Why do children get mouth ulcers?

Jun 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

We have only one child, a daughter, and we usually pay close attention to her diet. As a result, she has never had any serious illnesses. Recently, however, several sores have developed in her mouth, and we would like to know why children get mouth ulcers.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
The main causes of mouth ulcers in children include the following: 1. **Viral infection**: Such as herpetic stomatitis, caused by the herpes simplex virus. It is commonly seen in infants and young children and manifests as small vesicles appearing in the mouth after high fever, which then rupture to form ulcers. 2. **Nutritional deficiencies**: Deficiencies in vitamin B, zinc, iron, and other micronutrients in children can easily lead to various types of oral inflammation, including mouth ulcers. 3. **Poor oral hygiene**: Poor oral cleanliness and dry mucous membranes may lead to bacterial proliferation and cause acute ulcerative stomatitis, manifested by the appearance of ulcers on the oral mucosa. 4. **Trauma**: Scrapes, puncture wounds, and other injuries inside the mouth can also lead to mouth ulcers in children. However, these ulcers are usually one-time occurrences and typically heal within 3–4 days after applying medication. 5. **Other factors**: Other potential causes include drug allergies, psychological factors (such as excessive excitement or anxiety), which may also contribute to the occurrence of mouth ulcers in children. If you have any concerns, please consult a relevant healthcare professional.