Dissecting the causes of oral ulcers

Mouth ulcers, commonly known as prickly heat, can cause excruciating pain, making even the slightest touch unbearable. Generally, mouth ulcers heal on their own within one to two weeks, but if infected by bacteria, they can form white ulcers, worsening the oral problem. Many people believe that prickly heat is related to internal heat or dietary habits, but the reality is not so simple. Let's hear the professional explanation from medical experts.

Otolaryngologist Dr. Huang Hanwei points out that dry weather easily triggers mouth ulcers. A dry environment dries out the oral mucosa, and insufficient water intake makes mouth ulcers more likely. During seasonal changes, many people with nasal allergies experience worsening symptoms, such as frequent nasal congestion, leading to mouth breathing during sleep, which in turn causes extreme dryness in the mouth, making it more prone to rashes.

Some people believe that a high-sugar, high-salt diet is related to prickly heat. Although there is no direct causal relationship between the two, it is true that if high-sugar, high-salt foods are cooked by frying or adding spicy seasonings, they are more likely to cause mouth ulcers.

There's a common misconception that oral discomfort or viral infections cause oral erosion, leading to prickly heat. Dr. Huang believes this is a misunderstanding. In fact, the oral mucosa undergoes wear and tear every minute; daily activities like speaking and eating cause abrasion, increasing the chances of prickly heat. If the body's metabolism is slow...Decreased immunityThis slows down the body's repair of oral damage, making it more prone to prickly heat.

So, how can we reduce mouth ulcers? Using antibacterial mouthwash in the morning and evening, or rinsing with salt water after meals, can help maintain oral hygiene. In addition, a balanced diet and adequate intake of...Vitality BFolic acid and iron are also crucial for preventing mouth ulcers. Liver and red meat are rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins; vegetarians can obtain these nutrients from leafy green vegetables (such as spinach and romaine lettuce) and legumes. Be sure to drink enough water, otherwise dry mouth will make you more prone to mouth ulcers. If you have nasal allergies, treat them promptly to avoid prolonged nasal congestion that forces you to breathe through your mouth; otherwise, even drinking plenty of water won't replenish the fluids lost through mouth breathing.