Mouth Ulcers in Toddlers: Causes and Soothing | Parenting Hub
Painful mouth ulcers are common in toddlers — often from viral infections like hand-foot-mouth or herpes. Here's how to soothe and feed.
Painful mouth sores are common in toddlers — usually from a virus like hand-foot-mouth or first cold-sore infection. The challenge is getting fluids in.
Common causes
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (see our dedicated article)
- Primary herpes (cold-sore) infection — large numbers of ulcers, swollen red gums, very sore
- Trauma (bitten cheek, sharp toy)
- Mouth thrush in babies — white patches that don't wipe off
- Rarely: iron/B12 deficiency, coeliac, hand-foot-mouth aftermath
Soothing
- Cold drinks, ice blocks, smoothies, yoghurt
- Avoid acidic (orange juice), salty or spicy food
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain (age-appropriate) — give 20 minutes before meals
- Soft food: custard, jelly, mashed potato
- Topical SM-33 or similar in older toddlers (check with pharmacist for age)
Primary herpes (gingivostomatitis)
First cold-sore infection can be intense — many ulcers, fever, drooling, refusing food. See your GP — antiviral medicine (aciclovir) helps if started early. Watch hydration closely.
When to seek help
- Refusing all fluids, fewer wet nappies
- Drooling and unable to swallow
- Sleepy, hard to rouse
- Painful joints, persistent fever >3 days
Common questions
Can my baby still go to daycare?
Usually no while there are open mouth ulcers — saliva spreads the virus. Check current daycare policy.