Mouth Ulcers
Definition
- Painful, shallow ulcers (sores) on the lining of the mouth
- Found on the gums, inner lips, inner cheeks, or tongue
- Sores only on the outer lips (such as cold sores) are not covered
Causes
- Canker Sores. The main cause of 1 or 2 mouth ulcers after age 5.
- Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease. The most common cause of multiple ulcers in the mouth. These ulcers are mainly on the tongue and sides of the mouth. Due to the Coxsackie virus. It is common between ages 1 to 5 years.
- Herpes Virus (Cold sore virus). The first infection can be severe. It can cause 10 or more ulcers on the gums, tongue and lips. Key findings are additional ulcers on the outer lips or skin around the mouth. Also, fever and difficulty swallowing. Usually occurs age 1 to 3.
Return to School
- Canker sores cannot be spread to others. Children with fever need to be checked before going back to school. Also, children with many mouth ulcers should be checked before returning.
When to Call Us for Mouth Ulcers
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If
Call Us Now (night or day) If
| Call Us During Weekday Office Hours If
| Parent Care at Home If
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CARE ADVICE FOR CANKER SORES (HARMLESS MOUTH ULCERS)
Canker sores are the #1 cause of mouth ulcers:- 1 to 3 painful, white ulcers of the inner cheeks, inner lip or gums (no fever).
- Causes include injuries from rough food, tooth brushes, biting, or food irritants.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
- For mouth pain, use a liquid antacid such as Mylanta or the store brand. Give 4 times per day as needed. After meals often is a good time. Age: For children over 1 year old.
- For children over age 6, can use 1 teaspoon (5 ml) as a mouth wash. Keep it on the ulcers as long as possible. Then can spit it out or swallow it.
- For younger children age 1 to 6, put a few drops in the mouth. Can also put it on with a cotton swab.
- Caution: Do not use regular mouth washes, because they sting.
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
- Try to get your child to drink adequate fluids.
- Goal: keep your child well hydrated.
- Cold drinks, milk shakes, popsicles, slushes, and sherbet are good choices.
- Solids. Offer a soft diet. Also avoid foods that need much chewing. Avoid citrus, salty, or spicy foods. Note: Fluid intake is more important than eating any solids.
- For infants, you may need to stop the bottle. Give fluids by cup, spoon or syringe instead. Reason: The nipple can increase the pain.
