Can oral ulcers be transmitted to another person?

Oct 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

In general, whether oral ulcers are contagious depends on their specific type. Common recurrent oral ulcers are not contagious; however, oral ulcers caused by viral or bacterial infections may be transmitted to others. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life, including brushing teeth morning and night, rinsing the mouth after meals, and avoiding sharing toothbrushes or eating utensils with others.

Whether oral ulcers can be transmitted to another person generally depends on the specific type. Common recurrent oral ulcers are not contagious; however, oral ulcers caused by viral or bacterial infections may be transmissible to others. The details are as follows:

Common recurrent oral ulcers are often associated with factors such as reduced immunity, high mental stress, and nutritional deficiencies, and are not contagious. These ulcers typically appear as round or oval sores accompanied by pain, and usually heal spontaneously within 1–2 weeks. They cannot be spread through sharing utensils, kissing, or similar activities.

Oral ulcers caused by infectious pathogens such as herpes virus or *Helicobacter pylori* are contagious. For example, ulcers resulting from herpetic gingivostomatitis can spread via saliva, respiratory droplets, or direct contact, potentially infecting healthy individuals upon exposure.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene—brush teeth twice a day and rinse the mouth after meals—and avoid sharing toothbrushes or eating utensils with others. If oral ulcers recur frequently or fail to heal, the underlying cause should be identified and appropriately treated. Additionally, during episodes of contagious oral ulcers, close contact with others should be minimized to reduce the risk of transmission.

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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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How can a person develop mouth ulcers?

In general, mouth ulcers may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, nutritional deficiencies, recurrent aphthous ulcers, herpetic gingivostomatitis, or traumatic oral ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing the mouth after meals, and avoiding excessively hot or spicy foods.

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Which vitamin deficiency causes oral ulcers?

In general, oral ulcers may be related to deficiencies in vitamin B₂, vitamin B₁₂, vitamin C, vitamin B₁, and folic acid. If oral ulcers occur frequently, it is recommended to pay attention to a balanced diet and consult a healthcare professional when necessary. In daily care, one should consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, eggs, and other foods rich in the aforementioned vitamins, and maintain good oral hygiene.

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Can patients with oral ulcers eat grapes?

In general, whether patients with oral ulcers can eat grapes depends on the specific condition of the ulcer and the individual's physical constitution. If any discomfort occurs, it is advisable to adjust the diet promptly or seek medical advice. Grapes should be thoroughly washed before consumption to remove residual pesticides or dirt. Avoid biting directly with teeth to minimize friction on the ulcerated area, and rinse the mouth with warm water promptly after eating.