Aphthas in children – symptoms, causes, treatment

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Children’s aphthae is quite a common ailment. These are painful white ulcers surrounded by a red border and erosions on the tongue, palate or cheeks. Most often they appear inside the mouth. They hurt when eating and brushing their teeth, which is why the child experiences great discomfort during these activities

The beginning of aphthae formation in the mouth it is very gentle. Usually, it is a point of slight burning or tingling that starts inflammation. Sometimes aphthas appear in the form of point ulcers, and sometimes several of them appear simultaneously on the throat mucosa or on the tongue. Sometimes they are also accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes. Aphthae their size ranges from about 0,5 mm to – sometimes – even 3 mm. They are often confused and called thrush, caused by a fungus called yeast, and are less painful than canker sores.

The causes of aphthae in children There are many. From inadequate hygiene of the oral cavityj, to diseases of the tonsils, erupting eights, and even diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. They can be the result of herpetic stomatitis or viral sore throat. The reason may also be a lowered immunity during an illness, or simply a fever, a mucosal injury during a bite on the cheek, or a bite of the lip. Another reason that could contribute to the uprising canker soresis a food allergy, an allergy to toothpaste when a child eats something spicy or sour. Another cause is a lack of vitamins and minerals in the child’s diet, including vitamin B12, iron, folic acid or taking an antibiotic.

The formation of aphthas in children it is also a common complaint among babies who start teething. Such children experience a lot of pain during teething and often various objects that can cause inflammation end up in their mouths.

In children, aphthas disappear on their own after about 7 days. Of course, there are many factors that help to overcome these painful symptoms in a child. Ease the pain it is possible by giving the child food with a smooth, light texture, such as cream soups, yoghurts, vegetable and fruit mousses, or scrambled eggs. Such foods will not irritate the already diseased oral mucosa. Acidic fruit such as citrus and fruit juices, as well as chips and sticks will only deepen and irritate painful wounds.

For pain relief drinking plenty of water and thorough oral hygiene will also help. As a last resort, you can also give your baby a mild painkiller. The downside after is that they tend to come back. Then, preparations that will prevent the formation of new ones will be appropriate. However, if, despite rigorous application of the guidelines, reducing the likelihood of their continued occurrence, canker sores will continue to appear, then the best solution is visit to the dentist. He will recommend the use of appropriate measures and order blood tests to exclude any abnormalities that affect this condition of the oral cavity.

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