Mouth Ulcers In Kids: 3 Things Parents Should Know

Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are tiny and painful wounds within or near the mouth, basically in the lips, gums, cheeks, and tongue. They aren’t infectious but can cause discomfort and difficulty when eating and speaking. Canker sores can emerge as gray, white, or yellow spots and differ in size.

Generally, there are three types of canker sores. The first is minor ulcers, the most popular type and very tiny. Mostly, they aren’t painful and can heal within some days. The second one is major ulcers, which are more prominent than minor and are very painful. And they may take a long time to heal. The last one is the herpetiform ulcers, which are small but appear in clusters. They’re very painful and can be challenging to treat. 

With those in mind, here are three things parents should know about mouth ulcers in kids:

1. Treatment

Treating canker sores in children varies depending on their causes and intensity. Some popular options include the following:

• Applying topical medicines directly to the sores to desensitize the area and minimize pain;
• Using antimicrobial mouthwash to lower the risk of infection and foster the healing of the ulcers;
• Taking pain relief drugs like ibuprofen to lessen pain and discomfort related to canker sores;
• Treating underlying conditions first to manage the canker sores;
• Ensuring your child maintains good oral health by brushing their teeth after every meal while using a mild mouthwash;
• Avoiding allergens that can increase the chances of developing mouth ulcers;
• Applying ice on your kid’s sores to minimize pain;
• Providing proper nutrition to your kid;
• Avoiding salty and spicy food that can worsen the condition;
• Giving your kid soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow;
• Using oral drugs like Carafate to cure severe canker sores; and so on. 

The goal of treatment for mouth ulcers in kids is to ease pain and enhance healing. Additionally, it lowers the risks of complications and hinders further infection. 

2. Causes Of Mouth Ulcers In Kids

Some causes of mouth ulcers in children include the following:

• Mouth injuries

Mouth injuries are among kids’ most common causes of canker sores. Your child can accidentally bite their tongue or cheek or brush it harshly, causing small breaks in the lining of the mouth. 

These cracks or breaks can increase the risks of bacteria entering – leading to an infection. This, in turn, can result in the development of mouth ulcers. Also, inflammation can occur in the impacted areas, augmenting the risk of developing canker sores. Lastly, burns from hot food can cause mouth ulcers in kids.   

• Bacterial infection

Some bacterial infections like Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) can result in small and painful ulcers forming in your kid’s mouth and also the hands and legs. And poor oral hygiene can cause bacterial growth in your kid’s mouth, leading to infections and developing mouth ulcers. 

• Allergies 

Children are more sensitive to allergens and other environmental factors than adults because their immune system isn’t fully developed. One significant way allergies cause mouth ulcers in kiddos is via a condition referred to as contact mastitis, which happens when your kid’s mouth gets in touch with allergens like chemicals and metals, resulting in an allergic reaction. This reaction can then lead to painful ulcers in the mouth. 

• Irritation From Dental Braces

Orthodontic braces can cause ulcers in children by irritating the oral tissues. When first installed or squeezed, the wires and brackets in the braces can rub against the inner tissues of the mouth, leading to irritation and the development of small sores or ulcers.

Furthermore, braces can make it hard to properly clean the teeth and gums, leading to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. This can lead to gum infections and inflammations, increasing the chances of mouth ulcer formation.   

• Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition can cause mouth ulcers in children in various ways. For instance, it can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies like B12 and iron, which are vital for sustaining healthy oral tissues. This can lead to oral mucositis, a condition characterized by the development of painful ulcers in the mouth. 

3. Signs & Symptoms Of Mouth Ulcers In Kids

The signs and symptoms of mouth ulcers can occur differently in children. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

• White or gray sores with a red border;
• Difficulty eating or drinking;
• Painful sores on the inner cheeks, lips, gums, and tongue;
• Pain that exacerbates when taking salty, sour, or spicy food;
• Difficulty brushing teeth or speaking;
• Fever; and the like. 

If your kid has any of these symptoms, visiting a doctor for diagnosis and treatment is crucial.

Conclusion

Children are vulnerable to diseases, and mouth ulcers are among the most common conditions that occur in them. Usually, minor ulcers are the popular type that occur in most children, and they aren’t a cause of concern since they aren’t painful and can heal quickly. Nonetheless, if your kid develops painful ulcers that persist, consider visiting a doctor for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.