Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) are small sores that often develop inside the mouth, including the palate, at the base of the gums, inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. The sores are usually white, gray, or yellowish, but they are not contagious. Canker sores can’t be spread from one child to another. It is different from cold sores (fever blisters), which are caused by the herpes virus and found outside the mouth around the lips, on the cheeks or chin, or inside the nostrils. Mouthwashes and toothpastes can help alleviate discomfort caused by canker sores.
However, recurrent mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous stomatitis or aphthous ulcers, are most common in teenagers and women. They can also affect children and may reappear years later after the initial outbreak. The pain caused by these sores can make eating, drinking, and brushing the teeth difficult and painful. Women and girls, especially during pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, are twice as likely to develop fever blisters.
What causes canker sores in kids?
The exact cause of recurrent mouth ulcers in kids is unknown. Unlike fever blisters, aphthous ulcers are not caused by herpes or any other type of germ, and they can’t spread from one person to another.
There are few factors that are thought to put a child at risk of developing recurrent mouth ulcers, also known as aphthous ulcers. If your child keeps on getting recurrent mouth ulcers, it may be due to a severe deficiency of vitamin B-12, folic acid, or iron. Children who have allergic reactions to some foods, such as coffee, chocolate, cheese, nuts, and citrus fruits, are more prone to developing recurrent mouth ulcers. Also, kids whose diets are low in folic acid and vitamin B12 tend to develop recurrent mouth ulcers more often.
In addition, canker sores in children, also known as ulcers, are linked to mouth injuries. These injuries can be caused by irritation from orthodontic braces, biting the delicate inside of the lip, and brushing too hard. Studies have shown that canker sores can be a sign of side effects from certain medications, emotional stress, and a weakened immune system. It is worth noting that college students tend to have more canker sores during stressful periods, such as around exam time. Additionally, fever blisters may also cause ulcers in children.
Symptoms of canker sores in kids
Canker sores occasionally appear as round, shallow, painful open sores that are covered with a yellow layer and a red base. The painful sores can develop in the mouth, usually inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue. It can takes up to 2 weeks for canker sores to heal. During this time, the sores can be painful, although the first 3 to 4 days are usually the worst. Unless they are very large or deep, they usually heal without scarring. (1)
How canker sores are diagnose
It’s always advisable to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if your child experiences recurrent mouth ulcers or blisters that last more than two weeks. The services of a pediatrician will be needed if the pain becomes severe and if the canker sores are accompanied by a high fever or your child has trouble swallowing.
However, recurrent mouth ulcers or canker sores in children can be identified through medical history and physical examination. If your child’s sores, including fever blisters, are too severe, the pediatrician may want to do some tests to look for possible nutritional deficiencies, immune system deficiencies, and allergies. Blood tests and biopsy of the sore are usually recommended during the diagnosis. Small pieces of tissues from the sore are taken and tested in the laboratory using a microscope and other necessary equipment.
How to treat canker sores in kids
Sometimes, canker sores or fever blisters in children do not actually need treatment, as the ulcers will heal on their own in a few days to a couple of weeks. If your child is old enough, you can help him ease the pain by rinsing his mouth several times each day with a cup of warm water mixed with half a teaspoon of salt, ensuring that he doesn’t swallow the rinse.
If the sores are too painful and doesn’t get better after a few weeks or sores keeps coming back, see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe a topical medicine that can be applied directly to the sore. Special mouthwash and home remedies can also help to ease the pain and promote healing. Some over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also be recommended.
How to prevent reoccurrence of canker sores
1. Use only a soft-bristled toothbrush for children with braces or other dental appliances to prevent canker sores and recurrent mouth ulcers. Ask your dentist about special wax to cover sharp edges and protect against fever blisters.
2. Make sure that your children do not use toothpastes and mouthwash that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate, as it can cause canker sores and ulcers, among other oral issues.
3. Ensure that your child avoids those foods that he is allergic to, as they can trigger canker sores and ulcers. Prevent your child from eating abrasive foods, such as potato chips and nuts, which can further irritate the gums and other delicate mouth tissues prone to developing canker sores and ulcers.
4. Give your child a well-balanced diet to help prevent canker sores and recurrent mouth ulcers. Your child’s doctor may also recommend a daily multivitamin to boost their immune system and overall health.