What a newborn's mouth can look like
Many things that parents read as ulcers are normal or minor in a baby. Small white or yellowish lumps on the gums or along the middle of the palate are harmless cysts that are often present at birth and clear on their own in the first weeks or months. A white spot or small blister on the upper lip from sucking is common and does not hurt the baby.
Because newborn mouths are small and hard to see into, it is easy to mistake these for a problem. Do not try to pick, scrape or burst anything.
Oral thrush: white patches that do not wipe away easily
Oral thrush is a fungal infection that appears as creamy white patches on the tongue, cheeks or gums. Unlike milk residue, which wipes away, thrush patches stay and may leave a red sore base if rubbed. Babies with thrush may feed poorly, be fussy, or have a nappy rash at the same time.
A doctor or paediatrician needs to confirm it. Treatment is prescribed, and breastfeeding mothers sometimes need checking too because it can pass between mother and baby. Do not use home remedies on a baby's mouth, and never give honey to a baby under one year.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| White lumps on gums or palate | Harmless cysts | Usually leave alone; they fade by themselves |
| White patches that wipe away | Milk residue | Normal after feeds |
| White patches that stay, sore base underneath | Oral thrush | See a doctor for diagnosis and treatment |
| Small blister or callus on the upper lip | Sucking | Harmless; no treatment |
| Painful sores, fever and fussiness in an older baby | Viral infection | See a doctor; see our herpetic ulcer guide |
General guide to what parents commonly see in a baby's mouth. Only a doctor can tell for certain.
Viral sores in older babies
From a few months of age, babies can pick up viruses that cause painful mouth sores with drooling, fever and refusal to feed. Our guide on herpetic ulcers in the mouth explains the most common one. Teething can cause drooling and sore gums, but it does not cause ulcers; see our guide on teething symptoms.
For adults and older children, simple measures are described in our guide to mouth ulcer home remedies. They are not designed for newborns, and medicines or gels for babies must come from a doctor or the product label.
When to see a doctor straight away
Take a baby to a doctor promptly if they refuse to feed, have noticeably fewer wet nappies, seem unusually sleepy or limp, or have a fever, especially in the first weeks of life. Fever in a very young baby always needs medical assessment the same day.
Go to a hospital emergency department if the baby has difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the face is swelling. Any sore or patch that has not gone in two to three weeks should also be examined; the general rules for older children and adults are on our mouth ulcers page.
Common questions
Is a white spot in my newborn's mouth normal?
Often, yes. Small white lumps on the gums or palate are usually harmless cysts that fade by themselves. Patches that do not wipe away, or are accompanied by poor feeding, should be seen by a doctor.
How do I tell thrush from milk coating?
Milk coating wipes away easily and is gone within an hour or so of a feed. Thrush patches stay put and may leave a red area when rubbed. If you are unsure, ask a doctor rather than rubbing.
Can I put anything on my baby's mouth sore?
Do not apply gels, honey, home remedies or adult medicines to a baby's mouth. Any treatment should be given by a doctor or follow the product label for the baby's age.
Does teething cause mouth ulcers?
No. Teething can cause drooling, sore gums and fussiness, but ulcers or blisters in the mouth point to something else, such as a viral infection, and are worth showing to a doctor.
About this page
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a quotation. Prices are prevailing Lucknow market ranges. Your own treatment and cost are determined after an examination. For questions about your own case, call +91 83036 12717.