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Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Babies

Team AckoNov 29, 2024

Mouth ulcers affect people of all ages, including your delicate baby, although it is not very common among newborns. When your baby is affected with mouth ulcers, they may become fussy, irritable, and refuse to eat or drink, leading to sleepless nights for both of you. While mouth ulcers can be painful, the good news is that several simple and effective home remedies can help soothe the discomfort and speed up healing. Let’s first learn about mouth ulcers before getting home remedies.

Contents

Mouth Ulcers in Babies: What Are Mouth Ulcers and How Do They Look?
Mouth Ulcers in Babies: What Causes Mouth Ulcers?
Mouth Ulcers in Babies: Common Symptoms
Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Babies
Risk Factors for Ulcers in a Baby’s Mouth: When to See a Doctor
Wrapping up!
Frequently Asked Questions

Mouth Ulcers in Babies: What Are Mouth Ulcers and How Do They Look?

Mouth ulcers are sores formed inside babies' mouths on the gums, tongue, insides of cheeks, or lips. Canker sores are usually white with a red border around it. Other mouth ulcers may be white, red, or yellow. The ulcers may develop as a single one or as many in a cluster. These are not contagious and can be effectively treated with the help of simple home remedies. However, note that sores that appear outside your baby's mouth are called cold sores, which may spread through direct contact and need your doctor’s supervision.

Mouth Ulcers in Babies: What Causes Mouth Ulcers?

The most common causes of mouth ulcers are.

Mouth injuries: Caused by teething, accidental bites, or friction from bottles
Viral infections: Conditions like hand, foot, and mouth disease
Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins such as B12, zinc, or iron
Food allergies: Certain food items may trigger mouth sores
Stress or illness: Can contribute to ulcer formation
Medications: Some medications, like antibiotics, may cause mouth ulcers as a side effect

Mouth Ulcers in Babies: Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of mouth sores in babies are.

Pain
Swelling
Drooling
Soreness and redness
Refusal to eat or drink
Irritability

Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers in Babies

Now that we know how to identify mouth ulcers in babies, let us learn about the simple and effective home remedies to cure them.

1) Honey: Honey has anti-microbial properties, so it is very effective in healing mouth ulcers. You just need to apply a bit of honey on the sore and let it work wonders. Due to it being sweet, children, too, do not object to eating it. Do note that honey should not be given to babies below 12 months due to the danger of infant botulism.

2) Turmeric: Turmeric is a wonder spice with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties. Make a paste with turmeric powder and honey and apply it to the mouth ulcer. It not only aids in healing the mouth ulcer but also reduces the pain. Again, this should not be given to babies under 12 months.

3) Coconut: Coconut has a cooling effect and is used to soothe pain caused by mouth ulcers. It is used in many forms as an effective home remedy.

Coconut water: Simply give coconut water to the child to drink. (Watermelon juice and pomegranate juice can also be given).
Coconut milk: The milk extracted from scraped coconut can be used as a mouthwash.
Coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil can be dabbed on the sore 3-4 times a day. It works wonders because coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut oil can be used for babies over 6 months. Coconut water and milk can be introduced after 6 months, but consult with your paediatrician first.

4) Buttermilk and Curd: The lactic acid in buttermilk and curd helps curb bacterial growth and kills the bacteria causing mouth ulcers. So, it can be given to babies to drink or used as a mouthwash. It can be given to babies older than 7 months.

5) Clarified Butter (Ghee): Ghee can be directly applied to mouth ulcers to help in faster healing. Apply 3-4 times a day. It can be applied to babies older than 7 months.

6) Aloe Vera: Use a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly on the mouth ulcer. The medicinal plant will help the sores heal faster. Aloe vera is generally safe for children over the age of 12, but it is best to consult a healthcare professional before using it on younger children.

7) Curry Leaves: Curry leaves also have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, making them a good home remedy for mouth sores. You can make a paste of buttermilk and curry leaves and have your child use it as a mouthwash or even drink it. Curry leaves can be used for babies older than 6 months, but always introduce them in small amounts and monitor for any allergic reactions. Consult your paediatrician before using curry leaves.

8) Basil Leaves (Tulsi Leaves): Tulsi leaves have anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. You can ask your child to chew on 3-4 leaves so that the juice gets applied to the mouth ulcer. Basil leaves (Tulsi) can be used for babies older than 6 months. Always consult your paediatrician before introducing new herbs.

9) Salt Water: A warm salt water solution can be used to rinse and gargle to soothe mouth ulcers in older children. Salt water is safe for children older than 2-3 years. Do not use it for babies or infants who cannot gargle safely.

10) Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds-infused water is an effective home remedy for babies older than 6 months. It can be used to gargle or simply given to drink. To do this, boil one teaspoon of coriander seeds in one cup of water. Strain, cool, and use the solution to gargle or drink 3-4 times a day. Coriander is typically safe after 6 months of age, but it should be introduced carefully to check for any reactions.

11) Poppy seeds (khuskhus): Poppy seeds have a cooling effect on the body. Mix crushed poppy seeds with sugar and give it to your child to eat to get immediate relief from mouth ulcers. Poppy seeds are safe for children over 1 year. Avoid its use for babies under 1 year due to choking risks.

12) Licorice/liquorice: This root is known by different names all over India, like mulethi in Hindi, Yashtimadhu in Sanskrit,adhimadhuram in Tamil, Irattimadhuram in Malayalam, etc. It is an excellent home remedy for mouth ulcers. Soak a one-inch piece of this root in some water and bring it to a boil. Switch off the stove and let it steep. Cool, and then give it to your child to gargle. This needs to be done 4-5 times a day.

You can also rub the stem with a little water on a grinding stone and apply the paste directly on the mouth ulcer. Licorice powder mixed with honey can also be applied to the mouth ulcer. Licorice is best used for children over 2 years old. Always consult your healthcare provider before giving liquorice to younger children.

13) Ice cube/ice lolly: To get relief from pain, apply an ice cube to the sore or suck on an ice lolly; it will be very helpful to your kid. Ice cubes or ice lollies can be offered to babies older than 6 months but with supervision.

Risk Factors for Ulcers in a Baby’s Mouth: When to See a Doctor

If the mouth ulcers don’t subside after 2 weeks despite these home remedies, it is advisable to consult your paediatrician. If your baby has a fever along with a mouth ulcer and it looks infected with pus, then consult the paediatrician immediately. Hope these home remedies come in handy the next time your baby is affected by mouth ulcers.

Wrapping up!

Mouth ulcers can be a painful experience for your baby. By understanding their causes and implementing simple home remedies like honey, coconut oil, and soothing herbs, you can provide much-needed relief. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene and ensure your baby stays hydrated to prevent future occurrences. If symptoms worsen or persist, consult a paediatrician for further guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s a list of FAQs about Effective Home Remedies for Mouth Ulcers

What causes mouth ulcers in babies?

Mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers, can be caused by various factors, such as minor injuries from teething, viral infections, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications. In some cases, the exact cause may be unknown.

What is the best way to treat mouth ulcers in babies?

To alleviate discomfort caused by mouth ulcers in babies, consider these tips: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean your baby's mouth, avoiding harsh or abrasive materials. Offer cool, soft foods like yoghurt or applesauce to soothe the sore areas. Consult your paediatrician about over-the-counter pain relievers suitable for babies, such as infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Avoid acidic or spicy foods that can worsen the ulcers.

Can teething cause mouth ulcers in babies?

Yes, teething can irritate the mouth and lead to the development of mouth ulcers in babies. However, not all mouth ulcers are caused by teething.

What are natural remedies for mouth ulcers in babies?

While there's no specific natural remedy for mouth ulcers in babies, you can try these home remedies to soothe discomfort: Offer cool, soft foods like yoghurt or applesauce. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean your baby's mouth. Avoid acidic or spicy foods.

How long do mouth ulcers last in babies?

Mouth ulcers in babies typically last for 7-10 days. However, in some cases, they may persist longer. If the ulcers are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, consult your paediatrician

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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