How to Treat Mouth Ulcers in Babies: A Parent's Guide

• Mouth ulcers in children can be easily identified, because they are clearly visible in their mouth. Next, you are told about some signs and symptoms of mouth ulcers in children.
• A blister is a white and yellow colored abscess, the skin in the middle of which is red in color.
• Continuous burning sensation in a particular part of the mouth is a symptom of ulcers. 
• Pain and burning sensation in the mouth while cleaning teeth and chewing something indicates the presence of ulcers.
• The ulcer is usually small, which can be from 6 millimeters to half an inch.
• Pain and swelling at the site of the ulcer.
• The ulcer in the mouth may bleed while brushing teeth or eating. Mouth ulcers can also occur after viral infections and fever.
• Children also feel less hungry when they have ulcers.

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When to visit a doctor when children have mouth ulcers
If the ulcers in your child's mouth are related to an oral infection, then you should take him to your doctor.
You should visit a doctor if you notice the following serious symptoms of mouth ulcers in children:

• Child losing weight
• Child having stomach ache 
• Fever without any reason
• Blood and mucus-like sticky substance in the stool
• Stiffness in the neck and fatigue 
• If the child has more than four ulcers in his mouth
• The child has to urinate after a long time .
• Mouth ulcers after taking any medicine, etc.

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Blisters in children's mouths occur only occasionally and do not cause constant problems for children. Herpes simplex virus is the cause of blisters in children's mouths. Other causes of blisters in children and infants are as follows.

• Blisters occur due to vitamin deficiency in children. 
• Blisters in children's mouths occur due to allergy to food or other substances. 
• Any kind of mild injury in the mouth increases the risk of blisters. Cutting the mouth or tongue while eating and injury caused by using a hard toothbrush also increases the chances of blisters. 
• Children can also inherit the problem of blisters genetically.
• If a person who has ulcers kisses a child, this also causes ulcers in the child's mouth.
• Lack of water in the body and not drinking the right amount of water also causes ulcers in the mouth. 
• Many children also get ulcers due to stress. 
• Not taking the right amount of iron, folic acid, zinc and vitamin B12 causes ulcers in the mouth.
• There can be other reasons for ulcers in children's mouths, so it is difficult to find out the exact cause of this problem.

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Children cannot be prevented from getting ulcers in the mouth, because the exact reasons for its occurrence are not known. But the risk of mouth ulcers in the child can be reduced by trying some of the following measures.

• Let the child get enough sleep. 
• Do not change the sleeping habits of the child. 
• If the child is getting ulcers repeatedly at the same place, then this may be due to the sharpness of the child's teeth. In this situation, get the child's teeth checked by a doctor. 
• To protect the child from ulcers, parents should wash their hands before touching and feeding the child. This is considered an essential measure for babies with weak immunity. 
• Do not give acid-forming fruits like cherries, pineapple, strawberries and citrus fruits to the child.

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Generally, the problem of mouth ulcers in children does not require any kind of treatment. This problem gets cured on its own in a few days depending on the size of the ulcers. The pain in the ulcers gradually starts reducing in about three to four days. At present, the following methods are adopted for its treatment.

• The doctor can choose the treatment based on the child's ulcers. But before this, the doctor checks the correct condition of the ulcers. 
• At this time, give cold things to the child to eat, as well as breastfed children also get relief from this problem by drinking mother's milk. 
• For its treatment, the doctor can give the child medicine, cream or gel to apply on the ulcers. 
• In some cases, doctors recommend giving acetaminophen to reduce the child's pain.

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Children's mouth ulcers heal on their own in a few days. Children feel uncomfortable at this time and it is a bit difficult to reduce their pain like adults. You can also cure mouth ulcers in children by trying some home remedies. These remedies are explained in detail below:

Honey:
Honey can be used to cure mouth ulcers in children older than one year. For this, apply a little honey on the ulcer. Children like the sweetness of honey and they do not have any problem with this remedy. But keep in mind that honey should not be given to a child younger than 12 months.

Turmeric:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Apply a paste of turmeric and honey on your child's ulcers. This will not only reduce the pain but the ulcers will also heal faster.

Coconut:
Coconut, which is easily available in Indian markets, is also useful in curing mouth ulcers in children. Mouth ulcers can be treated with coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil. To use it, you can give coconut water to your child to drink or make him gargle with coconut oil. Apart from this, coconut oil can also be applied on mouth ulcers. Coconut oil is considered to be the best option to cure mouth ulcers in children above 6 months of age.

Yogurt:
Curd can cure children's mouth ulcers. Ask the child to keep curd in his mouth for some time or apply curd around his ulcers. If the curd is sour, the ulcers will heal quickly. Yogurt contains lactic acid, which does not allow bacteria to form in mouth ulcers.

Tulsi:
Most of the houses in India have a basil plant. Mouth ulcers are also cured with basil leaves. Medicinal properties are present in basil leaves. With the use of which mouth ulcers can be cured quickly. Give the child basil leaves to chew with warm water twice a day. This gives relief to the child from the stress in the body and reduces the chances of ulcers recurring.

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Foods to be given when the child has mouth ulcers

• Poppy seeds
• Ghee
• Aloe vera
• Ice cream, etc.

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Mouth ulcers are a common problem in children, which can cause pain and discomfort. To cure it, first give the child light and soft food, so that there is no pressure on the ulcers. Things like cold water, yogurt, and coconut water can provide relief. Avoid giving spicy, sour or fried food, as these can further aggravate the ulcers. Using an oral gel or antiseptic mouthwash recommended by the doctor can also be helpful. Also, encourage children to take care of hygiene and drink water regularly, which can prevent infection. If the ulcers do not heal in 7-10 days, it is important to consult a doctor.