What are the signs before the onset of oral ulcers?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on October 19, 2024
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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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Does frequent mouth ulcers indicate a zinc deficiency?

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
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Are mouth sores the same as oral ulcers?

Mouth sores, also known as oral ulcers, are a disease of the oral mucosa, which often occur when a person's immune system is weakened. When oral ulcers occur, the symptoms can include localized redness and pain in the mucous membranes, starting with redness followed by the onset of clinical pain. Oral ulcers generally heal on their own in about two weeks. There is also a condition commonly known as mouth sores, which, clinically speaking, is specifically herpetic stomatitis caused by herpes zoster virus infection. This is characterized by small white or yellowish bumps near the corners of the mouth, containing a yellowish fluid. This condition, also popularly referred to as mouth sores, is actually a disease resulting from herpes zoster virus infection of the oral mucosa.

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Written by Li Cui
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What water should you drink for frequent oral ulcers?

Patients who frequently suffer from oral ulcers can appropriately drink some herbal teas to clear internal heat, such as honeysuckle tea or chrysanthemum tea, which are good choices. It is important to drink plenty of water. If you frequently have oral ulcers, it is suggested that patients visit a hospital to diagnose the causes of the oral ulcers, identifying what leads to them. Because recurrent severe oral ulcers can often be caused by systemic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or other diseases, which may lead to oral ulcers. Only by identifying the specific underlying causes can effective treatment be achieved. Additionally, oral ulcers may also be related to the patient's diet and lifestyle. Some patients may also experience ulcers due to high work stress, tension, or fatigue, and the long-term use of certain medications can lead to recurrent oral ulcers.

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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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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.