables, while maintaining a balanced and reasonable diet that includes a variety of fruits and sources of protein such as fish, shrimp, and meat. For treating pediatric oral ulcers, topical medications can be applied, or oral ulcer patches can be used to promote healing at the ulcer site. Additionally, during the illness, it is crucial to drink plenty of water, rinse the mouth frequently, and remain hydrated to facilitate the healing of oral ulcers. During the illness, it is advisable to avoid consuming foods that might irritate the ulcers and cause pain, such as persimmons or granulated sugar, to prevent discomfort in children.