What exactly causes oral ulcers?

Oral ulcers, also known as "mouth sores," are superficial ulcers occurring on the oral mucosa. They can range in size from a grain of rice to a yellow pea and are usually round or oval in shape. The ulcer surface is depressed, with surrounding congestion. The causes of oral ulcers are complex and varied; major contributing factors may include: 1. Local trauma: such as injury from sharp tooth cusps or oral mucosal damage caused by improper eating habits. 2. Deficiency of vitamins and trace elements: especially deficiencies in vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and trace elements such as zinc and iron. 3. Psychological factors: prolonged mental stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotional states may lead to decreased immunity, thus triggering oral ulcers. 4. Systemic diseases: such as gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers, which may lead to oral ulcers by affecting the body's immune system. 5. Infectious factors: bacterial or viral infections within the mouth may also lead to the development of oral ulcers. Patients are advised to seek timely medical consultation for accurate diagnosis and receive targeted treatment based on specific contributing factors.