If you have ever had mouth ulcers, you know how painful they are. They are irritable and make it difficult to eat or drink anything. When as an adult you are so bothered by it, what if your little one gets it? Unfortunately, babies are just as susceptible to mouth sores as adults. Understanding the reasons and treatment of mouth ulcers in babies helps to deal with your little one during this uncomfortable time.
What are the symptoms of mouth ulcers in babies? What do you do to make your baby feel better? Should you take her to the hospital? This article helps with various dos and don’ts when your little one has mouth ulcers. Read on to know 12 Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcers In babies.
In This Article
- What are Mouth Ulcers?
- 14 Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcer in Babies
- What Causes Mouth Ulcer in Babies?
- What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcer in Babies?
- How is Mouth Ulcer Diagnosed?
- FAQ’s
What are Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth ulcers are essentially sores formed inside the mouth. They are also known as canker sores. Mouth ulcers are usually white in color with redness around it. They are not contagious but are very painful.
14 Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcer in Babies
Usually, mouth ulcers do not require any treatment, as they go away on their own in a week or two. However, your baby might be in distress throughout this time, and it might be difficult to manage the pain, unlike the case of adults. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do in your house that can help relieve your little one’s pain. Here are 12 home remedies for mouth ulcers in babies:
1. Honey
Honey is your best option if your child is over a year old. Just apply a bit of honey on the sore and let it work its anti-microbial wonders. The added advantage is that since it is sweet, your child will not resist the application too. However, remember that it is unsafe to give honey to a child below 12 months.
2. Turmeric
Turmeric is a wonder drug with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties. Make a paste of honey and turmeric and apply it to the affected area. It will not only reduce pain but speed up the healing process too.
[Read : 13 Uses Of Coconut Oil For Babies]
3. Coconut
The cooling effect of coconut is also known to soothe the pain associated with mouth ulcers. Either let your child drink coconut water or apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil to the affected area.
4. Ghee
Ghee or clarified butter is another home remedy that will give your baby relief from mouth ulcers. Just apply it to the sore.
5. Buttermilk
If your child baby buttermilk, encourage them to have an unspiced glass of buttermilk. It contains lactic acid, which is antibacterial and can heal mouth ulcers. Buttermilk is also a source of probiotics, which provide additional support in healing mouth ulcers.
6. Curd
Just like buttermilk, curd also contains lactic acid, which can kill the bacteria causing mouth ulcers. You can either give your child plain curd or make it into tasty smoothies to make it interesting.
7. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves help to heal ulcers in two ways. These leaves are excellent in nutrients. So if a deficiency caused mouth ulcers, then curry leaves can fight that. On the other hand, curry leaves have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Make a paste of curry leaves and buttermilk and ask your child to either drink it or use it as a mouthwash.
8. Aloe Vera
If you have access to an aloe vera plant, break a leaf and apply the gel directly to the ulcer.
9. Tulsi Leaves
Tulsi also has many antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Ask your child to chew on a tulsi leaf and the juice from it will heal the ulcer.
10. Salt Water Rinse
A saltwater rinse can help soothe mouth ulcers, just like it soothes a sore throat.
11. Water
Although drinking water might be painful, encourage your child to remain hydrated.
[Read : My Baby’s First Ice Cream – When Can It Have?]
12. Papaya
Papaya has strong antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can be used to treat mouth ulcers in babies. To provide relief from mouth sores, give your baby papaya purée from a few pieces of ripe papaya.
13. Probiotics
Probiotics can effectively combat mouth ulcers in babies. Dairy products such as yogurt, curd, buttermilk, shrikhand, and lassi, as well as fermented vegetable juices and cereals, are high in probiotics. Probiotics contain friendly bacteria that help fight harmful germs and keep fungal infections at bay.
14. Ice stick
We left the best for last. Much to your child’s delight, any cold treat can help numb the ulcer and reduce the pain.
What Causes Mouth Ulcer in Babies?
Mouth ulcers could be caused by a variety of reasons:
- An injury in the mouth can lead to infection, resulting in a sore.
- Deficiencies of certain nutrients, such as vitamin B, zinc, and iron, are known to lead to mouth ulcers.
- Stress is another reason, and yes, your little one can be stressed too, especially if they are down with some other illnesses.
- Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause mouth ulcers.
- Certain viral fevers can also lead to the formation of mouth ulcers.
- Any food allergies in babies can cause mouth ulcers.
[Read: Top 10 Potential Allergenic Foods For Your Baby]
What are the Symptoms of Mouth Ulcer in Babies?
Unlike adults, a baby will not be able to pinpoint the pain inside the mouth. So if you notice any of the following symptoms, you might want to examine the mouth to see if you can spot one or multiple mouth sores:
- Difficulty in eating
- Indications of pain
- Swelling
- Drooling
- Fever (as a result of the infection)
- Increased crankiness or irritability
- Redness
How is Mouth Ulcer Diagnosed?
A mouth ulcer can usually be diagnosed easily at home by its looks. It is typically white in color and has redness around the borders.
We hope you find the above 14 Home Remedies For Mouth Ulcers In Babies helpful. Along with all these home remedies, make sure you take care of the oral hygiene of your baby too. Avoid giving oily and spicy stuff to your baby as this will only aggravate the issue. Even after trying out the above home remedies, if mouth ulcers still bother your little one, make sure you talk to your doctor and don’t leave it untreated. It can lead to a bigger problem.
If you have more home remedies to share, please leave them in the comments section below.
FAQ’s
1. Can I Use Home Remedies to Reduce Baby’s Mouth Ulcer?
Yes, you definitely can. These are safe and easy to make. If you are following some other medications, do keep your doctor informed.
2. Can My Baby’s Mouth Ulcer be Due to My Breast Milk?
If your breastmilk is lacking certain nutrients, it could be the reason. Nutrient deficiencies can show up as mouth sores. It could also be viral.
3. Can My Baby’s Mouth Ulcers be Due to Stress?
Yes, it can. Though it is difficult to accept that babies have stress, it is true. They could be stressed over anything, and it can show up as sores.
4. Does Mouth Sores in My Baby Indicate Food Allergies?
If it happens after eating certain foods, it can be. Allergies to certain foods can also cause sores. The best option is to avoid that food item for a while longer.
Read Also: 8 Effective Ways To Treat Sore Gums In Babies
