No parent enjoys seeing their child in discomfort, and it can be particularly challenging when a baby or toddler is crying in the night. Without the ability to express their feelings, you may find yourself anxiously searching for answers at 3 a.m. Is it thrush? Teething? A fever? Eventually, you might discover the cause: a canker sore! Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, can be quite painful for your little one, who relies heavily on their mouth for eating, communicating (often through crying), and teething. It can feel like a betrayal when something inside their mouth hurts so much. Since they can’t articulate what’s wrong, they resort to crying until an adult figures out that it’s a canker sore. Here’s what you should know about the causes of canker sores in babies and some soothing remedies that can help alleviate these mouth ulcers.
What Causes Canker Sores in Babies?
Canker sores, also referred to as mouth ulcers, are small lesions found inside the mouth, on the lips, soft palate, cheeks, or even on the tongue. While the exact cause remains unclear, experts from Cedars-Sinai suggest several contributing factors:
- A weakened immune system
- Food allergies, such as those to chocolate, cheese, nuts, and citrus fruits
- Stress
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Mouth injuries
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Nutrient deficiencies like B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
While there’s no conclusive evidence linking teething directly to canker sores, it’s plausible. Teething can lead to accidental bites on the cheek, which might cause sores. Luckily, whatever methods you use to soothe your teething baby can also help with canker sores.
Symptoms of Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers
In addition to the painful sores, you may notice other symptoms associated with mouth ulcers. According to Cedars-Sinai, these symptoms can vary:
- Painful sores in the mouth, often found inside the lips, on cheeks, or on the tongue
- Sores that are white or gray with a red border
- Difficulty eating or talking due to the pain
- No fever in most cases
Typically, canker sores heal within one to two weeks, but they may recur.
How to Treat Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers
Treatment for canker sores depends on the child’s age, symptoms, and overall health. It’s wise to consult a doctor if your baby’s canker sores are:
- Extremely painful
- Lasting more than a few weeks
- Very large
- Recurring frequently
In most cases, canker sores can be treated at home. While you can’t magically make them disappear, Cedars-Sinai recommends the following methods to soothe mouth ulcers:
- Encourage fluid intake
- Administer acetaminophen for pain relief
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Use topical medications to ease pain
- Consider mouth rinses for comfort
- Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate sores
You can also try some natural remedies, such as mixing a teaspoon of baking soda or salt in half a cup of warm water to dab on the sore. Rubbing milk of magnesia on the canker sore throughout the day can also be beneficial.
Are Canker Sores Contagious?
Canker sores are not contagious like cold sores, which are caused by a virus. Your child won’t spread canker sores through kissing or saliva, but they may still appear from time to time. Unlike cold sores that usually scab over and may cause tingling on the lips, canker sores are always located inside the mouth.
Can Teething Cause Mouth Sores?
While teething can lead to various changes in a baby’s body, including increased body temperature and wakefulness, it does not directly cause mouth sores. However, teething can result in rashes around the mouth due to excessive drooling, which can cause dry and flaky skin.
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Summary
Canker sores can be distressing for both babies and parents alike. Understanding the potential causes and symptoms can help you identify and treat these painful mouth ulcers more effectively. While canker sores are generally not contagious, they do require proper care and attention to ensure your little one feels better soon.
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