Ouch! Discovering What Triggers Canker Sores in Infants and How to Alleviate Those Mouth Ulcers

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No parent wants to see their little one suffer, and it can be especially distressing when your baby or toddler is crying during the night. Since they don’t have the words to express their discomfort, you might find yourself frantically searching the internet at 3 a.m. Is it thrush? Teething? A fever? Eventually, you find the answer: a canker sore! These painful mouth ulcers are no picnic for anyone, especially for babies who rely on their mouths for feeding, teething, and communication. The sudden onset of pain can leave them feeling confused and upset, leading to tears until a caregiver figures out the problem. Here’s a look at what causes canker sores in babies and some soothing remedies you can try.

What Triggers Canker Sores in Infants?

Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are small lesions that can appear inside the mouth, on the lips, soft palate, cheeks, or tongue. While the exact cause of these sores in babies and toddlers remains unclear, experts from Cedars-Sinai suggest that several factors may contribute, including:

Weakened immune system
Food allergies (such as to chocolate, citrus fruits, or nuts)
Stress
Viral or bacterial infections
Mouth injuries
Poor nutrition
Certain medications
Deficiencies in nutrients like B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron

While there’s no direct evidence linking teething to canker sores, it’s possible that if a baby bites the inside of their cheek while teething, it could lead to a sore. Thankfully, whatever you’re using to soothe them during teething can also help with canker sores.

Symptoms of Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers

In addition to the sore itself, there may be various symptoms associated with mouth ulcers, which can differ from child to child. According to Cedars-Sinai, symptoms can include:

Painful sores inside the mouth
Sores that are white or gray with a red border
Difficulty eating or speaking due to the sores
No fever (in most instances)

Most canker sores heal within one to two weeks, although they can recur.

How to Treat Canker Sores in Infants and Toddlers

The treatment for canker sores will depend on the child’s age, symptoms, and overall health. It’s advisable to contact a healthcare professional if the canker sores are:

Extremely painful
Persistent for more than a few weeks
Very large
Recurring frequently

However, many cases can be managed at home. Although you can’t instantly make canker sores vanish, Cedars-Sinai recommends the following methods to alleviate mouth ulcers in babies and toddlers:

Encourage fluid intake
Use acetaminophen for pain relief
Maintain good oral hygiene
Apply topical medications to ease pain
Use mouth rinses to help with discomfort
Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that could irritate the sores

While there are various unverified home remedies involving herbs and spices, it’s best to stick to safe options for your baby, such as popsicles or other cold treats to relieve pain and keep them hydrated.

A natural approach includes mixing one teaspoon of baking soda or salt into half a cup of warm water and gently applying it to the sore. Rubbing milk of magnesia on the sore can also be helpful throughout the day.

Are Canker Sores Contagious?

Unlike cold sores, canker sores are not contagious and cannot be spread through kisses or saliva. They are not caused by a virus, so they do not transmit from one person to another. Cold sores, in contrast, can cause tingling sensations on the lips and typically form scabs filled with fluid.

Can Teething Cause Mouth Sores?

Teething can lead to various changes in a baby’s body, including increased body temperature and nighttime awakenings. However, it does not directly cause mouth sores. Teething can result in rashes around the lips due to excess saliva, leading to dry and flaky skin.

For more insights on this topic, you can check out this other blog post here. Additionally, for more authoritative information, visit Intracervical Insemination and March of Dimes, which offers excellent resources for expecting parents.

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In summary, canker sores can be a stressful experience for both babies and parents. Identifying the symptoms and understanding potential causes can help you manage this issue effectively. Home remedies and proper care can soothe the discomfort and aid in healing.