Canker sores are small aphthous ulcers that occur in the mouth, often causing pain. Facial Canker sores are especially miserable for children, as they can be painful and at times make eating or speaking difficult. In this article, we will discuss the causes, preventions, and treatment options provided by a Houston Texas dentist.
Reasons behind Canker Sores in Children
There are many reasons why kids can get canker sores in child.
- Small Oral Injuries: Biting the cheek, brushing too hard, or wearing braces can lead to small injuries that result in a canker sore.
- Sensitivity: It is characterized by rounded or oval lesions that look like small ulcers inside the mouth, and food sensitivities trigger canker sores in some children; such foods include citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and spicy or acidic foods.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: The insufficiency of vitamins and minerals like B complex, vitamin C, iron, and zinc all contribute to causing canker sores.
- Fatigue and Stress: Physical and emotional stress can also reduce immune function, making children more likely to get it
- Allergy: Food allergies or sensitivities to teeth-whitening ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash may cause canker sores.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormones which vary mainly during puberty can be a predisposing factor for the occurrence of Mouth Ulcers.
- Chronic Conditions: (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn’s Disease, or other autoimmune disorders): People with some chronic conditions also have a higher likelihood of getting recurring canker sores.
How to Prevent Canker Sore in Children?
To avoid canker sores you may require some diet changes and behavior modifications besides practicing good oral hygiene.
- Hygiene: Good oral hygiene should be followed: encourage children to brush their teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss regularly, this will prevent minor injuries to the mouth.
- Select Your Toothpaste: Use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) free toothpaste, as this ingredient causes mouth irritation and helps promote canker sores
- Monitor Dietary Intake: Discover foods that can be the probable culprits if they cause canker sore in your child. Provide them with a diet that is full of necessary vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, iron, folate, zinc, etc.
- Stay Hydrated: Advise children to drink a lot of water so that the oral cavity does not dry out and this contributes to minimizing discomfort.
Canker Sore Treatment for Kids
Canker sores tend to go away on their own within one or two weeks, but you can help reduce pain and expedite healing by:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Treatment: Products such as topical gels, creams, and mouth rinses can relieve pain & aid healing. These include benzocaine, hydrogen peroxide, or fluocinonide.
- Home Remedies: Gargling with a solution of warm water and salt, or using baking soda in place of the toothpaste can prevent pain as well as inflammation. You can also ease the pain by applying a small quantity of milk of magnesia to the sore several times per day.
- Pain Relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen over the counter can help with pain relief, particularly before meals.
- Avoid Irritating Foods: Avoid spicy, acidic, or scratchy-textured foods that may irritate sores during an outbreak.
For kids, canker sores can be an excruciating and persistent problem, but managing and reducing suffering can be achieved by being aware of the causes, precautions, and available treatments. To avoid canker sores, parents and other caregivers in Houston, Texas, should concentrate on practicing proper dental hygiene, keeping an eye on food, and controlling stress. When canker sores do develop, a swift and painless recovery can be achieved with a mix of over-the-counter medications, natural cures, and expert guidance. If your child has canker sores regularly, think about getting them checked out to rule out any underlying medical issues.
