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What are canker sores?
- These are open sores or ulcerations in the mouth.
- Usually on the gums below and above the lips and on the cheeks
- Also referred to medically as aphthous ulcers.
- They are not an infection.
- Sometimes the sores have an identifiable cause. Some examples include:
- An injury to the mouth
- Dental work, accidentally biting their cheek or inner lip.
- Brushing too aggressively, eating irritating or sharp foods
- If there is a family history, your child may have them due to heredity.
- Menstrual cycles can be a cause in some people.
- Food sensitivities may cause them in some kids (examples: lemons and pineapples).
- If your child has a very restricted diet, they may have it due to a vitamin deficiency.
- An injury to the mouth
What are the symptoms of canker sores?
- Your child might tell you their mouth hurts.
- They might eat or drink less than normal because of the pain.
- You may see the sores/ulcerations in their mouth.
- Canker sores alone will not cause a fever in your child.
- If your child has a fever, it is due to another illness, not the canker sores alone
How do I prevent my child from getting canker sores?
- Offer your child a well-balanced diet. Check with your child’s provider to see if a daily multi-vitamin would be beneficial.
- Dental care
- Only buy soft toothbrushes (unless advised differently by a dentist).
- Teach your child how to brush their teeth. The best method is gentle, circular motion. Until they can do a good job on their own, help them brush their teeth.
- Your child should start receiving regular dental care once they have their first tooth or they turn 1 year old, whichever comes first. If your child has a dental procedure, be sure to follow all post-procedure instructions.
- If your child gets frequent canker sores, watch for any foods that might be triggering them.
How do I treat my child’s canker sores?
- For food choices:
- It is best to avoid spicy, crunchy, or sharp foods.
- A soft food diet is usually a helpful option. Examples include: yogurt, ice cream, popsicles, or smoothies.
- Some children may be bothered by acidic foods like oranges and other citrus.
- Be sure to encourage hydration. Cold fluids are likely to sooth.
- Tylenol or ibuprofen (for 6 months and older) can be given to help with pain or discomfort.
- For a soothing elixir see the recipe below (for 6 months and above):
- combine 2 tablespoons of Benadryl with 2 tablespoons of Maalox/Mylanta
- mix and dab on sores with a q-tip or cotton swab or clean finger. Older children can “swish and spit”.
- apply to sores every 6 hours as needed. For younger children refusing to eat and drink, applying this mixture before meals might help them eat/drink better.
- If your child has a known allergy sensitivity and you know they have been exposed, give any medications as advised by your child’s healthcare provider
When to call your child’s provider:
- You think your child needs to be seen.
- Your child is not taking in enough fluids and is showing signs of dehydration (such as: dry mouth, urinating less than 3 times per 24 hours)
- Your child has a fever or other symptoms with canker sores.
- Your child’s symptoms are getting worse.
- Your child’s canker sores continue to recur.
- If you are concerned that your child may have them due to an unbalanced diet.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 12/2023