Mouth ulcers in children can be caused by mismanagement, such as rough toothbrush use or cheek biting, or by viral or bacterial infections. Recurring ulcers may be a sign of infection and require treatment to prevent complications. Teaching children proper oral hygiene and seeking immediate treatment for serious conditions is important.
The most common cause of mouth ulcers in children is mismanagement. Oral lesions caused by rough use of a toothbrush, cheek biting, or other similar actions are referred to as traumatic ulcers. Recurring mouth ulcers in children could also be the result of viral or bacterial infections. These ulcers are caused by a variety of organisms, including Coxsackie and herpes simplex viruses. In case mouth ulcers in children are caused by oral infections, it is recommended to seek immediate treatment to prevent any complications.
Children often suffer from traumatic ulcers simply because they are not used to taking care of their mouth. It is quite common for very young children to injure their gums or cheeks from brushing their teeth too vigorously. Similarly, children may accidentally bite their tongues, cheeks and lips while chewing or talking, or even during rough play. The damage can sometimes develop into open sores that cause discomfort. Fortunately, traumatic mouth ulcers in children decrease in frequency as children get older and gain better motor control around their mouths.
Recurring oral ulcers in children, on the other hand, are usually the result of an oral infection. A buildup of bacterial plaque, for example, can lead to gingivitis and cause gum ulceration. A Coxsackie virus infection can cause small red sores to form in the mouth, hands, and other infected areas; this condition is commonly known as foot and mouth disease. In rare cases, mouth sores are the result of a herpes simplex virus infection. Vitamin deficiencies and conditions that weaken the immune system put children at greater risk for infection.
Mouth ulcers caused by infections are usually treated with a combination of medications and preventative measures. Although mouth ulcer medications are usually sufficient to eliminate the symptoms, the lesions can recur if the child is not taught how to avoid infection. General cleaning tips, such as avoiding putting your hand in your mouth after touching dirty objects, are just as important as the actual treatment. It’s also vital to seek immediate treatment if the cause of mouth ulcers in children is a more serious condition, such as a herpes infection or a severely weakened immune system. If left unchecked, these infections can spread beyond the mouth and lead to lifelong medical complications.
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