Mouth Sores in Children

Firstly, it’s important to determine if your child is suffering from a mouth ulcer. Take a look inside their mouth and keep your eyes peeled for a small, round white sore inside their cheeks, on their gums or tongue. They might complain that their mouth hurts after eating something salty, spicy or sour and should try to avoid these foods until after the ulcer has healed. 

Several things can cause mouth ulcers or mouth sores in children:

• Viral infections like cold sores or hand, foot and mouth disease

• Oral thrush

• Injuries to the mouth like a toothbrush slipping while they brush, biting, burns or friction from braces

• Low vitamin levels

• Other health conditions, for example, coeliac disease

Sometimes ulcers occur without any explanation and are nothing to be concerned about. However, if your child has ulcers due to an underlying infection, they may also experience fever symptoms.

Make an urgent appointment with your GP if your child develops severe mouth ulcers that don’t clear up within a week or so, along with any of these symptoms:

• Weight loss

• Stomach pain

• Fever

• Blood or mucus in poo

• Neck stiffness or fatigue

How you treat mouth sores or mouth inflammation in children will depend on their symptoms, age and general health. The most common ways of treating a mouth ulcer would be:

• Drink more fluids

• Take over the counter painkillers or use a mouth gel especially for mouth ulcers

• Stick to a good oral hygiene routine

• Use a mouthwash that helps with mouth ulcers

• Avoid salty, spicy or sour foods that can irritate the mouth inflammation

This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.