1. What should you do if your child has mouth ulcers?
Mouth ulcers can cause discomfort and pain, especially when your child eats or speaks. Follow these steps to help:
- Clean the area: Ask the child to rinse their mouth gently with a lukewarm salt-water solution. This helps reduce inflammation and clean the area.
- Use medicated gels: Apply a gel designed for mouth ulcers to relieve pain and protect against further irritation.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods: These foods can make pain and irritation worse. Choose soft, lukewarm foods that are easier for the child.
- Keep the child hydrated: Make sure the child drinks enough water to remain hydrated, which supports general oral health.
- Reassure the child: Explain that the ulcers are temporary and that they will soon feel better.
If the pain is severe or the ulcers do not resolve within 10–14 days, contact the paediatric dentist for further assessment.
2. What are mouth ulcers and how can you recognise them?
Mouth ulcers are small, round sores that appear inside the cheeks, on the tongue or on the lips. They have the following characteristics:
- Appearance: A white or yellowish centre with a red border.
- Symptoms: Pain, especially when eating or drinking, and sensitivity to acidic or spicy foods.
- Duration: They usually last 7–14 days and heal on their own.
Mouth ulcers are not contagious, but they can recur, particularly during periods of stress or when the immune system is weakened.
3. Possible causes of mouth ulcers in children
Mouth ulcers can appear for various reasons, including:
- Injuries in the mouth: Minor knocks, accidental bites or injuries caused by toothbrushes can lead to ulcers.
- Stress: Emotional or physical stress can affect the immune system and trigger them.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid or iron may be associated with mouth ulcers.
- Allergies or sensitivities: A reaction to certain foods or dental products may cause ulcers.
- Genetic predisposition: If a parent has a history of mouth ulcers, the child may also develop them.
Understanding the cause helps with prevention and management. If ulcers occur frequently, advice from the paediatric dentist is essential.
4. Practical ways to provide relief at home
Managing mouth ulcers at home can relieve pain and help them heal more quickly:
- Salt-water rinse: Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a glass of lukewarm water and ask the child to rinse their mouth gently.
- Medicated gels: Use gels specifically intended for mouth ulcers to provide immediate pain relief.
- Honey or yoghurt: If the child is not allergic, honey or plain yoghurt can be applied gently to the ulcers.
- Soft foods: Choose soft, lukewarm foods such as soups or purées.
Table: What a child should eat when they have mouth ulcers
| Suitable (soft & cool) ✅ | Avoid (acidic & hard) ❌ |
|---|---|
| Yoghurt, custard, rice pudding | Oranges, lemons, tomatoes |
| Soups (lukewarm) | Crisps, toast (which can scratch) |
| Ice cream (without nuts) | Spicy foods |
| Boiled chicken/fish | Sweets |
5. When should you visit the paediatric dentist?
Although mouth ulcers usually heal on their own, a visit to the paediatric dentist is necessary when:
- The ulcers do not heal within 10–14 days.
- The child is in severe pain and cannot eat or drink.
- The ulcers keep recurring.
- There are signs of infection, such as swelling, pus or fever.
6. Possible treatments for mouth ulcers
Treatment at the practice may include:
- Topical medicines: Ointments or gels that reduce pain and accelerate healing.
- Antiseptic rinses: Mouthwashes with antimicrobial properties.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines: For severe pain.
- Dietary advice: If the ulcers are associated with nutritional deficiencies.
- Assessment of underlying causes: When ulcers recur.
7. Our approach to treating mouth ulcers at our dental practice for children in Glyfada
At our practice, we understand the discomfort caused by mouth ulcers and focus on immediate relief and comprehensive care for your child:
- Accurate diagnosis: We examine the area to assess its severity and identify possible causes.
- Painless treatment: We use child-friendly methods such as topical medicated gels.
- Personalised approach: We tailor treatment to the child’s needs.
- Parent education: We provide clear instructions for care at home.
8. How to prevent mouth ulcers in the future
Prevention is key to reducing how often mouth ulcers occur. Here are some useful tips:
- Proper oral hygiene: Encourage the child to brush with a soft toothbrush.
- Balanced diet: Make sure the child receives enough vitamin B12, folic acid and iron.
- Avoid injuries: Take care while eating or brushing.
- Manage stress: Create an environment that encourages relaxation.
- Avoid irritating foods: Limit acidic or spicy foods.
10. Book an appointment with us today
At our practice, we treat mouth ulcers with care and expertise, providing immediate relief and long-term solutions for your child.
Call us today to arrange an appointment. Our specialist team is here to diagnose the cause, provide personalised treatment and advise you on preventing future episodes.
