I believe that everyone should have experienced the torturous and painful oral ulceration before. Just like lovesickness, mouth ulcer causes lack of appetite for eating and drinking, but there's difference between the two, as the former makes people in no mood to eat, while the latter unable to eat.

Mouth ulcer is a recurrent, auto-limited and regular disease that occurs on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. It is red, yellow, concave and painful, like a small volcano erupting in the mouth.

The etiological cause of mouth ulcer is complex and varies from person-to-person though, it is universally acknowledged to be related to immunity, genetics and the environment. Irritant high-calorie foods can also cause mouth ulcer to certain extent.

Besides, mouth ulcer occurs when the removable dentures used by the elderly don’t fit well with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, or when the residues in the mouth rub the membrane.

Ulcers are classified into minor and major ones. Minor ulcers, about 0.5 cm in diameter, generate obvious burning pain, and usually heal in 7-14 days. Because such ulcer only involves the epithelial layer, no scars will be left after healing. Major ulcers with diameter of over 5mm often happen in puberty. Since it goes into the muscular layer, it will take 1-2 months for healing, and noticeable scars will be left.  

Ulcers lasting for almost half a year but no healing and no pain. What is this about?

A fixed, long-lasting oral ulcer may be an early sign of oral cancer. It is necessary to go to the hospital for treatment as early as possible to eliminate the hazard.

Mouth ulcers can be treated with medications to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and accelerate wound healing. Minor ulcer is self-healing, and major one requires medications.