What are the reasons for a mouth ulcer that won't heal?

A friend has developed oral ulcers and actively follows treatment each time, yet for unknown reasons, the ulcers keep recurring, causing great distress. So, what causes persistent oral ulcers that won't heal?

What Causes Oral Ulcers That Won't Heal?

Persistent ulcers are often due to poor oral hygiene, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the mouth and increase the risk of secondary infection in existing ulcers. Oral ulcers are usually caused by poor oral hygiene or mechanical irritation around the ulcer site. If a mucosal ulcer develops signs of secondary infection, healing time will be prolonged and may even lead to more severe infections.

However, if there are ongoing mechanical irritants near the ulcer—such as broken tooth stumps with sharp edges, overly pointed cusps, or ill-fitting dentures with rough edges—these can repeatedly rub against the ulcerated area, slowing down the healing process. In such cases, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and eliminate local irritants. Ordinary ulcers typically heal within one to two weeks.

Preventing oral ulcers should begin with addressing their triggers. Recurrent oral ulcers often have clear precipitating factors, such as anxiety, stress, and poor sleep, all of which make individuals more susceptible. Eating spicy, irritating foods like hot pot or sizzling dishes also increases the likelihood of developing oral ulcers. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!