Canker Sores And Children - What Can You Do to Help?
What Are Canker Sores?
Canker sores cannot be transmitted to another person like a virus, but they are often very uncomfortable. Canker sores do commonly occur in children, and they are painful mouth ulcers affecting approximately one in five individuals.
Causes of Canker Sores in Kids
The official name for canker sores is aphthous ulcers, canker sores show up in our mouths for a variety of reasons. The actual cause of canker sores still remains a mystery. Some known reasons we may get them more often than others are vitamin deficiencies, allergies to certain foods, and inherited traits from our family.
Symptoms of Canker Sores in Kids
Canker sores can be quickly recognized by your dentist, especially when they come back frequently. Symptoms to watch out for include:
Tiny blisters that are painful in the mouth
Yellow or whitish texture with a red outer border
Frequently but not always appearing in multicples
Kids experience canker sores frequently and they are usually painful. The good news is that these sores usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks. Some suggested ways to alleviate the discomfort your child experiences and speed up their recovery are mentioned below.
Canker Sore aids in Kids
In the case that your child sufferers from canker sores more than four to five times a year and in association with severe pain, it would be good to see your pediatrician for treatment right away.
However, in the event your child only suffers mild cases of canker sores there are a few things you can do, if approved by your child’s doctor:
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate your child’s pain
Stay away from foods that may poke or irritate the ulcer.
Check your child for food allergies
Spicy, citric, acidic or salty foods should be avoided
Make sure your child has a soft bristled tooth brush
Continue with good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy
Use a mild toothpaste that doesn’t irritate your child’s mouth
Use a mouth wash with no alcohol so your child can tolerate it
Special ointments or other techniques can be used by Dr. Chamberlain if the pain persists or lasts more than a couple of weeks. However, if you child is running a fever and has large mouth ulcers than you may also want to see your child’s physician.
