In childhood children face many mouth problems such as cold sores, canker sores, oral thrush and herpangina. In this article we will discuss about each of the mouth problem along with its causes, symptoms and treatment.
Cold sores: It is commonly seen in children. Cold sores are also called fever blisters though it does not cause any fever. Cold sores are reddish small blisters around the edges of mouth. They are painful and it is contagious.
- Causes
- Cold sores are caused by virus called herpes simplex virus-1
- More exposure to sun
- Stress in children
- Symptoms
- Swollen gums
- Difficulty in eating and drinking
- Irritability and swollen neck glands
- Pain at the site of cold sores
- Treatment: Cold sores does not need any treatment. It can be cured within 1 week with out any treatment. If it does not heal for more than 10 days, then medications like acetaminophen are used to reduce the pain. Anti viral drugs also used to treat cold sores.
Canker sores: Canker sores are white color round sores that appear on the mucous membrane. These appear on lips, cheeks, gums and under tongue. They are non-contagious.
- Causes
- Deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B12
- It is an indication of immune system problem
- Disruption of mucous membrane
- Brushing too hard
- Symptoms
- White color sores with reddish edges
- Painful
- Irritation during eating and drinking
- Treatment
- Application of topical gels on canker sores
- Analgesic medicines to relieve from pain
- Use soft bristle brushes
- Use anti microbial mouth washes
- Avoid spicy and hot foods
Oral thrush: Oral thrush is seen in infants and adults. Oral thrush is caused by fungus called candida. Oral thrush is a candida fungus that grows as white color patches on the mouth. It not only affects mouth, but also extends to throat, esophagus and stomach.
- Causes
- Poor oral hygiene
- Suppression of immune system due to some medications
- Improper wearing of dentures
- Smoking
- Dryness of mouth
- Deficiency of iron
- Candidates with Diabetes, anemia
- Symptoms
- White color patches on tongue
- Redness around dentures
- Alterations in taste sense
- Bleeding from lesion if ruptured
- Treatment
- Anti fungal medications like Nystatin, Miconazole
- Application of anti fungal gels on thrush
- If the thrush is due to usage of antibiotics or corticosteroids, stop usage and your doctor to change the medicines
- Maintenance of good oral hygiene
- Rinse your mouth with anti fungal mouth washes
Herpangina: It is commonly seen in children. It is a condition which causes small blister like spots on surface of tongue and throat and raise body temperature. It is contagious.
- Causes
- It is caused by the virus called Coxsackie group-A virus
- Transmitted from other children having herpangina
- Symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Sore throat
- Dehydration
- Treatment
- Anti pyretic drugs are used to reduce fever
- Topical anesthetic gels to relieve from pain
- Increase fluid intake
- Avoid citrus and hot foods
Though these problems can be treated, it can be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene.