Can oral ulcers be contagious?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on March 13, 2025
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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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
1min 7sec home-news-image

How to treat baby's oral ulcers

Babies with oral ulcers definitely need active treatment. There are many common causes of oral ulcers. If it is caused by viral infection and accompanied by fever, children should be given some antiviral medications. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees, fever-reducing medications should be administered. Additionally, local ulcers can be treated by applying some mucosal protectants to promote the healing of the ulcers. At the same time, administering some compound B-group vitamins to the child is also very important for the repair of oral ulcers. Furthermore, it is important to strengthen the adjustment of the child's dietary structure. Ensure a diet rich in a variety of vitamins from fruits and vegetables. If the child's oral ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor. Local oral ulcers should still be treated with mucosal protectants and healing agents. Meanwhile, timely supplementation of B-group vitamins is necessary.

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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.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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How should oral ulcers be treated to get better?

A very obvious symptom of oral ulcers is pain, which severely affects the patient's life, especially when abstaining from spicy foods. So how should oral ulcers be treated? First, the principle is to use local anti-inflammatory treatments to relieve oral pain and promote the healing of the ulcers. Generally speaking, the acute phase can be quite painful. Local medication can be used, including some pain relief medications. These can be appropriately applied to the ulcer site and reapply twice to achieve temporary pain relief. Generally, we can eat more fruits and vegetables and appropriately supplement water to keep bowel movements smooth and the mouth moisturized. Avoid excessive fatigue, strengthen physical exercises to enhance immunity, and locally use pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications. Some powders that can be applied to the ulcer site also promote healing. For those with recurrent systemic episodes, medications that enhance resistance and appropriate supplements of vitamin C can be used. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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What should pregnant women do about oral ulcers?

Generally speaking, for recurrent oral ulcers, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, most female patients experience fewer occurrences of oral ulcers. If oral ulcers occur during pregnancy, treatment can be based on the cause: First, if the oral ulcers are caused by bites or burns, Kangfuxin solution or watermelon frost spray can be used for local treatment to accelerate the healing of the ulcer. Second, if the oral ulcers are due to vitamin deficiency, the patient should pay attention to oral hygiene and can appropriately take oral vitamin tablets to enhance resistance and promote the healing of the ulcer. During the outbreak of ulcers, it is important to avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and antibiotics are not needed for oral ulcers. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)