Can recurrent oral ulcers be cured?
In general, whether recurrent oral ulcers can be cured depends on the specific type of condition. Common minor ulcers can heal through proper care or symptomatic treatment, but they tend to recur frequently; if the ulcers are severe or caused by underlying medical conditions, complete cure is difficult and long-term management is required. Detailed analysis is as follows:
If the recurrent oral ulcer is a common mild type—characterized by small ulcer size, mild pain, and no other complex triggers—it usually heals on its own within 1–2 weeks through maintaining good oral hygiene, supplementing vitamins, and avoiding irritation to the lesion. Topical medications can also be used to speed recovery, although recurrence may still occur after some time.
When recurrent oral ulcers are severe—such as large-sized or multiple ulcers with intense pain—or are triggered by underlying issues like autoimmune diseases or endocrine disorders—routine care alone is insufficient for healing. These cases often involve frequent recurrences and require treating the underlying condition first, followed by long-term oral care and medication to control symptoms. However, completely preventing recurrence is generally not possible.
To reduce the frequency of recurrent oral ulcer outbreaks, it's important to maintain regular sleep patterns, eat a balanced diet, avoid excessively hot or spicy foods, and practice consistent oral hygiene. When ulcers do appear, using mild mouthwashes or topical medications can help relieve pain and promote healing.