What are the causes of long-term non-healing oral ulcers?

Mar 04, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
In general, the reasons why oral ulcers may persist for a long time could include poor oral hygiene, psychological factors, stomatitis, oral lichen planus, and herpes simplex. If necessary, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Long-term neglect of brushing teeth, not using mouthwash, and failing to replace toothbrushes regularly may lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, disrupting the balance of the oral environment and thus affecting the healing of oral ulcers.

Generally, the reasons why oral ulcers do not heal for a long time may include poor oral hygiene, psychological factors, nutritional deficiencies, stomatitis, and oral lichen planus. If necessary, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene

Behaviors such as not brushing teeth regularly, not using mouthwash, and not replacing toothbrushes periodically may lead to bacterial growth in the mouth, disrupting the balance of the oral environment and affecting the healing of oral ulcers. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene habits.

2. Psychological Factors

Remaining in a state of tension, anxiety, or other negative emotions for extended periods can easily affect the body's immune function, increasing the likelihood of bacterial or viral infections, thereby causing oral ulcers that do not heal for a long time. It is recommended to maintain a positive mindset, learn to relax, and regulate emotions.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

A long-term deficiency in nutrients such as vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and zinc may lead to a decreased ability of the oral mucosa to repair and regenerate, causing recurrent or persistent oral ulcers. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet daily, consume more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and consider supplementing vitamins and minerals when necessary.

4. Stomatitis

Caused by infection with pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi, stomatitis leads to inflammation of the oral mucosa, resulting in non-healing oral ulcers and possibly symptoms such as congestion and edema of the oral mucosa. Treatment with medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or clarithromycin capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance.

5. Oral Lichen Planus

This condition may be related to immune factors, psychological factors, endocrine factors, etc., potentially making the oral mucosa more susceptible to infection and injury, thus causing oral ulcers that are difficult to heal. Symptoms such as white streaks and congestion on the oral mucosa may also appear. Treatment with medications such as viamine ester capsules, chloroquine phosphate tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets may be used following medical advice.

In daily life, maintaining good oral hygiene habits, a balanced diet, learning to regulate emotions, and avoiding oral injuries can all help prevent the occurrence and recurrence of oral ulcers.