How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Mouth Sores

Audience: pediatric

Mouth sores in children can be uncomfortable and worrying for parents. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to consult healthcare providers about these symptoms without needing to visit a clinic. During a telemedicine visit, a doctor or nurse can assess the child's mouth sores by asking questions and viewing images or live video. This helps determine if the sores are due to common causes like viral infections, minor injuries, or allergies. However, some situations require in-person care. Preparing well for the telemedicine visit ensures the healthcare provider gets the information needed to give the best advice. This includes noting when the sores started, any other symptoms, and having good lighting and a camera ready to show the sores clearly. Understanding when to seek urgent care is important for your child's safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or swallowing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F) lasting more than 2 days with mouth sores — arrange in-person evaluation.
• Rapidly spreading redness, swelling, or pus around the mouth sores — seek urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mouth sores caused by common viral infections or minor injuries.
• Advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if further in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe infections requiring physical examination or laboratory tests.
• Procedures like biopsy or drainage of abscesses.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the mouth sores appeared, if there is pain or fever, and any recent illnesses or exposures. You may be asked to show the sores using your device's camera. The provider will look for signs that help identify the cause and suggest ways to manage the sores at home or whether further care is needed.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit area where you can clearly show your child's mouth sores. Have a flashlight or phone light ready to improve visibility. Write down important information like the time the sores started, any other symptoms (fever, difficulty swallowing), recent injuries, or new foods or medications your child has tried. Make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation of mouth sores caused by common viral infections, minor injuries, or mild allergic reactions. It can guide you on home care, pain relief, and when to watch for worsening symptoms.

When In-Person Care is Needed

If your child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever, spreading redness or swelling around the mouth, or if the sores do not improve with home care, in-person evaluation is important. Some mouth sores may require physical examination, laboratory tests, or treatments not possible through telemedicine.

Tips for Comfort and Care at Home

Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, bland foods. Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate sores. Use recommended pain relief methods such as age-appropriate pain medications or soothing rinses as advised by the healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Charge your device and ensure a stable internet connection.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to illuminate your child's mouth.
• Write down when the mouth sores started and any other symptoms.
• Note any recent injuries, new foods, or medications your child has taken.
• Prepare to show the sores clearly on camera during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care and medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and comfort level.
• Contact the healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended by the provider.
• Keep a record of any treatments given and their effects.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's mouth sores?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess the likely cause based on symptoms and visual examination via video or photos. However, some causes may require in-person tests or examinations for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my child's mouth sores get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If the sores worsen, especially with new symptoms like difficulty breathing, swallowing, high fever, or spreading redness, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are mouth sores contagious?

Some mouth sores caused by viral infections can be contagious. Good hygiene, such as handwashing and avoiding sharing utensils, helps reduce spread. Your healthcare provider can give specific advice based on the cause.

How can I help my child feel more comfortable with mouth sores?

Encourage fluids, soft foods, and avoid irritants like spicy or acidic foods. Use pain relief methods recommended by your healthcare provider, such as age-appropriate pain medications or soothing rinses.

Sources

1. Mouth Sores — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Oral Health in Children — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Common Causes of Mouth Sores — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care or professional diagnosis. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person medical attention.