Mouth ulcers—those small but painful sores inside the mouth—are common in children and can be a source of distress for both you and your child. While they usually heal on their own, it's important to know how to manage symptoms, reduce discomfort, and understand when to seek professional help.
What Are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers, also called canker sores or aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that form on the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the inner cheeks, lips, roof of the mouth, tongue, or gums. These sores often appear grey, yellow, or white in color with a red edge, and your child may have just one or several at a time. They typically heal on their own within 7 to 14 days.
They may be triggered by:
Are Mouth Ulcers Contagious?
No, mouth ulcers are not contagious. Your child cannot catch them from someone else, nor will they spread them to others through sharing food, kisses, or close contact.
It’s important, however, to distinguish mouth ulcers from other types of oral lesions that are contagious—such as cold sores (fever blisters) caused by the herpes simplex virus. Unlike cold sores, mouth ulcers:
If you're unsure what type of sore your child has, or if the sores are accompanied by fever or skin rashes, it's best to consult your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs of mouth ulcers in children include:
If your child has multiple sores, high fever, swollen lymph nodes, or lesions around the lips and skin, this could be a sign of a more serious condition like a viral infection and should be assessed promptly.
How to Manage and Treat Mouth Ulcers at Home
Most mouth ulcers heal on their own, but you can take simple steps to ease your child’s discomfort and support healing.
Gentle Oral Hygiene
- Encourage brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes or harsh toothpaste formulas.
Pain Relief
- Use topical gels or ointments specifically formulated for children, as advised by your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
- Saltwater rinses (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) can help reduce inflammation in children old enough to rinse and spit.
- Avoid giving children under 2 any anesthetic products unless prescribed.
Nutritional Support
- Serve soft, bland foods like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or yogurt.
- Avoid acidic, spicy, salty, or crunchy foods that may irritate the sore.
Hydration
- Keep your child well-hydrated, especially if they’re eating less.
- Offer cold water or ice chips to soothe the area.
Can Mouth Ulcers Be Prevented?
While not all mouth ulcers can be avoided, you can reduce your child’s risk with a few simple steps:
When Should I Take My Child to A Pediatric Dentist?
While most mouth ulcers heal on their own, there are times when it’s important to have your child checked by a pediatric dentist or a pediatrician. You should schedule a visit if:
These could indicate nutritional deficiencies, viral infections, or less common systemic conditions that require medical evaluation.
If you ever have concerns about your child’s persistent or painful ulcers, our Specialist Pediatric Dentists at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers are here to help. Give us a call us at 04 394 7777 and don't hesitate to reach out.
