How to Treat Canker Sores in Kids
Has your kid ever woken you up complaining about painful and tingling feelings in their mouths at night? You’ve opened them wide to look, but their small teeth are as white and healthy. Then you’ll notice little white or yellowish lesions on the inside of their cheeks. This could be canker sores. However, canker sores, which are not contagious, are a nuisance. These bothersome canker sores, a painful mouth ulcer that affects one in five people, are prevalent among children.
Read this blog to learn more about canker sores and available treatment options!
What Are Canker Sores in Children
Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are small, shallow lesions on the mouth’s interior known as aphthous ulcers because of their appearance. They have a crimson border and are usually white, yellowish, or gray. Lips, cheeks, the roof of the mouth, the tongue, and the gum line are the most common places. Children are more likely than adults to have a cluster of canker sores, but a youngster can also have a single sore.
You might sometimes mistake a canker sore with a cold sore. Thus, here’s a brief explanation. Cold sores are painful, fluid-filled blisters that emerge on the exterior of the mouth, while canker sores are ulcers that develop inside the mouth (around the lips and under the nose and chin). The herpes simplex virus causes cold sores, going from person to person. Is it possible to spread canker sores? Canker sores are not spread by direct contact between people.
Moreover, even in children, a sore on the gums could indicate a tooth or gum infection. And an abscess from a dental disease looks like a little pimple.
Symptoms of Canker Sores in Children
When it comes to diagnosing canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, pediatricians and dentists have a pretty good idea of what to look for. Canker sores in children can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Difficulty talking or eating
- Cluster of lesions
- Cores with white, gray, or yellowish coating with a red edge
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes, facial swelling (however, these might be a symptom of a severe canker core)
- Flattish, small, painful sores or blisters
- Pain when brushing or touching around the area
Causes of Canker Sores in Kids
Experts are baffled as to what’s causing this. Canker sores are thought to be caused by a variety of reasons. Development of canker sores could be one of these:
- Irritation from braces
- Particular medicines
- Weakened immune system
- Stress
- Bacteria or virus
- Mouth injury
- Poor nutrition
- Allergies to food (coffee, cheese, nuts, chocolate, and citrus fruits)
Between the ages of 10 and 19, canker sores are most commonly encountered in children and adolescents. Canker sores recur in roughly three out of every ten children who suffer from them. And if you would like to ask if “are canker sores contagious?” no, your child could not pass it on to others.
Frequent canker sores may be due to other severe complications such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and HIV infection.
Canker Sores Treatment
The treatment will be determined by your child’s symptoms, age, and overall health. It will also depend on the severity of the problem.
- Mouth rinses to help lessen the pain
- Proper oral hygiene
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen for pain or fever
- Drinking more fluids
- Using medications on the skin to help relieve the discomfort
Other Canker Sore Remedies
Encourage your child to do the following to help make canker sores less painful and prevent them from returning:
- Refrain them from eating abrasive foods
- Mouth rinses and toothpaste that do not contain SLS
- Make sure they use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t brush too hard
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and salty foods
Contact Junior Smiles of Stafford to learn more about canker sores
Contact the most reputable pediatric dentist around you if your child has been endlessly complaining about their canker sores; there is no other way to treat it better, than to treat it professionally. As a parent, being informed and knowledgeable will help you deal with it properly. We offer the skills and equipment necessary to make your child’s dental appointments joyful and stress-free.
Why Choose Junior Smiles of Stafford?
Our Stafford, VA team is well-versed in working with clients of various ages and backgrounds. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your family’s requirements, and they’ll work with you to design a treatment plan that suits your schedule. Sealants and fluoride treatments are just two of the many preventative care options we provide to keep your mouth healthy.
About Us
Visiting Junior Smiles of Stafford means you’re in good hands when it comes to receiving high-quality care. Your child’s dental health improves with each visit, ensuring a brighter smile for years to come. We adhere to the ADA and AAPD’s guidelines for best practices.
Where Are We Located?
Phone: (540) 699-2441
Fax: (540) 699-2464
Email: info@juniorsmilesofstafford.com
Monday and Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (By appointment only)
How to Book Your Kids First Appointment at Junior Smiles of Stafford
Fill out the form on our website. Within 24 hours, a member of our team will get back to you.