How to deal with recurrent oral ulcers due to stomach fire?

Written by Qiu Xin Hui
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Updated on September 24, 2024
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A high level of stomach fire in the body and recurring mouth ulcers are primarily caused by our preference for spicy, dry, irritating, and heat-inducing foods, which increase stomach fire. It may also be due to emotional distress where liver stagnation turns into fire, significantly affecting stomach fire.

In our daily lives, we need to make adjustments. Our diet should be lighter, and we should avoid foods that can aggravate stomach fire, opting instead for foods that can clear heat and reduce fire. We can drink more mung bean porridge and chrysanthemum tea or use Chinese patent medicines like Huanglian Shangqing Pills to clear the stomach fire. It is also important to maintain a calm and joyful mood, avoiding anger and rage.

(Use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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

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 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 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 Li Cui
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Can I eat donkey-hide gelatin if I often have oral ulcers?

Patients who frequently suffer from oral ulcers are advised to consume less donkey-hide gelatin and avoid consuming it in large quantities. This is because excessive consumption of donkey-hide gelatin may lead to "internal heat" in some patients, which can exacerbate the condition of oral ulcers. If the donkey-hide gelatin is part of some traditional Chinese medicine formulas, it is generally safe to consume, and patients need not worry too much. However, patients who often suffer from oral ulcers must seek timely medical consultation to diagnose what causes their ulcers, as other systemic diseases can also cause ulcers. Therefore, it is advisable for patients to identify the cause early and formulate a specific treatment plan. If the occurrence of oral ulcers is occasional and mild, patients need not be overly concerned; topical anti-ulcer medication can be used and can be very effective in treatment.

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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.)