Symptoms of stomatitis in children
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Reddened swollen gums, sores in the mouth, which are accompanied by temperature and bad breath, are symptoms of stomatitis in children. Stomatitis is a common disease in children of different ages, but there is nothing fatal, of course, when parents have paid attention to the condition of their child on time and have applied for qualified medical care.
Symptoms of stomatitis in infants and preschoolers
Symptoms of stomatitis in infants and preschool children can manifest themselves in different ways. It depends on the type of stomatitis and individual development. However, there are common symptoms of the disease:
- Bad dream.
- Uneasy behavior or, conversely, lethargy and capriciousness.
- Increased temperature.
- Refusal to eat and drink.
For herpetic stomatitis, in addition to common symptoms, are characterized by:
- Runny nose and cough.
- Afts (sores) in the tongue, the inner surface of the lips and cheeks. They have a round or oval shape, a light yellow color and are framed by an inflamed bright red border.
With aphthous stomatitis:
- Children develop sores (such as in the case of herpes).
- Bleeding gums.
- Unpleasant odor from the mouth.
Viral stomatitis occurs as a concomitant disease of other infectious diseases: chicken pox, influenza, measles, etc. Wherein:
- The mouth is difficult to open.
- The lips are covered with a thick yellow crust, stick together.
Children can get stomatitis only once in their life, but it is possible that the disease will return several times a year, and in some cases - a month. That's why you need to take seriously the first signs of stomatitis in children and immediately turn to a children's dentist.
Symptoms of stomatitis in newborns
In newborns, stomatitis is very common. To be precise, it is a candidiasis or thrush caused by fungal infections. The disease occurs against the background of a weakening of immunity, which is why children under one year old, whose body is still struggling with bacteria and pathogens, are most vulnerable to it.
Symptoms of stomatitis in children under one year is difficult to recognize, because the main indicator of any disease in these babies is crying. But still it is possible to suspect the disease if the child:
- Became sluggish and sleepy, he is capricious.
- Poorly gaining weight.
- Poor sleep.
- Refuses to eat.
- He had a fever.
In addition to these signs, a patchy white patch with irregular edges appears on the mucous membrane inside the oral cavity. It is easily removed, but the mucous under it is inflamed, red.
Prevention of stomatitis in children
At the first signs of stomatitis in children, parents need to see a doctor, because only he can provide qualified help and prescribe further treatment. Remember that a child's started stomatitis in the child entails serious consequences and gives red light to other, more terrible diseases.
To avoid repeated stomatitis or to prevent it, first of all you should closely monitor the oral hygiene in children:
- Do not allow dirty toys and household items to enter your mouth.
- Ensure that the child does not take dirty fingers into the mouth.
- Older children should brush their teeth daily.
- Take care that the child does not take care of the mucous with hot food and does not injure the oral cavity.
If you are the mother of a newborn baby, then do not forget to treat the breast before and after feeding your child. Parents of more adult children need to remember that a small family member must have their own dishes, because some forms of stomatitis are contagious and can pass from an adult.
Also do not forget that stomatitis in children is the first sign of such a deeper problem as weak immunity. Therefore, it is not necessary to neglect the restorative measures: pricking, taking vitamins and frequent walks with the child in the open air.
As a preventive measure for children, you can rinse your mouth with decoctions of the bark of oak, chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort or sage (insist one tablespoon of dry pharmacy grass in a glass of boiling water).
Symptoms of stomatitis in children - the first bell of possible serious diseases, so be careful about the health of your child and be healthy!