What causes sores at the corners of the mouth?

Angular cheilitis refers to inflammation at the corners of the mouth. In general, angular cheilitis may be caused by poor oral hygiene, vitamin B2 deficiency, oral irritation, fungal infection, iron-deficiency anemia, and other factors. If any of these conditions are present, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate oral hygiene habits, such as incomplete tooth cleaning or using unclean toothbrushes, can increase the risk of bacterial infection and may contribute to the development of angular cheilitis.

2. Vitamin B2 Deficiency

Vitamin B2 plays a key role in maintaining and repairing the normal health of oral mucosa. A deficiency in vitamin B2 may lead to angular cheilitis, as well as other discomforts such as cracked lips and oral ulcers. In daily life, consuming adequate amounts of vitamin B2-rich foods—such as apples, bananas, and oranges—is advisable.

3. Oral Irritation

Prolonged friction or irritation in the mouth, such as continuously biting hard objects or frequent irritation around the mouth area, may trigger angular cheilitis. It is important to avoid regularly eating excessively hard foods.

4. Fungal Infection

Oral infections caused by fungi such as Candida albicans can lead to angular cheilitis. In such cases, angular cheilitis is often accompanied by other oral mucosal symptoms, including a burning sensation and white candidal patches. Treatment may include medications such as chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, triamcinolone acetonide acetic acid cream, or chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment, as recommended by a physician.

5. Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition in which insufficient iron levels in the body lead to reduced red blood cell production. Angular cheilitis can be one of the early signs of iron-deficiency anemia, as iron deficiency affects the normal function of the oral mucosa. This condition is also commonly associated with fatigue, dizziness, and pale skin. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as compound ferrous sulfate granules, dextrans iron tablets, or iron sucrose injection to manage the condition.

In daily life, maintaining a light diet and drinking plenty of water can help support overall health.