What causes mouth ulcers in children?
May 16, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Children's oral ulcers may be caused by various factors such as vitamin deficiency, decreased immunity, oral injuries, periodontal inflammation, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Parents are advised to take their child to see a doctor promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance. It is important for parents to ensure that children get adequate rest, maintain good oral hygiene, and develop healthy habits such as regular tooth brushing and frequent mouth rinsing to prevent the growth of oral bacteria.
In general, oral ulcers in children may be caused by factors such as vitamin deficiency, decreased immunity, oral trauma, periodontitis, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Parents are advised to take their child to see a doctor promptly to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under medical guidance. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Vitamin deficiency: If a child has picky eating habits leading to insufficient intake of vitamins, oral ulcers may easily develop. Parents should encourage children to eat more vitamin-rich foods such as oranges and apples, and help them avoid selective eating.
2. Decreased immunity: Children who lack physical activity and have weakened immune systems are more prone to developing oral ulcers. It is important to strengthen the child's immunity through moderate exercise and ensuring adequate rest and sleep.
3. Oral injury: Trauma or damage inside the mouth—such as brushing too hard with a stiff toothbrush or accidentally biting the oral tissues—can lead to the formation of oral ulcers. Parents may administer medications such as oral ulcer powder, compound vitamin B tablets, or zinc sulfate syrup according to medical advice.
4. Periodontitis: Caused by bacteria in dental plaque invading the periodontal tissues, if left untreated, inflammation can affect oral health and contribute to oral ulcers. Children may also experience symptoms such as redness and swelling of the gums or loose teeth. Parents should follow medical instructions to administer medications such as minocycline hydrochloride capsules, ibuprofen tablets, or metronidazole tablets.
5. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease: An acute febrile rash-causing infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. When children are affected, the oral mucosa may become damaged, resulting in oral ulcers, often accompanied by rashes and blisters. Parents may administer medications as directed by a physician, including ribavirin granules, Qingdai powder, and acetaminophen tablets.
Parents should ensure that children get sufficient rest and maintain good oral hygiene, cultivating healthy habits such as regular tooth brushing and frequent mouth rinsing to prevent the growth of oral bacteria.
