Mouth Ulcers in Infants – Causes and Remedies to Treat Them

What are Mouth Ulcers in Infants?

Mouth ulcers in infants are small, painful sores that can appear inside the mouth, often on the tongue, gums, or inner cheeks. These sores may be white or yellow in color, surrounded by a red border.

Causes of Mouth Ulcers in Infants

The most common causes of mouth ulcers in infants include:

1. Canker Sores (Aphthous Stomatitis):

Although rare in very young babies, some infants may develop these sores due to a viral infection or irritation.

2. Teething:

The process of teething can sometimes cause mild irritation or even small sores in the mouth.

3. Viral Infections:

Herpes simplex virus (which causes cold sores) or hand, foot, and mouth disease can lead to painful sores in the mouth.

4. Trauma:

Accidental biting of the inside of the cheek or tongue, or irritation from a bottle or pacifier, can cause small ulcers.

5. Oral Thrush:

A fungal infection that results in white patches in the mouth, which may sometimes be mistaken for ulcers.

Home Remedies to soothe Mouth Ulcers in Babies

The best ways to cure mouth ulcers in infants naturally are:

• Honey – Apply a small quantity of honey on the sores; honey’s anti-microbial properties enable quick healing of ulcers. However, honey shouldn’t be given to babies less than 12 months old, as it can cause infant botulism.

• Turmeric – A paste made from turmeric powder and honey can help in getting rid of the pain and discomfort of mouth ulcers. However, don’t apply this to babies less than 12 months old. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help treat mouth ulcers in babies.

• Coconut – Different coconut-based products can be used to treat the sores, regardless of the causes of mouth ulcers in infants.

◦ Drinking coconut water regularly can help treat mouth ulcers quickly.

◦ Coconut milk can be used as a mouthwash for healing ulcers.

◦ Coconut oil can be used as a topical application on the sores, or it can be used as a mouthwash for quick recovery from mouth ulcers.

• Yoghurt/buttermilk – Babies aged above 7 months old can benefit from the lactic acid in the yoghurt/buttermilk to get quick relief from ulcers. This can be given to them as a topical application or mouthwash.

• Ghee – You can apply a small spoonful of ghee on your baby’s ulcers about 4 times daily to treat mouth sores naturally. However, this should be given only to babies aged 7 months and above.

Other Effective Home Remedies You Can Try

• Aloe Vera –

Direct application of the gel from Aloe Vera leaves can help deal with mouth ulcers. It is suitable for kids aged 12 and above; hence, consult your paediatrician to know if this treatment is safe for healing mouth ulcers in infants.

• Curry Leaves –

Make a paste from buttermilk and curry leaves powder. Apply this on the mouth ulcers, or use it as a drink. Check with your doctor before introducing curry leaves to infants aged 6 months and above.

• Basil Leaves –

Apply the juice of about 2 to 3 basil leaves so that the anti-microbial properties of the leaves help in quick healing of the sores. Check with your doctor before trying this treatment.

• Salt Water –

Rinsing and gargling with salt water solution can heal mouth ulcers quickly. However, this works only for kids aged 3 and above.

• Coriander Seeds –

In a cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds. Boil the mixture well, so that the flavour of the coriander seeds has seeped into the water. Strain the coriander water, and make your baby drink or gargle with this solution. Check with your doctor, though, if this will work for your baby.

• Poppy Seeds –

Crush a few poppy seeds and add powdered sugar to the seeds. Make your baby eat this coarse powder for instant relief from the pain and discomfort of mouth sores. This treatment is suitable for kids aged 1 and above.

• Liquorice –

Add about an inch of liquorice root in a pan of water. Boil the contents well. Allow the root to steep well before you strain and give it to your kid to gargle. This works well for kids aged more than 2 years only.

• Ice Pack –

You can place an ice pack over the mouth sores or offer an ice lolly for your baby to suck on to get relief from the discomfort. However, don’t try this for babies aged less than 6 months.