Oral ulcer, commonly known as "mouth ulcer", is a common oral mucosal disease. It usually manifests as one or more round or oval painful ulcers in the oral cavity, causing discomfort and distress to patients, especially when eating and speaking. Not only does it cause pain, but it may also affect the patient's dietary choices and mood. Although most oral ulcers are benign and will heal within one to two weeks, understanding their causes and taking effective measures can accelerate healing and reduce recurrence.
1、 Causes of oral ulcers
1. Oral injuries
Tooth bites, accidental scratches while brushing teeth, and scratches from hard food can all cause damage to the oral mucosa, leading to ulcers.
2. Abnormal immune system
Abnormal immune system response is also one of the important causes of oral ulcers. When the body's immune system is weakened, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria are prone to invade mucosal tissues, leading to inflammation and ulcers.
3. Nutritional deficiency
Lack of certain vitamins (such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate) or minerals (such as iron, zinc) may increase the risk of developing oral ulcers.
4. Mental stress
Long term exposure to high pressure, emotional tension, anxiety, etc. can lead to an increased stress response in the body, a decline in immune system function, and an increased risk of oral ulcers.
5. Hormonal changes
Women may experience worsening or recurrence of oral ulcers due to changes in hormone levels before and after their menstrual cycle. Menopausal women may also be more prone to developing oral ulcers due to changes in hormone levels.
6. Allergic reactions
Allergies to certain foods, medications, or oral care products (such as ingredients in toothpaste) may also cause oral ulcers.
7. Digestive system diseases
Patients with gastrointestinal diseases such as gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, Crohn's disease, etc. often have symptoms of oral ulcers. This may be due to digestive system dysfunction, which affects the absorption and metabolism of nutrients.
8. Drug side effects
Some drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and chemotherapy drugs, may cause damage to the oral mucosa, leading to ulcers.
2、 Classification of oral ulcers
Recurrent oral ulcers
This is the most common type, accounting for the vast majority of oral ulcers. Its characteristic is periodic recurrence, with four typical features of red, yellow, concave, and pain.
Ulcers related to cancer
Although rare, oral ulcers that cannot heal for a long time (more than 2-3 weeks), especially those with red or white changes, should be alert to the possibility of cancer.
3、 The diagnosis of oral ulcers is usually based on the patient's clinical presentation and medical history. Medical staff will inquire about the frequency, duration, degree of pain, and possible causes of ulcers in patients. At the same time, medical staff will also examine the patient's oral mucosa to observe the shape, size, and location of ulcers. For ulcers suspected of being cancerous, further biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
4、 The treatment of oral ulcers
The treatment methods for oral ulcers vary from individual to individual and usually include the following aspects:
1. Local treatment: using anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing promoting films, ointments, or mouthwashes to alleviate pain and promote ulcer healing.
2. Whole body treatment: For critically ill patients or those with frequent recurrent oral ulcers, it may be necessary to undergo whole body treatment under the guidance of medical staff, such as using immunosuppressants, vitamin supplements, etc.
5、 Ways to deal with oral ulcers
1. Maintain oral hygiene: Rinse your mouth with mild mouthwash or diluted salt water every morning and evening, brush your teeth regularly, use dental floss, and keep your mouth clean, which can help reduce bacterial growth and lower the chance of ulcer occurrence.
2. Balanced diet: Eat more foods rich in vitamin B and vitamin C, such as fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc., to help enhance immunity and promote ulcer healing.
3. Avoid consuming spicy, acidic, and overheated food to prevent irritation of the ulcer surface and prolong healing time.
4. Regulating emotions: Learn to relax and avoid being in a high-pressure state for a long time. You can relieve stress and maintain a good mindset through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other methods.
5. Local medication: Some oral ulcer specific ointments or mouthwashes can be used to directly apply to the ulcer site, relieve pain and promote healing.
6. Avoid irritation: Avoid using hard or thick toothbrushes to prevent further damage to the oral mucosa. At the same time, reduce the intake of acidic and spicy foods to avoid stimulating the ulcer area.
7. Oral medication: Some vitamin supplements or anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to assist in treatment, but it must be recommended by a doctor.
8. Regular physical examination: If oral ulcers frequently occur, especially accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as fever, joint pain, etc., medical attention should be sought in a timely manner to check for potential systemic diseases.
In short, although oral ulcers are common, if not handled properly, they may cause inconvenience in daily life. By understanding its causes and taking effective prevention and response measures, we can better protect our oral health. At the same time, patients should actively adjust their lifestyle to prevent the occurrence of oral ulcers. If the ulcer recurs repeatedly or lasts for a long time, it is recommended to seek medical attention in a timely manner, recover as soon as possible, and resume normal life.