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No parent enjoys witnessing their little one in discomfort, especially when trying to decipher the reason behind their tears during the night. With their limited ability to communicate, you might find yourself frantically searching online at 3 a.m. to determine whether it’s thrush, teething, or perhaps a fever. Ultimately, you may discover that the issue is a canker sore! These painful mouth ulcers can be distressing for babies who rely on their mouths for eating, expressing emotions, and communicating. Unfortunately, they can’t verbalize the discomfort of a sore inside their cheeks, leading to cries until an adult can figure out what’s wrong. Here’s a rundown on what causes canker sores in babies and some effective remedies to alleviate mouth ulcers for toddlers and infants.
What Leads to Canker Sores in Babies?
Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are small sores found inside the mouth, including the lips, soft palate, cheeks, or tongue. Although the exact cause remains unclear, experts from Cedars-Sinai suggest several factors may contribute to their development:
- A weakened immune system
- Food allergies (e.g., to chocolate, citrus fruits, or nuts)
- Stress
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Mouth injuries
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Certain medications
While there’s no proven connection between teething and canker sores, it’s possible that a baby could injure the inside of their mouth while teething. The silver lining is that whatever you’re using to soothe them during this teething phase will likely also help with canker sores.
Identifying Symptoms of Canker Sores in Infants and Toddlers
In addition to the visible sore, other symptoms may arise, although each child may experience them differently. According to Cedars-Sinai, common signs include:
- Painful sores inside the mouth, especially on the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Sores appearing white or gray with a red halo
- Difficulty eating or speaking due to discomfort
- Absence of fever in most cases
Typically, canker sores resolve within one to two weeks, but they often recur.
How to Manage Canker Sores in Infants and Toddlers
Treatment for canker sores in young children varies based on their age, symptoms, and overall health. It’s wise to consult your pediatrician if your baby’s canker sores:
- Are extremely painful
- Persist beyond a few weeks
- Are particularly large
- Keep recurring
In many cases, canker sores can be managed at home. While you can’t instantly eliminate your child’s canker sores, Cedars-Sinai recommends several approaches to relieve discomfort:
- Ensure they drink plenty of fluids
- Consider acetaminophen for pain relief
- Maintain proper oral hygiene
- Use topical medications to alleviate pain
- Employ mouth rinses for additional relief
- Steer clear of spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may aggravate the sores
There are also natural remedies to consider, such as mixing one teaspoon of baking soda or salt in half a cup of warm water and dabbing it onto the sore. You may also apply milk of magnesia to the canker sore several times a day to aid in healing.
Are Canker Sores Contagious?
Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and won’t spread through saliva or kissing. They are not caused by a virus, which means they do not have the same transmission potential as cold sores, which often begin with a tingling sensation and can create fluid-filled blisters.
Can Teething Lead to Mouth Sores?
Though teething can result in various changes in a baby’s body, such as increased temperature and waking during the night, it does not directly cause mouth sores. However, teething can lead to rashes around the lips due to excess saliva, which can result in dryness and irritation.
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In summary, canker sores can be a source of discomfort for babies and toddlers, often requiring some detective work from parents to identify and treat. While these mouth ulcers can be painful, understanding their causes and symptoms can help manage the situation effectively.