Mouth ulcers are small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, on the gums, tongue, cheeks or lips. They are common in children and usually heal on their own within one to two weeks. However, they can make eating, drinking and brushing uncomfortable. Knowing the likely causes and how to ease discomfort can help your child feel better sooner.
Many ulcers are caused by minor injuries, such as biting the cheek, brushing too hard, rubbing from braces or sharp edges of a broken tooth. Viral infections are another common cause in young children, including hand, foot and mouth disease and cold sore viruses, which can cause multiple painful sores. Some children develop recurring ulcers linked to stress, certain foods or family history. Rarely, ulcers are associated with nutritional deficiencies or other medical conditions.
Typical ulcers are round or oval with a white or yellow centre and a red border. They are usually small but can be very sore. Viral infections may cause clusters of small blisters that burst and form ulcers, often with fever and a sore throat. Cold sores usually appear on or around the lips.
Offer soft, cool foods such as yoghurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon and mashed vegetables. Avoid acidic, salty and spicy foods, which can sting. Encourage your child to drink water regularly to stay hydrated. Age-appropriate pain relief recommended by a pharmacist or doctor can help, and some soothing gels are available for children, though always check suitability for your child's age.
Continue brushing gently with a soft toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the ulcer if it is painful. Older children can rinse with warm salt water. Keeping the mouth clean reduces the risk of secondary infection and helps healing.
Seek advice if an ulcer lasts longer than two weeks, if your child has many ulcers or very large ones, if they keep coming back, or if your child has a high fever, is unusually unwell or refuses to drink. Dehydration is a particular concern for young children with painful mouths, especially in hot weather. Signs include fewer wet nappies, dark urine and lethargy.
If an ulcer appears in the same place repeatedly, it may be caused by a sharp tooth, a broken filling or an orthodontic appliance. Your dentist can smooth sharp edges or adjust appliances to prevent further irritation.
Encourage gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush, a balanced diet and good hand hygiene to reduce viral infections. Teach children not to chew on toys or pens. If ulcers seem linked to certain foods, keep a simple diary to identify possible triggers.
Most heal within one to two weeks.
Ulcers from injury are not, but those caused by viral infections can be.
If it lasts more than two weeks, recurs often, or your child is unwell or not drinking.
Book a check-up if your child has recurring mouth ulcers.
Call 03 751 0245 WhatsApp 056 536 4536 Email Us