What should I do about a child's oral ulcer?

Written by Lian Wen Xi
Pediatrics
Updated on April 28, 2025
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Children can develop oral ulcers, and how to handle them depends on the severity of the ulcers. Oral ulcers are self-limiting diseases, so even without treatment, the ulcers will heal on their own after some time. However, during this period, there might be some pain, affecting the child’s eating, so some measures should be taken. It is recommended for parents to apply lidocaine gel locally on the surface of the ulcers to alleviate pain. It is also advisable to use additional treatments like applying watermelon frost to promote the healing of the ulcers. Additionally, during this period, it is important for the child to eat a bland diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, as they might exacerbate the pain of the ulcers. Also, avoid giving the child very hard foods to prevent further irritation of the ulcers.

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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 Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can stomach fire cause oral ulcers?

When there is excessive stomach fire, it can cause oral ulcers. This is because excessive stomach fire leads to poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, where food cannot be digested in time and regurgitates into the mouth. It can also cause throat pain and oral inflammation, so it is crucial to treat stomach fire promptly. For severe cases, medication that improves stomach fire should be taken, and for mild cases, the condition can be managed through diet. Eating more watermelon, apples, and similar foods can help reduce stomach fire. Most importantly, avoid alcohol, smoking, and staying up late. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
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What to do for ulcers in the mouth and on the tongue?

Tongue ulcers are a type of mouth ulcer. They are similar to other ulcers in that they are self-limiting and recurrent. Tongue ulcers are often caused by mental stress, so it is important to reduce stress between outbreaks. Rinsing with warm salt water and keeping the mouth moist can help alleviate symptoms. Before and after the menstrual period, it is important to rest and relieve stress. Eating lighter food can help the ulcers heal. If the ulcers are caused by poorly fitting dentures and are persistent, it is advised to visit the dental department at a formal hospital to exclude precancerous lesions. After developing mouth ulcers, it is advisable to supplement with vitamins and trace elements, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, keep a joyful mood, engage in physical exercise, and strengthen immunity. If the ulcer is localized, applying recombinant bovine alkaline cell growth factor can promote the healing of the ulcer.

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Written by Zhang Shu Kun
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Can stomach fire cause oral ulcers?

If there is excessive stomach fire, it can cause oral ulcers, because excessive stomach fire leads to poor digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. If food cannot be digested properly, it will reflux into the mouth, and may also cause symptoms like throat pain and a dry, itchy throat. Therefore, if stomach fire occurs, it is essential to treat it promptly to avoid worsening the condition. Drinking some rose tea or chrysanthemum tea can effectively clear heat and detoxify, helping to reduce stomach fire. Most importantly, do not drink alcohol, smoke, or eat spicy and irritating foods, as these can exacerbate stomach fire.

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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.