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

Jun 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

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.

Generally, the reasons why a mouth ulcer does not heal within a month include poor eating habits, vitamin deficiencies, traumatic ulcers, herpes simplex, and tuberculous ulcers. These conditions can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other measures. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Poor Dietary Habits

Long-term consumption of spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, ginger, garlic, and hot pots, may repeatedly irritate the ulcerated area, causing the ulcer to persist without healing. It is recommended to correct unhealthy dietary habits by consuming bland foods, reducing the intake of spicy and irritating foods, maintaining good oral hygiene, and regularly brushing and rinsing the mouth.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

A long-term deficiency in nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin B2 can reduce the oral mucosa's capacity for repair and regeneration, leading to recurring ulcers. It is recommended to maintain a balanced diet, consume more vitamin-rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts, and take vitamin C tablets, compound vitamin B tablets, or Weixinyinqiao tablets as directed by a physician.

3. Traumatic Ulcer

Traumatic factors in the mouth, such as sharp cusps, residual roots or crowns, and improper occlusal relationships, may cause recurring ulcers at the same site, with a prolonged disease course. It is recommended to visit a dentist promptly to eliminate local irritants through procedures such as occlusal adjustment, reshaping, or tooth extraction to resolve the traumatic issue.

4. Herpes Simplex

After herpes simplex virus infects the oral mucosa, the virus replicates within cells and damages cellular structures, leading to cell necrosis and inflammatory reactions. These pathological processes damage the oral mucosa and result in ulcer formation. It is recommended to use medications such as famciclovir capsules, ribavirin tablets, or penciclovir cream under a physician's guidance.

5. Tuberculous Ulcer

If there is mucosal damage in the oral cavity, Mycobacterium tuberculosis may enter through the skin break and cause a tuberculous ulcer, accompanied by pain and local lymph node swelling. Antituberculosis drugs such as rifampin tablets, isoniazid tablets, and ethambutol hydrochloride tablets may be used under a physician's guidance to improve the condition.

If a mouth ulcer does not heal within a month, timely medical consultation for professional examination and treatment is necessary. The physician will develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient's specific condition to help promote recovery. Additionally, patients should maintain healthy lifestyle habits and good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of developing mouth ulcers.

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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 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.

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Why are my mouth ulcers getting worse?

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.