Mouth ulcer in babies

Mouth ulcers, sometimes referred to as canker sores, in children or infants can be exceedingly unpleasant. These little sores on the tongue, lips, or mouth lining can cause discomfort and irritability and are not enjoyable for either the parent or the child.

In adults and older children, mouth ulcers might be from fillings or braces, although these are less of a problem for toddlers. Hard food or unintentionally biting the tongue or cheek with one’s own teeth could be the real culprits behind child or baby mouth ulcers. 

But there are many different reasons and harder to recognise factors that contribute to mouth ulcers in tots. It includes stress, particular foods, using toothpaste with the chemical sodium lauryl sulphate and bacterial infections.

Mouth ulcers are single ‘welt-like’ spots. These sometimes look like little craters. You might even notice clusters of craters (sometimes multiple ulcers develop in a small patch). There will be dark red, yellow, grey or white discolouration around the welt.

You should be cautious when separating ulcers from cold sores. Children and babies can also have cold sores, which appear more like a rash. A tingling or burning sensation results from them when they grow around the lips or mouth.

Here are a few things you can do to help your baby cope with mouth ulcers:

Keep the area clean – Use a clean damp cloth to gently wipe the ulcer and the surrounding area to keep it clean and free of bacteria.

Use a pacifier – If your baby uses a pacifier, it may help to soothe the ulcer and reduce pain.

Offer cold foods – Cold foods such as yogurt, ice cream, or frozen fruit can help numb the ulcer and provide relief from pain.

Give pain relief medication – You can give your baby over-the-counter pain relief medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but always check with a pediatrician before giving any medication to your baby.

Use a teething gel – Teething gels can help numb the ulcer and provide relief from pain.

It’s important to note that most mouth ulcers heal on their own within a week or two. However, if the ulcer is severe or recurrent, it’s best to consult with a pediatrician or pediatric dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.