Your child has a sore mouth. These can be very painful. These can make it difficult to eat or drink. They are usually fine. Most mouth sores are manageable at home.
What causes mouth sores
A mouth injury
Certain viruses and diseases
Stress
Certain medicines
What are the signs and symptoms of mouth sores?
The most common type is canker sores. These sores are usually white with red borders. You may also find white, yellow, or red mouth sores. One sore may be present in your child's mouth. They may have multiple sores at once. You may also experience a sore throat.
Pain
Swelling
Soreness
Redness
Drooling
Headache or fever
Being grouchy
Is it a mouth sore or a cold sore?
Cold sores are most likely to be found outside of the mouth. Cold sores can spread by direct contact. They might require different treatments for mouth sores. If your child is suffering from cold sores, consult your healthcare provider.
How can you diagnose mouth sores?
How it looks will determine if your child has a mouth sore. The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's health history and symptoms to get more information. They will also inspect your child. If any tests are required, you will be informed.
What are the best ways to treat mouth sores?
Many mouth sores disappear in 7-14 days without any treatment.
To ease the symptoms of your child's condition, you can do these things at home:
- Give your child OTC medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain. Children 6 months and younger should not be given ibuprofen. If your child's healthcare provider directs, don't give aspirin if the child is younger than 19. Reye syndrome can be a possibility if your child takes aspirin. This is a rare but severe condition. This condition most commonly affects the liver and brain.
- Mouth pain can be relieved by cold liquids, ice, or frozen juice bars. Do not give acidic or spicy foods to your child.
- The pain may be eased by taking liquid antacids four times per day. A teaspoon (5 mL) may be used after meals for children over six years as a mouthwash. Use a cotton swab to apply the antacid to the sore.
If your child is older than 4, you can use the following treatments:
- To ease pain, apply a small amount of OTC numbing cream to sores. When the gel is used, it can cause a slight stinging sensation.
- Your child should rinse their mouth with warm water or saltwater. Then, spit it out. Do not swallow the mouth rinse.
When should you call your healthcare provider?
If any of these symptoms occur, call your healthcare provider immediately.
A mouth sore that won't heal in 14 days
More pain in the mouth
Trouble swallowing
A mouth sore is a sign of infection (pus, drainage, swelling).
Dehydration signs include very dark or little urine, thirst, dry lips, dizziness, and dry mouth.
Fever (see below "Fever and Children").
Your child has suffered a seizure due to a fever.
Children and fever
To check the temperature of your child, use a digital thermometer. Use a mercury thermometer. There are many types and uses for digital thermometers. These include:
Rectal. Children younger than three years old should have a rectal temperature.
Temporal. This is for children three months or older. This can be used to perform a first pass if a child is under three months of age and has symptoms of illness. The provider may require a rectal temperature to confirm.
Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after six months of age but not earlier.
Airport (axillary). Although this is not the most reliable, it can be used to first check for signs of illness in children of any age. The provider may request a rectal temperature to confirm.
Mouth (oral). Only use a thermometer once your child is at least four.
Take care when using the rectal thermometer. For proper use, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. It should be inserted gently. It should be clearly labeled and not be put in your mouth. It could transmit germs to the stool. Ask your healthcare provider if you aren't comfortable using a rectal thermometer. Tell your healthcare provider which type of thermometer you used to discuss your child's fever.
Here are some guidelines to help you determine if your child has a fever. You may receive different numbers from your child's healthcare provider. Follow the instructions of your healthcare provider.
Fever readings in babies under three months:
Ask your child's healthcare provider about the best way to take their temperature.
Rectal or forehead temperature: 100.4degF (38degC or higher).
Armpit temperature: 99degF (37.2degC), or higher
Fever readings to a child three months to 36 months (3 years):
Rectal, forehead, and ear temperatures: 102degF (38.9degC or higher).
Armpit temperature: 101degF (38.3degC or higher)
Contact the healthcare provider for these cases:
A child of any age should not be repeatedly exposed to temperatures more than 104°F (40°C).
Fever at 100.4deg F (38deg Celsius) or more in babies younger than three years
Fever lasting more than 24 hours in children under two years old
A fever that lasts three days in a two year old child is called a fever.