Your baby is very delicate and fragile. That’s why you make sure everything is well taken care of, including his things, toys and feeding schedule. However, there are times he may get cranky or irritable. There are many reasons why they become irritable, and one of the most common problems faced by babies and children are related to the oral cavity or the mouth.
There is an entire slew of issues that could affect your baby’s little mouth, and sometimes, the more serious ones are heartbreaking to see. It could range from just simple bumps, newborn chapped lips, and bad breath, to more serious ones like oral thrush, lesions, and cysts.
What Could Be Causing My Baby’s Mouth Problems?
From a few days of life to toddlerhood, your child is sure to develop a mouth problem at some point. Here are the most common ones and how to curb them.
Chapped Lips
Chapped lips can be uncomfortable. Can you imagine how your newborn feels when their lips are chapped? Though this is a common problem among newborns, you should try to treat it immediately because it could negatively impact sleeping and feeding.
Though having chapped lips is common among babies, it is important to prevent it from making sure the baby is hydrated. Moreover, during hot summer months or dry winter, the risk of having chapped lips is higher. Make sure you protect their lips through covering the lips and preventing them from breathing through their mouth.
Oral Thrush
Oral thrush or yeast infection in the mouth is also a common mouth condition among infants. The most common cause of this oral problem is the use of antibiotics for either the mother or infant, previous vaginal fungal infection in the mother and low birth weight.
Candida albicans, the pathogen associated with oral thrush is a common living organism found in the mouth and other parts of the body. However, if the immune system becomes altered or compromised, it causes the fungi to proliferate, leading to oral thrush.
If your baby has oral thrush, the pediatrician can prescribe an anti-fungal oral gel or oral suspension for you to use. It is important to finish the treatment and sterilize all the bottles, nipples and pacifiers used. It will prevent reinfection and the passing of the infection from the baby’s mouth to your nipples if you’re breastfeeding.
Ulcers And Cold Sores
Ulcers and cold sores are more serious mouth conditions in babies. Cold sores, specifically, could be a sign of a viral infection that may affect the child’s health. Mouth ulcers in children between the age of 1 and five years old are most commonly caused by the herpes simplex virus.
These ulcers appear as flat, tiny and yellowish spots anywhere in the mouth and tongue. These could affect the child’s feeding and could take up to two weeks to disappear. Though this is common among children, newborns seldom develop this infection. However, if it does, it could lead to potentially fatal effects since their immune system is still immature and unable to ward off such infections.
It is important to keep your baby well hydrated. Be mindful of hygiene by washing your hands regularly and keeping your child’s belongings separate from others because this is an extremely contagious illness.
Conclusion
There are many conditions that can affect your infant or child’s oral cavity including the lips, tongue, and gums. The bad thing about these conditions is that some of them affect the child’s feeding or drinking. They sometimes become dehydrated, and that is a serious problem if it’s not attended to immediately. The bottom line is, no matter what oral condition your baby or child has, it is vital to make sure he or she drinks water regularly to prevent dehydration.
Author: Stacy Belk, the owner of MomWoot.com, she want to share her experiences about baby health and activity
David Johnson is a versatile content writer known for his ability to breathe life into words and create engaging narratives on diverse subjects. With a passion for effective storytelling and a keen eye for detail, David crafts content that resonates with readers and sparks their curiosity. He is dedicated to delivering high-quality, informative, and enjoyable content, making him a respected voice in the digital landscape. Beyond the keyboard, David enjoys exploring the outdoors, immersing himself in literature, and finding inspiration in everyday experiences.
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