Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores or cold sores, can be really painful for children. These cankers can hinder their quality of life, causing discomfort and sleepless nights. As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child in pain. You’ll be constantly searching for ways to help them feel better. It’s important to remember that mouth ulcers can affect both adults and children. If your child is experiencing these painful sores, consider consulting a dentist for guidance.
So if you have suffered from mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, before, you know how painful they can be. These sores appear as painful blisters on the lips, cheeks, and the floor of the mouth. Mouth ulcers are not contagious, but they can cause difficulties when eating or drinking due to their symptoms.
As a Mommy or Daddy, there are certain home remedies you can do to prevent frequent re-occurance of canker sores and cold sores in your child. I have dealt with issues like this before. In my previous article I gave details on common causes of mouth ulcers, or cankers, in children. You can check out the post later, in order to learn more about what causes this oral problem.
First I would like to clear some things up, deficiencies of certain nutrients, such as Vitamin B, zinc and iron are common cause of mouth ulcers. (1) If you usually give your child medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it’s likely that your child will be having mouth ulcers. Here are typically questions that might be helpful –
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My child has canker sores, what are the fastest ways to get rid of cankers?
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Is it untreatable or should I see a healthcare provider right away for canker sores, oral ulcers, or mouth sores?
Naturally, mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, should go away on their own after a few days. It’s not a sign of anything serious. There are simple OTC remedies that can help reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. This post will provide you with a list of effective remedies you can prepare at home for fighting cankers in toddlers and children.
Mouth Ulcers In Children Home Remedies
1. Coconut
The amazing coconut tree produces handy remedies for treating mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores. The coconut oil, water, and milk can be used as a rinse to soothe the pain associated with these ulcers. Coconut contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce swelling and discomfort.
Get some coconut water or milk and give it to your child, as it can help soothe canker sores. It is safe for them to rinse with, as they are edible. However, if your child has a fever, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. Virgin coconut oil is the most effective remedy for canker sores, particularly for toddlers. For faster results, apply a small amount of virgin coconut oil directly on the ulcers using a cotton ball.
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a popular choice for treating canker sores. The miracle gel from the aloe vera plant is very effective for treating any form of oral or skin problem. If you have access to the plant, cut out a leaf and extract the gel.
You should apply the gel directly to the ulcers, but remember most kids detests aloe vera because of the taste. If your child is a part of this crew, you should be careful not to hurt her. But just try and apply the gel directly to the ulcers. The gel contains active anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties, it also contributes greatly towards the health of the gums. Although there are some other alternatives here that can still do the work.
3. Honey
Honey has strong anti-microbial properties, making it effective for treating canker sores. It promotes faster healing when used as a rinse. Unlike aloe vera gel, honey has a great taste that your child will not reject. Simply apply honey directly to the ulcers to speed up the healing process without discomforts.
Children love honey too, but instead of consuming much of the honey, it should be applied to canker sores or mouth ulcers for faster healing. You can even add a little turmeric to your honey to make a more effective paste for faster results. Naturally, turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties that can help with the healing process of oral ulcers or mouth sores.
Note: Honey can be dangerous to toddlers under a year old for some certain reasons. You should not use this remedy if your child is less than a year old.
4. Buttermilk
Most children love buttermilk, and it can be beneficial for those who suffer from canker sores or mouth ulcers. If your child likes buttermilk too, then encourage her to have an un-spiced glass of buttermilk daily. This drink is also safe for toddlers and babies that have passed the age of 8 months.
Buttermilk has an excellent anti-bacterial property, thanks to the lactic acid it contains. This helps to eliminate bacterial, provides healing to mouth ulcers and also maintains a healthy mouth.
5. Ghee
Also known as clarified butter, ghee is a derivative from milk. It’s a simple excellent home remedy for treating mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, in children. You’ll need to apply ghee on the ulcers, for faster results, three times a day is OK. It provides faster relief from pain caused by mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, and speeds up the healing at the same time.
6. Basil or Tulsi Leaves
However way you choose to call it, either you call it Basil or Tulsi the two names are still referring to the same leaf. (2) This leaf is widely used in Indian for producing traditional medicines for treating mouth ulcers. It’s popularly known for its numerous medical benefits, it has great anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Apart from oral care, basil leaves are used all around the world for preparation of different recipes. You’ll need to get some fresh basil leaves and have your child chew them. The juice from the leaves is effective for fighting mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, and reduces the chances of re-occurrence.
7. Ice Cream
This remedy can not provide quick healing for mouth ulcers, but it can help relieve the pain of canker sores. Any cold treat, such as ice cream, can numb the ulcers and alleviate your child’s canker pain.
8. Curd
This works just fine as buttermilk for treating mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, in children and also getting rid of harmful oral bacteria. Curd contains strong anti-bacterial properties because of the lactic acid it contains. If speeds up the healing process of mouth ulcers, it also helps in maintaining a healthy mouth.
To treat canker sores, you can have your child take a mouthful of curd and make sure it touches the affected areas. This can be repeated for faster results.
9. Proper Hydration
Dehydration can make canker sores grow worse. It can easily lead to another problem such as dry mouth. If your child develops dry mouth, then canker sores will be hard to treat. Dehydration is very common for children that have canker sores because of their difficulty in eating and drinking.
To help with canker sores, ensure that your child stays hydrated. You can try semi-solid or liquid foods if the canker sores are too painful when taking solid foods. Encourage your child to stay hydrated.
10. Salt Water Rinse
Salt water is a natural remedy for mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores. It serves as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent. But this remedy is only for older children who are not likely to swallow it. This remedy is very easy to prepare, just get a glass of warm water and add a teaspoon of salt. Allow the salt to dissolve properly, then have your child swish with salt water for at least 30 seconds, spit out after.