Why doesn't a mouth ulcer heal within a month, and what should be done?

May 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

The causes of oral ulcers that do not heal within one month include stress and anxiety, poor dietary habits, traumatic ulcers, gastric ulcers, and Behçet's disease. These can be improved through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. If an oral ulcer does not heal within one month, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and develop an individualized treatment plan to help the patient recover as soon as possible.

Generally, the causes of oral ulcers that do not heal within one month include stress and anxiety, poor dietary habits, traumatic ulcers, peptic ulcers, and Behcet's disease. These conditions can be improved through general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Long-term mental stress and anxiety elevate the body's stress hormone levels, which suppresses the immune system and reduces the self-repair capability of oral mucosa, making oral ulcers difficult to heal. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as sleep disturbances and changes in appetite. Psychological adjustment is recommended, such as practicing deep breathing, yoga, or meditation.

2. Poor Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and hot pots, can directly irritate the oral mucosa, causing localized redness, swelling, pain, and difficulty in healing. Symptoms may include a burning sensation and increased oral pain. It is recommended to correct poor dietary habits and consume bland foods such as congee, bread, and fruits.

3. Traumatic Ulcer

Persistent irritation to the oral mucosa caused by sharp tooth cusps, residual roots or crowns, ill-fitting dental restorations, or improper occlusal relationships can lead to non-healing ulcers, often accompanied by significant pain. It is recommended to visit a dentist promptly to remove local irritants through procedures such as occlusal adjustment, modification, or tooth extraction.

4. Peptic Ulcer

Gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori infection can lead to excessive gastric acid secretion, which may reflux into the oral cavity and irritate the oral mucosa, affecting the healing of oral ulcers. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and heartburn. Medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, or cimetidine capsules may be used as directed by a physician.

5. Behcet's Disease

Behcet's disease, which may be triggered by infections, can cause immune system dysfunction, leading the body to attack its own tissues, including the oral mucosa, resulting in recurrent and difficult-to-heal ulcers. Treatment may include medications such as thalidomide tablets, colchicine tablets, or methylprednisolone tablets, as directed by a physician.

When oral ulcers persist for more than one month without healing, timely medical consultation is recommended. Doctors will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition to facilitate recovery as soon as possible.

View All

What fruits to eat for mouth ulcers

Under normal circumstances, patients with oral ulcers can适量 consume fruits such as apples, kiwifruit, pears, strawberries, and starfruit to supplement vitamins, which helps promote the repair and healing of ulcerated areas. Patients should maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and pay attention to maintaining good oral hygiene. Excessively sweet fruits should be avoided to prevent irritation of the ulcerated area, which could exacerbate pain.

View Full Answer

Can I eat Houttuynia cordata if I have a mouth ulcer?

Under normal circumstances, patients with oral ulcers can consume Houttuynia cordata, as long as it is done in moderation. Oral ulcers are commonly caused by excessive internal heat, upward inflammation of stomach fire, or fire arising from yin deficiency. They often present as oral mucosal damage, pain, and a burning sensation. Houttuynia cordata is slightly cold in nature and enters the lung and bladder meridians. It has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and relieving pain. It contains ingredients such as quercitrin and volatile oils.

View Full Answer

What should I do if a mouth ulcer doesn't heal for a month?

In general, reasons why a mouth ulcer may not heal within a month include poor dietary habits, vitamin deficiencies, traumatic ulcers, herpes simplex, and tuberculous ulcers. If a mouth ulcer persists for more than a month, timely medical consultation is necessary for professional examination and treatment. The doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition to help them recover as soon as possible.

View Full Answer

What anti-inflammatory medication is good for mouth ulcers to heal quickly?

In general, oral ulcers are ulcerative injuries that primarily occur locally on the oral mucosa. They usually heal quickly with anti-inflammatory medications such as Amoxicillin Capsules, Metronidazole Tablets, Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets, Clindamycin Hydrochloride Capsules, and Levofloxacin Tablets, as directed by a physician. At the same time, maintaining good oral hygiene, keeping a balanced diet, and avoiding spicy or irritating foods can help promote ulcer healing.