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Mouth ulcers in children are fairly common. This article will talk about mouth ulcers, what causes them and how to treat them. Some dentists noticed mouth ulcers during the dental check-up and give their recommendation for treatment, after reading this article, you can read more about their suggestions by clicking the link.
What are mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are sores that chow up the gums, inner cheeks, and tongue of children. Adults can also have mouth ulcers. These sores may become painful and can prevent your child from eating properly, especially if the mouth ulcer comes into contact with teeth or food easily as they eat. Chewing can become a very great ordeal for the child and they may refuse to eat until the sores have subsided.
What causes mouth ulcers in children?
Mouth ulcers can be caused by many different factors.
Viral infections. Viral infections can cause children to get mouth ulcers. Infections such as foot and mouth disease and cold sores can result in the child getting mouth ulcers.
Mouth injuries. If the child wears braces, or of the child accidentally bit their tongue too hard, these can cause the child to have ulcers in their mouth as well. The friction from the braces will cause the tissues in the mouth to get chafed and sore.
Low vitamin levels. If the child does not get enough vitamins, it can also be a cause for mouth ulcers.
Lack of good oral hygiene. Not practicing proper oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing can cause infections in the mouth that may lead to mouth ulcers in children and also in adults. This is why parents need to teach them proper oral hygiene techniques to children early in life. Dentists can also undertake this task to make sure that proper oral health is always attained by the child.
Treatment options for mouth ulcers
Although more often than not, mouth ulcers are not serious and usually resolve on their own without any treatment needed, various treatment options are available that can help treat mouth ulcers.
Mouth gels. You can find these gels at your local drug store, and they can provide pain relief from the mouth ulcer. It can become extremely painful if the mouth ulcer comes into contact with other parts of the mouth. The gel can help prevent too much friction from occurring.
Saltwater rinse. Salt will help clean the area and will help it heal more quickly. If your child is old enough to rinse their mouth, you can have them do a saltwater rinse.
What else you can do
Have your child drink water and fluids if they do not want to eat to prevent them from getting dehydrated. Most of the time, mouth sores will go away after a week or less.
If the mouth ulcer is not caused by any mouth infection, you will not need to see a doctor. However, if it is caused by an infection, it is a wise idea to have your child’s pediatrician check the mouth ulcer and recommend further treatment for the infection.
