Honey, aloe vera, coconut oil or ghee, curd, tulsi leaves, mulethi powder, camphor and mishri are some of the home remedies for mouth ulcer in children during summers.
Mouth ulcers are extremely painful for adults and can get worse when children experience it for the first time. You often get to see kids moaning and groaning in pain and refusing to eat food. You would need to watch out as kids may be suffering from mouth ulcers. Also known as canker sores, mouth ulcers commonly occur in children, especially during summers. These ulcers usually develop on the lips, gums, inside the cheeks, and under the tongue.
In this article:
What Causes Mouth Ulcers in Children?
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?
7 Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Children During Summers
Are Mouth Ulcers Dangerous to Babies?
Can Teething Cause Mouth Ulcers?
How Long Does it Take for a Mouth Ulcer to Heal?
When to See a Doctor?
What Causes Mouth Ulcers in Children?
Mouth ulcers in children can be caused due to several factors such as
- Allergies due to some irritants in food which can lead to ulcer formation
- Insufficient intake of water or dehydration
- Excess internal heat in the body
- Deficiency of vitamins such as iron, zinc, and Vitamin B.
- At the start of a menstrual period in girls
- Any injury to the mouth cavity
- Stress during illness
- Genetic condition
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcers?
Due to its different appearance, mouth ulcers are easy and quick to identify. Listed below are some of the common symptoms of mouth ulcers in children.
- Children experience burning sensation and pain while chewing their food or brushing their teeth.
- Swollen skin and tenderness around the sores
- Sudden loss of appetite
- Yellowish or white sore circle with a red halo
- Bleeding while eating food or brushing teeth
7 Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Children
Mouth ulcers is not a persistent issue. It can be easily eliminated with some simple home remedies. Home remedies are safe to use and do not cause any side effects in children. Listed below are some of the home remedies for mouth ulcers in children.
Honey
Due to its anti-bacterial properties, honey retains moisture and prevents the mouth from getting dry. It also promotes the process of new cell growth. Applying raw honey or honey mixed with either amla or turmeric aids in quick healing of mouth ulcers in children.
Camphor and Mishri
Mishri and camphor are known to reduce the swelling and irritation caused due to mouth ulcers. These 2 powerful ingredients bring down the inflammation and promote healing of ulcers quickly. Grind about 1 g of camphor and 8 g of mishri together and apply the powder on the affected area for quick results.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a miraculous plant having numerous medicinal properties. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation and swelling caused due to ulcers. Aloe Vera gel can be directly applied on the ulcer or it can be mixed along with water and used a mouthwash.
Coconut Oil or Ghee
Desi ghee or coconut oil are age-old remedies to treat mouth-related infections. Rinsing your mouth with coconut oil or ghee several times a day helps effectively reduce mouth ulcers. The anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make it a quick healing agent for mouth ulcers.
Curd
Curd is rich in lactic acid bacteria and other beneficial probiotics that inhibit the bacterial infection in ulcers. Rinsing the mouth with buttermilk or curd helps reduce mouth ulcers significantly. The sourer the curd, the more effective it is to treat ulcers. Rinsing the mouth with curd or buttermilk 2 to 3 times a day reduces the pain caused due to ulcers.
Tulsi Leaves
Tulsi leaves have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that make mouth ulcers heal faster. Chewing tulsi leaves along with warm water 2 to 3 times a day cures mouth ulcers and also prevents its recurrence.
Mulethi Powder
If your child is suffering from mouth ulcers due to stomach ailments, then Mulethi powder is one of the best remedies to heal these ulcers. The powder can be applied on the affected area or consumed along with warm water to treat stomach ailments as well as heal ulcers.
Are Mouth Ulcers Dangerous to Babies?
Mouth ulcers are generally lesions that occur near your gums or inside the cheeks. Although they can make eating, drinking and brushing uncomfortable, they are not dangerous. Mouth ulcers when treated appropriately disappear within 1 to 2 weeks.
Can Teething Cause Mouth Ulcers?
Yes, teething is one of the causes of mouth ulcers. Mouth ulcers can occur during or after teething as the infant begins to feel his teeth and start biting at everything.
How Long Does it Take for a Mouth Ulcer to Heal?
Mouth ulcers eventually heal in about 2 weeks without treatment. However, with treatment, it reduces within 5 days. Serious mouth ulcers caused due to infections can take up to 6 weeks to heal.
When to See a Doctor?
If you are unsure that the mouth ulcer is of the usual nature or it takes too long to heal for your little one, it is advisable that you consult a doctor for help. Some of the warning symptoms that will signal that you should visit a doctor are
- Mouth ulcers that develops on the gums near the tooth accompanied with severe toothache.
- Tender, red, and swollen gums
- Swollen face.
- Development of fever
- Dark urine at longer intervals and very dry mouth
- Ulcers caused due to medication
Mouth ulcers in children can be painful to deal with. However, if parents are cautious and get to know the exact reason behind the cause of ulcers, you can help your children heal in no time. Maintaining a proper hygiene and a balanced diet will prevent the incidence of mouth ulcers.
