Does frequent mouth ulcers indicate a zinc deficiency?

Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Oral ulcers are a common and frequently occurring disease, with many causes. A lack of trace elements, such as zinc, is also a factor in their development. In addition to this, the causes of oral ulcers include genetic factors, immune factors, infectious factors, and deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B2 and iron among other trace elements, all of which can lead to the occurrence of oral ulcers. Apart from comprehensive treatment, it is important to pay close attention to our diet regularly, supplementing vitamins and trace elements, for instance by eating more fruits and vegetables, and increasing intake of eggs and lean meat to replenish trace elements, thus preventing the recurrence of oral ulcers.

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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 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 Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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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 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 Zhang Yan Kai
Family Medicine
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What causes purple lips and mouth ulcers?

There is the appearance of cyanosis of the lips and oral ulcers, which might be associated with a deficiency in certain vitamins or trace elements. It is advised to visit a hospital to complete tests related to trace elements and electrolytes, among others. Additionally, the cyanosis of the lips also necessitates the exclusion of potential hypoxia. It is important to observe if the patient experiences chest tightness, coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If necessary, completing a blood gas analysis to confirm whether there is hypoxia or carbon dioxide retention may be required. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet, ensuring good eating and living habits, and avoiding selective or picky eating to prevent changes or exacerbation of the condition. It is also advised to have regular follow-up visits at the hospital.