What should I do for mouth ulcers and swollen, painful gums?

Oral ulcers and swollen, painful gums may be caused by an unbalanced diet, high mental stress, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, or recurrent aphthous ulcers, and management should be based on the specific situation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.

1. Unbalanced Diet: Long-term preference for spicy or irritating foods, or insufficient intake of fruits and vegetables, may lead to nutritional imbalances and deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin C, and other nutrients, which can cause oral ulcers and swollen gums. Improvement requires dietary adjustment, including increased consumption of fruits and vegetables such as oranges and spinach, avoiding spicy foods, and ensuring balanced nutrition.

2. High Mental Stress: Prolonged mental tension, anxiety, or depression can disrupt the endocrine and immune systems, reducing the oral mucosa's defense capacity and triggering these symptoms. Stress can be relieved through activities such as listening to music, exercising, and meditating, which help maintain a positive mindset and promote oral recovery.

3. Poor Oral Hygiene: Failure to rinse the mouth after meals or to brush teeth thoroughly allows food residues to remain in the mouth, promoting bacterial growth, which can irritate the gums, cause inflammation, and lead to oral ulcers and gum swelling. It is important to develop good habits such as brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing after meals, and using dental floss to clean between teeth to maintain oral hygiene.

4. Gingivitis: Often caused by long-term accumulation of dental plaque and calculus, which irritate the gums and cause inflammation. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily, especially during tooth brushing or chewing hard foods. Patients may use medications such as metronidazole buccal tablets, diboron ointment, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash as directed by a physician to alleviate symptoms.

5. Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers: The exact cause is unknown but may be related to genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Symptoms include recurrent round or oval ulcers on the oral mucosa, accompanied by significant burning pain. It is recommended to use medications such as Bingbor powder, Guilin watermelon frost tablets, and recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, maintain a light diet and avoid consuming spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, and mustard. Also, ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive fatigue, which may affect overall health.