Mouth ulcer in babies: how to treat it?

2021-10-11 08:00:29

Does your child complain of pain in the mouth when eating? It is certainly a canker sore. This little oral ulceration mainly located at the level of mucous membranes : inside the cheeks, lips, gums, tongue, palate or even at the back of the throat.

“Aphtha is characterized by a small rounded or oval ulceration of the order of 2 to 10 mm with a white/yellowish background and a red rim, a sign of inflammation,” confirms Dr. Jérémy Amzalag, dental surgeon. Its appearance, generally preceded by a burning sensationcan sometimes cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, just below the jaw.

Why does baby have canker sores in his mouth?

The causes which favor the appearance of a canker sore in babies or young children are numerous. They can be mechanical, behavioral, medical or even dietary. ” L’aphte is not nor infectiousis contagious and does not constitute a health risk,” specifies the specialist. ” On the other hand, even if it is benign, he can be painful and embarrassing, especially in young children.

Mechanical causes

And brushing your teeth too vigorously, a slipping toothbrush or even a burn with too hot food can cause a canker sore. “We also observe the appearance of these ulcerative lesions when the child accidentally bites his cheek while eating, following a broken tooth which creates a small local irritation or a damaged pacifier (pacifier) ​​with an angle at lively,” adds the dentist.

Behavioral causes

Among other causes, stressa fatigue passenger or poor oral hygiene in young children also contribute to the occurrence of mouth ulcers.

Medical causes

Certain digestive pathologies such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease (gluten intolerance) would also promote the frequent appearance of these ulcerative lesions in the mouth. All the childhood illnesses – rhino-pharyngitis, common cold, bronchiolitis, etc. – which weaken the immune system can cause mouth ulcers.

Dietary causes

Finally, diet can play a role. Some food clearly favor the appearance of canker sores. ” For example, hard cheeses such as Gouda, Gruyère, Parmesan or even Comté are known to cause this type of inconvenience, specifies Dr. Amzalag. “This is also the case for dried fruit like walnuts, peanuts, almonds; pineapple, kiwi, banana as well as vinegary or spicy foods ».

Canker sores in children: when should you consult?

If this problem is generally benign, it is better to consult your pediatrician or general practitioner when your child has several ulcerative lesions in the mouth and that he has difficulty eating.

In fact, it may be the syndrome PFAPA. “This syndrome which is characterized by recurrent febrile episodes associated with a aphthous stomatitisa pharyngitis and an cervical lymphadenitis (i.e. lymph nodes in the neck) is quite common in young children (between 2 and 6 years old),” explains Dr. Amzalag.

How long does it last ?

” Mouth ulcers heal spontaneously between three and six days. The episodes that occur at regular intervals eventually diminish and then disappear as the child grows up,” replies the specialist.

How to treat and relieve a canker sore in babies?

Mouth ulcers usually heal spontaneously within a few days. If the discomfort is too great, it is possible to use a local treatment to relieve pain and avoid secondary infections.

Local treatments: oral gel or spray?

In addition to avoiding acidic, spicy or hot foods which can exacerbate the pain, several treatments such as gels gingivaux help to alleviate discomfort. “The use of an antiseptic also prevents a bacterial superinfection from delaying healing,” specifies the dentist. Analgesic gel or mouth spray: ask your pharmacist for advice to find the formula best suited to your child.

Homeopathy

L’homeopathy can also be helpful in relieving canker sores. Strain Borax is particularly indicated in children with teething problems. Melt 5 granules under the tongue of Borax 5 CH every two hours in the event of a painful crisis. In infants, the homeopathy granules must first be dissolved in a little water.

Baking soda, a good grandmother’s remedy

Certain natural medicines such as mouthwashes with food baking soda – at the rate of a teaspoon dissolved in a glass of water – would also be effective in soothing mouth ulcers and promoting their healing process.

Canker sores versus cold sores

Be careful not to confuse a canker sore with‘genital herpes (cold sore), which is very contagious. If the ulcer appears in the form of an ulcerative lesion located on the oral mucosa, gums or tongue, theherpetic rash is characterized by the appearance of small painful blisters filled with fluid on the lip. Typically, the patient feels tingling in the affected area, which lasts from a few minutes to a few hours, followed by redness and swelling.

How to prevent canker sores in babies?

Although canker sores in the mouth appear mysteriously and accidentally, it is possible to limit their occurrence in babies and young children by very simple measures:

• If your child is prone to canker sores, avoid giving him foods that promote their appearance : hard cheeses, dried fruits, etc.;
• Make sure it has a good oral hygiene and that he uses a toothbrush with soft bristles in order to limit the risk of irritation of the mucous membranes;
• Be sure to correct the vitamin deficiencies. “Sometimes, canker sores can be linked to a deficiency in vitamins B1, B6 and B12 or iron,” confirms Dr. Amzalag;
• Use if possible a mild toothpastewithout Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a foaming agent present in most toothpastes which would promote the occurrence of canker sores.

1697537200
#Mouth #ulcer #babies #treat