Description of a canker sore or locally known as mouth ulcer -
Canker sores in toddlers are round and white (sometimes yellow) open "wound" and are usually surrounded by a red ring (halo). These baby mouth ulcers are inside the cheeks or gum or lips. They can appear individually or in small clusters.
They are not serious, but could be painful when your kid or toddler or infant is feeding. For babies, it is quite rare and only happens to 1 in 10 babies.
What causes canker sores is a question in itself as these usually run in the family and seems to be genetic. What leads me to write this article on canker sores is because my 5 month old baby recently was infected by a canker sore, so I do know what it looks like and how to deal with canker sores.
If your child is older, it could be due to a break in the skin due to teething, or the toddler biting himself or herself. Some food allergies, viral infections and dietary deficiencies can cause this ulcer too.
One thing to note is baby canker sore are not cold sores. The latter is contagious and usually appear outside of the lips.
So how do I treat a canker sore?
These sores almost always go away on their own, after a couple of days up to 10 days. The pain might not even be painful to begin with.
Applying ice to numb the area might help. Ice pops might also work. If your child is older and eating, avoid spicy food or acidic fruits if possible. Applying a teething gel or cream will help too.
If still unsure, please see your baby doctor for professional advice and medicine cures. Never self administer your kid with aspirin or medicine you are unsure of. This answers "should I take my baby to the doctor" issue. Especially so if your baby or infant develops fever or rashes or if your baby have problems eating or drinking. Also if your baby get them too frequently.
A short summary of symptoms of baby teething in relation to canker sores in babies and toddlers -
=> Does your child have a fever? => YES. Does your child have sores or blisters on the face and on the body? => YES. Your child may have chickenpox! Seek doctor's advice.
If NO. Do your children have sore throat and painful blisters on their tongue,mouth and rashes on their palms and or feet? => YES. Then a foot and mouth disease is eminent and is better to seek professional help from baby doctors.
=> Does your child has a fever? => NO. Is your child an infant or baby, and is the baby drooling with saliva, and or wanting to chew on all kinds of stuff? => Your child may be teething. Seek advice from doctor if unsure of what toys to give to infants or babies, and what medicine is appropriate to administer.
If NO. Does your child or kid have small open sores (white or yellowish)? => YES. Then it is most likely to be canker sores. Seek doctor's advice if unsure.
