Bednar

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Bednar

Bednar's Aphthae are a specific type of mouth ulcer that primarily affects infants and young children. These ulcers are characterized by their occurrence at the back of the mouth, on the hard palate. Unlike common canker sores, which are usually found towards the front of the mouth, Bednar's Aphthae are mechanically induced ulcers that result from trauma or irritation, often caused by the vigorous cleaning of a child's mouth or by the child's own actions, such as sucking or biting on hard objects.

Causes and Symptoms

The primary cause of Bednar's Aphthae is mechanical injury to the mucous membrane lining the mouth. This can occur through actions such as the aggressive wiping of a baby's mouth with a rough cloth or the baby's own actions, like chewing on hard toys or the friction from pacifiers. Symptoms of Bednar's Aphthae include visible ulcers on the hard palate, pain, and discomfort in the affected area, especially when eating or drinking.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of Bednar's Aphthae is primarily clinical, based on the appearance of the ulcers and their location in the mouth. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and preventing further trauma to the area. This may include the use of mild, soothing mouthwashes, the application of topical analgesics to reduce pain, and ensuring that any objects placed in the child's mouth are clean and smooth to avoid additional injury.

Prevention

Preventing Bednar's Aphthae involves minimizing the risk of trauma to the mouth. This includes using soft, clean cloths when cleaning a baby's mouth, providing safe, smooth toys that do not irritate the mouth, and monitoring the use of pacifiers to ensure they do not cause harm.

See Also

• Mouth ulcer
• Canker sore
• Pediatric dentistry