Etiology of Oral Ulcers
Disease description:
A friend of mine often gets mouth ulcers. One ulcer just heals when another one appears, causing her to lose her appetite. What are the causes of mouth ulcers?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Oral ulcers, also known as recurrent aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcers, are a common type of oral mucosal disease. The causes of oral ulcers are complex and multifactorial:
1. Immune factors: A weakened immune system makes the body more susceptible to pathogen invasion, leading to oral ulcers.
2. Genetic factors: There is a clear genetic predisposition, with higher incidence rates among individuals who have a family history.
3. Environmental and lifestyle factors: Stress, insufficient sleep, unbalanced diet, gastrointestinal disorders, and menstrual cycle changes can all act as triggers.
4. Traumatic factors: Physical injuries such as eating sharp foods, accidental biting, or wearing orthodontic appliances can damage the oral mucosa and subsequently induce oral ulcers.
5. Microbial infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections may also trigger oral ulcers, although they are not the primary cause.
6. Psychological factors: High levels of mental stress, tension, anxiety, and other negative emotions can impair sleep quality, weaken immune function, and consequently lead to oral ulcers.
If you have any concerns, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly.
