do at-home insemination kits work?
No parent enjoys witnessing their little one in discomfort, especially when it’s challenging to determine the cause of their cries in the dead of night. With babies unable to articulate their feelings, it’s common to find yourself frantically searching online at 3 a.m. to identify the issue. Is it thrush? Teething? A fever? Finally, you realize it’s a canker sore! These mouth ulcers can be quite painful for babies who depend on their mouths for eating, teething, and expressing themselves. Unfortunately, they can’t explain the pain of that sore lump inside their cheek, leading to tears until a caring adult can figure it out. Here’s what you should know about the causes of canker sores in infants and some effective home remedies to alleviate mouth ulcers in both babies and toddlers.
What Causes Canker Sores in Babies?
Canker sores, or mouth ulcers, are small sores that can develop inside the mouth, including the lips, soft palate at the back of the mouth, cheeks, or tongue. While doctors haven’t pinpointed the exact causes, experts at Cedars-Sinai suggest the following factors may contribute:
- Weakened immune system
- Food allergies, such as to chocolate, cheese, nuts, and citrus fruits
- Stress
- Viruses and bacteria
- Mouth injuries
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
- Nutrient deficiencies like B-12, zinc, folic acid, or iron
There’s no definitive evidence linking teething to mouth ulcers, but it’s conceivable. Canker sores can result from cuts or injuries inside the mouth, and while teething, a baby might accidentally bite their inner cheek. The good news is that remedies for teething discomfort often help with canker sores, too.
Symptoms of Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers
Besides the sore itself, other symptoms may accompany mouth ulcers, varying from child to child. According to Cedars-Sinai, symptoms include:
- Painful sores located inside the lips, cheeks, or tongue
- Sores that appear white or gray with a red border
- Difficulty eating or speaking due to the sores
- Usually no fever
Canker sores typically heal within one to two weeks but unfortunately have a tendency to recur.
Treating Canker Sores in Babies and Toddlers
Treatment for canker sores in babies, toddlers, and older children varies based on age, symptoms, and overall health. It’s wise to consult a doctor if your baby’s canker sores:
- Cause significant pain
- Last more than a few weeks
- Are unusually large
- Keep recurring
In many cases, canker sores can be managed at home. Although you can’t instantly make them vanish, Cedars-Sinai recommends the following methods to soothe mouth ulcers:
- Encourage fluid intake
- Administer acetaminophen for fever or pain
- Maintain good oral hygiene
- Apply topical medications to ease pain
- Use mouth rinses to alleviate discomfort
- Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods that may irritate the sores
While there are various herbal and food-related home remedies for canker sores, it’s best to stick to safe options for your child. Frozen treats like popsicles can help numb the pain and keep them hydrated.
A simple natural remedy involves mixing one teaspoon of baking soda or salt into half a cup of warm water and applying it to the sore. Rubbing milk of magnesia on the canker sore throughout the day can also provide relief.
Are Canker Sores in Babies Contagious?
Unlike cold sores, canker sores aren’t contagious. They aren’t caused by a virus and won’t spread through kissing or saliva. Cold sores may cause tingling on the lips and typically appear as scabbed, fluid-filled blisters, while canker sores are found exclusively inside the mouth.
Can Teething Cause Sores in the Mouth?
Teething can lead to various changes in a baby’s body, such as slight fevers and nighttime awakenings, but it does not cause mouth sores. However, teething can contribute to rashes around the lips due to excess saliva, leading to dryness and flaking in that area.
For more information on this topic, check out our other post on home insemination, or visit Make a Mom for expert insights. For comprehensive resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination, visit WomensHealth.gov.
Search Queries:
- Canker sores in babies treatment
- Symptoms of mouth ulcers in toddlers
- Home remedies for canker sores
- What causes canker sores in children
- Canker sore prevention tips
In summary, canker sores can cause discomfort for babies, and understanding their causes and remedies can help parents provide relief. With proper care and attention, these painful mouth ulcers can be managed effectively.
Keyphrase: Canker sores in babies
Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”