Ouch! Understanding Canker Sores in Babies and Tips for Comforting Those Mouth Ulcers

No parent enjoys witnessing their child in distress, especially when it’s during those long, sleepless nights filled with cries and confusion. With little ones unable to express their discomfort, it’s common to find yourself searching online at odd hours, trying to decipher the reason behind their tears. Could it be thrush, teething, or perhaps a fever? After a bit of sleuthing, you may discover that the cause is a canker sore—those painful mouth ulcers that can leave babies feeling quite miserable. Imagine relying on your mouth for feeding, teething, and expressing emotions, only to be met with sudden pain! Unfortunately, babies can’t articulate the discomfort from those annoying lumps inside their cheeks, leaving them to cry until a caring adult can figure out what’s wrong. Here’s what you need to know about the causes of canker sores in babies, along with some effective home remedies to alleviate their discomfort.

What Causes Canker Sores in Babies?

Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, manifest as small lesions located inside the mouth, including the lips, soft palate, cheeks, or tongue. While the exact causes remain somewhat of a mystery, experts from Cedars-Sinai suggest several potential triggers:

Weakened immune system
Food allergies (e.g., dairy, nuts, citrus)
Stress
Viral or bacterial infections
Mouth injuries
Nutritional deficiencies
Certain medications

Although there’s no concrete evidence linking teething directly to mouth ulcers, it is conceivable that a baby could inadvertently bite their cheek while teething, leading to a sore. Fortunately, whatever soothing methods are used for teething should also benefit canker sores.

Symptoms of Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers

In addition to the visible sore, there are other symptoms that can accompany mouth ulcers, which can vary by child. According to Cedars-Sinai, symptoms may include:

Painful sores located inside the mouth
White or gray sores with a red outline
Difficulty eating or speaking due to pain
No fever in most cases

Typically, canker sores heal within one to two weeks but 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 advisable to consult a healthcare professional if the sores are:

Extremely painful
Persisting for more than a few weeks
Large in size
Frequently recurring

Generally, canker sores can be managed at home. While you can’t magically eliminate the discomfort, Cedars-Sinai recommends several strategies for soothing mouth ulcers:

Encourage fluid intake
Use acetaminophen for fever or pain
Maintain good oral hygiene
Apply topical medications for pain relief
Utilize mouth rinses for additional comfort
Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate the sore

You can also explore natural remedies, like mixing one teaspoon of baking soda or salt in half a cup of warm water and applying it to the sore. Another option is to use milk of magnesia on the affected area throughout the day.

Are Canker Sores Contagious?

Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and cannot be spread through kissing or saliva, as they are not caused by a virus. Cold sores, in contrast, can cause tingling sensations and are often filled with fluid.

Can Teething Cause Mouth Sores?

While teething can lead to various changes in a baby’s body, including increased saliva and frustration, it does not directly cause mouth sores. However, it can result in rashes around the lips due to excess saliva.

For further insight on canker sores and their treatment, check out this related blog post. You can also find useful information about pregnancy and home insemination at CDC’s pregnancy resource.

Summary

Canker sores in babies can be distressing for both the child and the parent. While the exact causes are not fully understood, various factors, including a weakened immune system and food allergies, may contribute. Symptoms typically include painful sores and difficulties in eating or speaking. Most cases can be managed at home through hydration, pain relief, and proper oral care. If the sores are severe or persistent, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.