How can a person develop mouth ulcers?

Oct 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

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.

Under normal circumstances, mouth ulcers may be caused by factors such as high mental stress, nutritional deficiencies, recurrent aphthous ulcers, herpetic gingivostomatitis, and traumatic oral ulcers. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. High mental stress: Prolonged mental tension, anxiety, and insufficient sleep can temporarily reduce the body's immunity, making the oral mucosa prone to damage and leading to mouth ulcers. Daily adjustments should include maintaining regular sleep patterns with 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and using methods such as exercise or listening to music to relieve stress. Once immunity recovers, mouth ulcers usually heal on their own.

2. Nutritional deficiency: Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B2, vitamin C, and zinc can impair the repair capacity of the oral mucosa and increase the likelihood of developing mouth ulcers. Dietary adjustments should include consuming more foods rich in these nutrients—such as oranges, spinach, lean meat, and nuts—or taking nutritional supplements as directed by a physician.

3. Recurrent aphthous ulcers: Associated with immune dysfunction, genetic factors, and others, this condition manifests as recurring round or oval ulcers in the mouth, accompanied by significant pain. Patients may use medications such as watermelon frost spray, compound chlorhexidine mouthwash, or recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel according to medical advice to promote ulcer healing and alleviate pain.

4. Herpetic stomatitis: Caused by infection with the herpes simplex virus, this condition presents with clusters of small blisters in the mouth that rupture to form ulcers, often accompanied by fever and oral pain. Patients should take antiviral medications such as acyclovir tablets, ribavirin granules, or watermelon frost lozenges as prescribed to inhibit viral replication and relieve symptoms.

5. Traumatic oral ulcers: These occur due to long-term friction from sharp tooth edges or ill-fitting dentures against the oral mucosa, or injury from hard food during eating. The causative trauma must first be removed—for example, by smoothing sharp tooth cusps or adjusting dentures—then medications such as kangfuxin liquid, iodine glycerin, or compound borax mouthwash may be used as directed to accelerate mucosal healing.

In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day and rinsing the mouth after meals. Avoid consuming excessively hot or spicy foods to minimize irritation to the oral mucosa and 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 oral ulcers be transmitted to another person?

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.

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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.