ABSTRACT
Mouth ulceration is common in children. Most mouth ulcers in young children are caused by viral infection, such as acute herpetic gingivostomatitis (AHG), while aphthous ulcers are more common in older children and adults, with a tendency to recur in contrast to AHG. Mouth ulcers are distressing and feeding is usually problematic. Mouth bleeding is common in the paediatric population. The most common cause is trauma such as cutting the lip or mouth as a result of a fall or running into a solid object. Other causes include inflammation and ulcers. Periodontal diseases are other important causes of bleeding. Occasionally, mouth bleeding may be caused by serious underlying systemic disorders such as thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, aplastic anaemia and von Willebrand's disease. Halitosis is a symptom caused by various conditions including postnasal drip, dry mouth, dental diseases, sinusitis and gastrointestinal and pulmonary problems. Oral cavity is the most common source of halitosis and is responsible in about 85" of cases.
