Canker Sores in Kids: What Parents Need to Know
Your child is complaining that their mouth hurts. They do not want to eat. Brushing their teeth makes them cry. You look inside and see a small, round sore with a white or yellowish center and a red border on the inside of their cheek or lip. That is most likely a canker sore.
Canker sores are common in children, and while they are painful, they are usually not serious. Here is what you need to know.
What Is a Canker Sore?
A canker sore, also called an aphthous ulcer, is a small, shallow sore that forms on the soft tissues inside the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. They are not contagious, and they are not the same as cold sores (which are caused by a virus and appear on the outside of the mouth).
Canker sores are typically small, round or oval, white or yellowish with a red border, and painful, especially during the first few days.
What Causes Canker Sores in Kids?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but common triggers include minor mouth injuries from biting a cheek or lip, or from braces or dental appliances that rub against the tissue; acidic or spicy foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, or certain snacks; stress or fatigue; nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron, B-12, zinc, or folic acid; and toothpaste or mouthwash containing sodium lauryl sulfate, which can irritate mouth tissue in some children.
Some kids are simply more prone to canker sores than others, and they can run in families.
How to Help at Home
Most canker sores heal on their own within seven to ten days. The first three to four days are usually the most uncomfortable, and then the pain gradually fades. While your child is healing, there are a few things that can help: offer soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, and smoothies that will not sting; avoid acidic, salty, or spicy foods until the sore heals; have your child rinse gently with warm salt water (for kids old enough to rinse and spit); use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently around the sore; and if needed, children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain (check with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist for appropriate dosing).
We do not recommend using over-the-counter topical canker sore medications on young children without checking with your dentist or doctor first, as some contain ingredients that are not appropriate for small children.
When to Call the Dentist
Most canker sores do not need professional treatment. However, you should schedule a visit with your pediatric dentist if the sore is unusually large, if it lasts longer than two weeks, if the pain is so severe that your child cannot eat or drink, if your child gets canker sores frequently (several times a year), if the sore is accompanied by a fever, or if you are not sure whether it is a canker sore or something else.
We can evaluate the sore, recommend appropriate treatment, and help identify possible triggers if your child is dealing with recurring canker sores.
Preventing Canker Sores
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent canker sores, a few habits can help reduce how often they occur: make sure your child is getting a balanced diet with adequate iron, B vitamins, and zinc; consider switching to a toothpaste that does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate; encourage gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush; help your child manage stress in healthy ways; and if braces or dental appliances are causing irritation, let us know so we can adjust them or provide dental wax.
The Bottom Line
Canker sores are a common part of childhood. They are painful but usually harmless, and they heal on their own. If your child is dealing with a stubborn or recurring canker sore, or if you are unsure what you are looking at, we are here to help.
At Pediatric Dentistry in Moline, IL, we are always happy to answer questions about your child’s oral health, even the ones that seem small. Families from across the Quad Cities call us with concerns like these, and we welcome every one.