Preventing Mouth Ulcers in Children

Question:My child is 2 years old and frequently develops mouth ulcers. Each time it happens, one or several sores appear inside the mouth, causing poor appetite, refusal to eat, and irritability.

I took my child to the doctor and was prescribed topical medication. The pain improves, but the condition keeps recurring. Doctor, what should I do to help prevent mouth ulcers in my child?(T.T.T – Hanoi)

Answer: 

What are mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers are a very common condition, and almost everyone experiences them at least once in their lifetime. Approximately 20% of the population suffers from recurrent mouth ulcers. Young children are among the groups most susceptible to the condition.

Although mouth ulcers are generally not dangerous and often heal spontaneously within a few weeks, they tend to recur frequently.

Causes of mouth ulcers in children

The exact causes of mouth ulcers in children have not been fully identified. However, the condition is believed to be associated with several contributing factors, including:

• Weakened immune function;
• Excess internal heat according to traditional medicine concepts;
• Injury to the oral mucosa caused by friction or trauma, such as tooth brushing, accidental biting of the lips or cheeks, or external irritation;
• Internal secretory or metabolic disorders;
• Allergic reactions to certain medications or foods;
• Specific bacterial factors.

In addition, many experts believe that recurrent mouth ulcers in children may be closely associated with impaired immune function.

Preventing mouth ulcers in children

Parents should help children establish healthy daily habits, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding staying up late, eating meals on time, and avoiding overeating. Children should also follow a balanced and varied diet that provides adequate nutrition. Cooling foods that may help reduce internal heat, such as green leafy vegetables, cucumbers, oranges, green tea, carrots, and pears, are recommended.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is also very important. Parents should teach children proper tooth-brushing techniques to avoid injury to the oral mucosa. Encouraging children to rinse their mouth daily with warm saline solution can be highly beneficial.

Warm saline solution at an appropriate concentration has effective antiseptic properties. Regular gargling with warm salt water helps reduce bacteria, cleanse the oral cavity, tonsils, and throat, and improve oral hygiene.

In addition, warm saline may help stimulate local blood circulation and increase the concentration of white blood cells at the affected site, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to fight bacteria.

For a 2-year-old child who is not yet able to gargle properly, parents may gently clean the teeth and tongue using warm physiological saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride). This is a simple, inexpensive, and practical method for maintaining oral hygiene and helping prevent recurrent mouth ulcers in children.

Treatment for mouth ulcers in children

When a child develops mouth ulcers, honey may be used to help relieve symptoms. Parents can allow the child to slowly swallow a small amount of honey or use a cotton swab to apply honey directly to the ulcerated area. This is a traditional remedy commonly used to help manage mouth ulcers.

Several studies have shown that a 30% honey solution may help inhibit or eliminate many types of bacteria and fungi. In addition, its naturally sweet taste makes it easier for children to tolerate.

If medication is needed, certain herbal-based products may help relieve symptoms and support recovery. However, parents should consult a doctor before using any medication or healthcare product for children.

Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference purposes only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

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