Natural Remedies for Treating Mouth Ulcers in Kids

Do you feel helpless when your child comes to you in tears, pointing to an unsightly pain inside their mouth? Do you wonder whether you should take her to a doctor or try home remedies for mouth ulcers to relieve their pain? Unfortunately, parents are often unaware of the proper treatment for mouth ulcers in children. Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are white spots on the lips and gums surrounded by a reddish, inflamed area. These are common clinical problems in children and can be extremely painful.

Children with recurrent oral ulcers are more likely to develop them due to genetic factors. In addition, as a secondary response to an existing infection, young children in group settings (e.g., daycare, shared play areas) may develop oral ulcers (bacterial or viral). Fortunately, mouth ulcers are not contagious and can be treated at home. This article discusses some home remedies for mouth ulcers in babies and toddlers. Keep reading to learn more about home remedies for mouth ulcers in kids.

Different Types of Mouth Ulcers in Children

Some of the most common ulcers found in children are single ulcers (single lesions caused by trauma or fungal infection), multiple ulcers caused by infections (bacterial or viral), chronic ulcers, and ulcers associated with physiological conditions such as autoimmune disorders and metabolic deficiency disorders.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers

1. Food Allergies
2. Nutrient deficiency such as Vitamin B12, iron, or zinc
3. Viral infection, cold sores, chicken pox, etc
4. Inflammation of the mucous membrane
5. Injuries caused by burns, biting, or rubbing from braces

5 Best Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Kids

Mouth ulcers in children can occur for a variety of reasons, but they are easily treatable with the 5 effective home remedies listed below:-

1. Honey

Honey has a plethora of health benefits. But you might be surprised that it can also treat mouth ulcers. In addition, honey can treat mouth ulcers in children over one year.

Honey's antibacterial properties, acidity, and consistency protect against bacteria, preventing the wound from worsening. You can also apply honey to the ulcer by combining it with turmeric or ghee. But please note that if your child is under the age of one year, you should not give them honey.

2. Ghee

Another milk derivative, ‘Ghee,’ is an active ingredient in many Ayurvedic preparations. This age-old remedy relieves the pain and swelling caused by mouth ulcers in kids. In addition, since ghee and honey are frequently added ingredients to baby foods, there is a high chance that your baby will become familiar with their taste and texture more quickly.

3. Probiotics

Curd and buttermilk are excellent remedies for children's mouth ulcers. Tell your child to swirl curd or buttermilk in their mouth. It is a perfect remedy because its friendly bacteria aid in the fight against harmful germs and prevent fungal infections.

If your child does not like curd or buttermilk, you can include other probiotics that can improve gut health, such as kefir, cheese, rabdi, paneer, shrikhand, lassi; fermented vegetable juices, and cereals. Probiotics contain friendly bacteria that help fight harmful germs and keep fungal infections from causing mouth ulcers in your child.

4. Herbs

Medicinal herbs with antibacterial and antifungal properties, such as tulsi, basil, and curry patta, are very effective in treating mouth ulcer symptoms. A spoonful of these leaves can help your child's mouth ulcers heal. However, make it liquid and have your child drink a few sips to relieve oral ulcers if you prefer.

5. Coconut

Coconut is one such item found in Indian homes that can aid in treating canker sores or mouth ulcers. The oil, water, and milk that the coconut produces all have significant beneficial effects in treating mouth ulcers.

Give your child to drink coconut water or gargle with coconut milk. If you don't want to drink coconut, you can apply virgin coconut oil to the ulcer in your mouth because it has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Then, encourage your child to eat more of these foods.

Things to Avoid During Mouth Ulcer in Children

If your child already has a mouth ulcer, avoid certain foods and drinks to prevent the condition from worsening. To heal mouth ulcers in children faster, avoid the foods listed below.

1. Acidic foods: citrus fruits, pineapple, etc
2. Spicy foods: They can irritate mouth ulcers and should therefore be avoided
3. Oily foods: should also be avoided because they can irritate the ulcer
4. Toothpaste: avoid using kid's toothpaste with sodium lauryl sulfate.

When to Seek Professional Help for Mouth Ulcers?

If you suspect your child has ulcers caused by a mouth infection, consult your doctor. Consider seeing him if your child's mouth ulcer does not heal in 1-2 weeks or if your child continues to get mouth ulcers. However, if you are experiencing symptoms of a general illness such as weight loss, stomach pain, or ulcers around the anus, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Short Term: In most cases, mouth ulcers fade and disappear without having any long-term effects on children.
2. Home Remedies: Using everyday natural household items to aid mouth ulcers can help you effectively manage your child's discomfort.
3. Consult Doctor: If your child develops a fever, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, or vomiting, consult a doctor and get the needed medications to address the infections within the body.

Message From SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! No matter where you are around the world or in India, SuperBottoms ensures your kids are using the best and safest products. SuperBottoms offers the best cloth diapers, which are completely safe and gentle for your baby, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, padded underwear for potty training your kids, and period underwear for women. These products suit your baby's delicate skin at any time of year. SuperBottoms is a must-have product for you and your child whether you live in Canada, Kuwait, the United States, Qatar, Hawaii, Bahrain, Armenia, the United Arab Emirates, or the Philippines. SuperBottoms products are also available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.