Why are my mouth ulcers getting worse?

Jun 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, the worsening of oral ulcers can be attributed to various causes such as improper diet, vitamin deficiencies, local trauma, anemia, Crohn's disease, and others. These conditions can be improved through general treatments and medication. The reasons for the worsening of oral ulcers are diverse and require individualized analysis and treatment. During the treatment process, patients should follow medical advice and take medications on time and in the correct dosage.

In general, the reasons why oral ulcers become increasingly severe include improper diet, vitamin deficiency, local trauma, anemia, Crohn's disease, and so on. These conditions can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other approaches. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Improper Diet

If patients continue to consume excessive amounts of spicy or hard foods during episodes of oral ulcers, these foods may repeatedly irritate the ulcerated areas, worsening mucosal damage and potentially causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, and a burning sensation. It is recommended to adjust dietary habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and consume more bland, easily digestible foods such as vegetables and fruits.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

The B-complex vitamins and vitamin C are essential nutrients for maintaining oral mucosal health. A deficiency in these vitamins weakens the mucosa's ability to repair and regenerate, making ulcers difficult to heal and possibly accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and bleeding gums. Patients may take vitamin B-complex tablets, effervescent vitamin C tablets, or vitamin C tablets as directed by a physician.

3. Local Trauma

Repeated biting injuries, toothbrush abrasion, or irritation from excessively hot foods can cause repeated damage to the oral mucosa, leading to persistent worsening of ulcers. Symptoms may include redness and swelling at the ulcer margins, significant pain, and increased discomfort during eating. Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications such as Cetyldodecanol Iodide Lozenges, oral ulcer powder, or watermelon frost may be used under medical guidance.

4. Anemia

Anemia caused by insufficient red blood cell count may reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, impairing the repair and defense functions of the oral mucosa, making oral ulcers more likely to occur, and accompanied by symptoms such as pallor and fatigue. It is recommended to take ferrous sulfate tablets, folic acid tablets, vitamin B12 injections, and other medications as directed by a physician to improve the anemic condition.

5. Crohn's Disease

Intestinal lesions causing Crohn's disease lead to systemic immune abnormalities, resulting in linear deep ulcers in the oral mucosa. Histopathological findings may reveal non-caseating granulomas. Symptoms may also include abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and perianal fistulas. It is recommended to take medications such as mesalazine enteric-coated tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, and metronidazole flurbiprofen capsules under medical guidance.

There are various reasons why oral ulcers may become increasingly severe, and individualized analysis and treatment are necessary. During treatment, patients should follow medical instructions to take medications on time and in correct dosages, maintain good oral hygiene, adjust dietary habits, and avoid potential triggering factors.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.