Oral ulcers are a common and distressing issue for many children, causing discomfort and worry for both young patients and their parents. These painful sores can make eating, drinking, and even speaking a challenge, significantly affecting a child’s daily life and well-being.
Understanding the causes and treatment of oral ulcers is crucial for maintaining children’s oral health. By identifying the underlying issues and seeking appropriate care, parents can help their children achieve quick pain relief and prevent future occurrences.
Dr. Pratibha of Pandit Clinic, Dentistry for Children Teens and Special Needs, Pune explains the increasing trend of ulcers in children, their causes, and the need for specific treatments for various forms of ulcers. and a Consultant Pediatric Dentist With extensive training and experience in pediatric dentistry, she is well-equipped to diagnose and treat oral ulcers in children and provide care tailored to each child’s needs.
Understanding Oral Ulcers
Oral ulcers, also known as canker sores, or tond (तोंड) in Marathi are small, painful lesions that develop on the mucous membranes inside the mouth and sometimes be seen around the throat area. They typically appear as round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and a red, inflamed border.
Common types of Oral Ulcers seen in children:
- Aphthous Ulcers (Canker Sores): These are the most common type of oral ulcer, often recurring and appearing on the soft tissues inside the mouth.
- Herpetic Stomatitis: Caused by the herpes simplex virus, these ulcers can be accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes, and very often seen in seasonal variations.
- Traumatic Ulcers: These occur due to physical injuries, such as accidental bites, braces, sharp food like wafers, or sharp edges of teeth.
Nurturing Little Smiles with Gentle Care
Causes of Oral Ulcers in Children
Common Causes:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins (B12, folate) and minerals (iron, zinc) can lead to the development of oral ulcers. This is very common these days due to the rise in the consumption of fine, processed foods. Lack of hydration is also a triggering factor for oral ulcers.
- Infections: Viral infections like herpes simplex virus and bacterial infections can cause oral ulcers.
- Trauma: Accidental bites, braces, or sharp edges of teeth can cause traumatic ulcers.
- Allergies and Sensitivities: Certain foods and oral care products can trigger allergic reactions, resulting in ulcers.
- Systemic Conditions: Conditions such as chronic constipation, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and Behcet’s disease may present with oral ulcers.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms:
- Pain and discomfort in the mouth
- Redness and swelling
- Difficulty eating and drinking
- Irritability in younger children
- Swollen lymph nodes of the orofacial region
When to See a Dentist: Parents should seek professional help if ulcers are recurrent, extremely painful, or not healing within two weeks. Persistent ulcers might indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention.
Diagnostic Process: Dr. Pratibha might take the following steps to diagnose the cause of oral ulcers:
- Detailed medical history
- Physical examination of the mouth
- Possible lab tests to identify nutritional deficiencies or infections
Treatment for oral ulcers in children:
Dr. Pratibha Suggests that one should refrain from home remedies like applying turmeric or cloves over the ulcer as sometimes it can lead to amplifying the immune response.
Professional Treatments:
- Saltwater Rinses: Rinsing the mouth with saltwater can help soothe the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Topical Gels and Ointments: Over-the-counter options like benzocaine gels can provide pain relief and promote healing. However, this should be done only after consultation with a registered medical practitioner.
- Medications: Prescription options may include antimicrobial mouthwashes, corticosteroid ointments, pain relief medications, and antiviral drugs for herpetic ulcers.
- Nutritional Supplements: Addressing nutritional deficiencies with vitamins and minerals can prevent the recurrence of ulcers.
At-home care for oral ulcers in children:
Good Oral Hygiene: Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent infections and trauma around the ulcer area. Regular brushing, frequent rinsing flossing, and using mouthwash can help keep the mouth healthy and accelerate healing.
Dietary Tips: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can prevent nutritional deficiencies that lead to oral ulcers. Avoiding trigger foods such as c spicy foods, wafers, or savories which can prick the affected areas. Hydration is the key and citrus fruits and juices help in better healing.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Regular visits to Dr. Pratibha at Pandit Clinic, Pune can ensure early detection and prevention of oral health issues. Ulcers due to broken or sharp teeth need appropriate treatment and should be seen and treated at the earliest.
Patient-Centered Approach: Dr. Pratibha is dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She takes the time to understand each child’s specific needs and works closely with parents to develop personalized treatment plans that ensure the best outcomes for her young patients.
Conclusion
Oral ulcers in children can be painful and distressing, but with the right care and treatment, they can be effectively managed. As a pediatric and preventive dentist with over ten years of experience, Dr Pratibha states that Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment from a qualified professional are essential steps in ensuring your child’s oral health.
If your child is experiencing oral ulcers or any other dental issues, schedule an appointment with Dr. Pratibha at Pandit Clinic, located on JM Road in the heart of the city of Pune. With her expertise and compassionate approach, Dr. Pratibha will provide the highest quality of care to help your child achieve a healthy, happy smile.
Remember, maintaining your child’s oral health is crucial for their overall well-being. With the right care and expertise, oral health issues like ulcers can be managed effectively, ensuring your child enjoys a pain-free and healthy life.
By choosing Dr. Pratibha for your child’s dental care, you are entrusting their health to an experienced, compassionate, and highly qualified professional dedicated to providing the best possible care for every young patient.
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Start here, by making an appointment for a virtual consultation with our expert Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit (NEW PATIENTS ONLY).
Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit is available for Virtual Video Consultations from Monday – Saturday between the hours of 11 am – 2pm and 4pm – 7pm.
If you are already our valued patient with questions or have an emergency please contact the clinic on +91 9822053446
Consult Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit
(Pediatric Dentist)
Virtual Video Consultation Fees Rs. 500
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Your virtual video consultation includes:
- Discussion of problems that your child is facing like tooth pain, swelling or any other emergencies
- Dr. Pratibha will recommend a course of treatment or medications for your child.
Dr. Pratibha Kukreja Pandit
BDS, MDSMeet the Doctor
Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry Specialist
Dr. Pratibha is the Chief Dentist at Pandit Clinic. She is also a Consultant Pediatric Dentist at Kotbagi Hospital and KEM Hospital, Pune.
Dr. Pratibha has trained at the prestigious Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, in advanced areas including Pediatric dental treatment under General Anesthesia and Intravenous sedation, Dental Rehabilitation of children with special health care needs, and Nasoalveolar molding and dental rehabilitation of cleft lip and cleft palate.
She’s the lifetime member of Student Clinician Association, American Dental Association (SCADA), USA.
Professional Affiliations and Skills
- Trained in Pediatric dental treatment under General Anesthesia and Intravenous sedation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
- Trained in Dental Rehabilitation of children with special health care needs at CGMH, Taiwan
- Trained in Nasoalveolar molding and dental rehabilitation of Cleft lip and Cleft Palate at craniofacial centre, CGMH, Taiwan
- Awarded Lifetime membership, SCADA (Student Clinician Association, American Dental Association), USA.
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