What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Jun 08, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Liwen

Introduction

The primary triggers of oral ulcers are psychological stress and immune dysfunction. Secondary causes include hormonal changes and accidental trauma. Tertiary causes encompass nutritional deficiencies and genetic factors. If a patient experiences prolonged stress, mental tension, or significant emotional fluctuations—along with frequent fatigue and insufficient sleep—these factors may precipitate oral ulcers, particularly in individuals predisposed to immune dysfunction.

Aphthous ulcers (canker sores) are a common oral mucosal disorder. Some patients experience recurrent episodes, leaving them confused and uncertain about the underlying cause. So, what triggers aphthous ulcers?

What Causes Aphthous Ulcers?

The primary triggers of aphthous ulcers include psychological stress and immune dysfunction. Secondary contributors encompass hormonal fluctuations and accidental trauma. Nutritional deficiencies and genetic predisposition also play important roles. Prolonged stress, mental tension, or significant emotional fluctuations—along with chronic fatigue and insufficient sleep—may precipitate ulcer formation. Immune dysregulation further increases susceptibility. Women undergoing menopause are particularly prone to developing aphthous ulcers, whereas many pregnant women with recurrent aphthous stomatitis experience symptom improvement.

Aphthous ulcers are among the most common oral mucosal diseases. Following onset, round or oval ulcers of varying sizes appear on non-keratinized oral mucosa. Patients typically experience spontaneous burning pain, which intensifies upon exposure to thermal or mechanical stimuli. In severe cases, pain may significantly impair normal eating. Currently, aphthous ulcers cannot be cured definitively; most treatments focus on topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents to alleviate discomfort and promote rapid ulcer healing.

Therefore, patients experiencing such symptoms are advised to adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits. We hope this article has been helpful to you!

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What Causes Recurrent Mouth Ulcers?

Recurrent aphthous ulcers may occur when oral ulcers frequently recur. This condition is inherently prone to recurrence—some patients experience multiple episodes per month, while others may have only one episode every several months. The intervals between episodes vary significantly among individuals, with some experiencing frequent recurrences and others having longer remission periods. However, persistent oral ulcers may also indicate other underlying conditions, such as ocular, cutaneous, or genital lesions.

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Why Do Mouth Ulcers Occur?

Causes of Stomatitis Stomatitis may occur in individuals prone to “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept) due to daily work stress, emotional irritability, and other lifestyle factors—leading to bodily imbalances. Some women develop oral ulcers during menstruation; these are primarily attributed to peak progesterone levels and declining estrogen levels at this time. Oral ulcers reflect the presence of “fire-toxin” within the body—particularly excessive stomach fire.

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Why Do Mouth Ulcers Occur?

There are many causes of oral ulcers: - Ulcers resulting from lowered immunity, fatigue, or consumption of spicy or irritating foods—these are primarily associated with the patient’s immune status; - Ulcers caused by trauma or injury, such as cuts from hard objects—termed traumatic ulcers, which typically heal within 7–10 days after removal of the causative factor; - Another type is recurrent aphthous stomatitis, a condition classified under oral mucosal diseases.

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What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

Oral ulcers may be associated with gastrointestinal disorders, endocrine imbalances, psychiatric conditions, and deficiencies in trace elements. Conditions such as gastric ulcers, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, duodenal ulcers, and hepatitis have all been linked to oral ulcers. Some women experience hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, which can trigger oral ulcers.