Mouth Ulcers in Children: Causes, Home Relief and When to See a Dentist (2026)

Mouth ulcers are not contagious, and most heal on their own within 7–14 days. However, the pain can make eating and speaking difficult, especially for children.

Home Measures

Fast relief:

• Salt-water rinse: 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water — rinse three to four times a day. Antiseptic and pain-relieving
• Bicarbonate rinse: 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in a cup of water — balances oral pH and speeds healing
• Ice: Holding a small ice chip against the ulcer provides temporary numbness
• Honey: A natural antibacterial — apply a thin layer to the ulcer (do not give honey to babies under 1 year)
• Chamomile tea: Rinsing with lukewarm chamomile tea has an anti-inflammatory effect

Pain management:

• Topical anaesthetic gel: Benzocaine-based gels (such as Orajel or Bonjela equivalents) — applied to the ulcer for temporary numbness
• Paracetamol: Age-appropriate dose of syrup for children
• Ibuprofen: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic for children over 6 months

Avoid:

• Acidic foods (orange, lemon, tomato)
• Spicy foods
• Hard and crunchy foods
• Very hot food and drinks

In Children

• Trauma: Biting the cheek or tongue, hard brushing, a burn from hot food
• Viral infections: Hand, foot and mouth disease, herpes simplex (cold sore)
• Nutritional deficiencies: Iron, vitamin B12, folate or zinc deficiency
• Stress and fatigue: School stress, disturbed sleep
• Allergy: Sensitivity to certain foods (nuts, strawberries, chocolate)
• Weakened immune system

In Adults

• Stress and hormonal changes
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medicines (NSAIDs, beta-blockers)
• Autoimmune conditions (Behçet's, Crohn's)
• Smoking cessation (transient phase)

💡 The difference: Aphthous ulcers occur inside the mouth; cold sores usually appear at the edge of the lip. Cold sores are contagious; aphthous ulcers are not.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

A common childhood viral infection. Painful ulcers in the mouth combined with a rash on the hands and feet. Usually resolves within 7–10 days. It is contagious and spreads at nursery and school.

Oral Thrush (Candidiasis) in Babies

White, milk-curd-like plaques inside the mouth caused by a yeast infection. Treated with antifungal medication.

Mouth Sores During Teething

During baby teething, swelling of the gums and small sores can develop. Chilled teething rings provide relief.

Cracking, redness and sores at the corners of the mouth — known as angular cheilitis:

Causes:

• Iron or vitamin B12 deficiency
• Fungal infection (Candida)
• Drooling (particularly in children)
• Dry weather

Treatment:

• A lip moisturiser (petroleum jelly)
• Antifungal cream (on prescription)
• Vitamin supplementation if a deficiency is identified

• The ulcer lasts more than 2 weeks
• There is an accompanying high temperature
• The ulcers are very large or numerous
• Swallowing is difficult
• Ulcers recur regularly (monthly)
• Weight loss or general fatigue is present

1. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
2. Choose an SLS-free toothpaste (sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate)
3. Eat a balanced diet rich in iron, B12 and folate
4. Manage stress
5. Identify and avoid trigger foods
6. Keep regular dental check-ups

1. Akintoye SO, Greenberg MS. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Dent Clin North Am. 2014;58(2):281–297. PubMed
2. Scully C, Porter S. Oral mucosal disease: recurrent aphthous stomatitis. Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2008;46(3):198–206. PubMed
3. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Guideline on pediatric oral health care. Pediatr Dent. 2018;40(6):213–225. aapd.org

Does your child have a mouth ulcer? Book a paediatric dental consultation at Maltepe Derya Dental Clinic.

📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.