Apthous Ulcers In Children

What causes canker sores?

The cause of canker sores, or apthous ulcers, is not clear, however studies show that it can be a combination of factors such as: a minor injury to the mouth, toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, food sensitivities such as chocolate, strawberries, eggs, nuts, cheese, spicy or acidic foods, a Vitamin B12 deficiency, a sensitive response to certain bacteria in your mouth, hormonal shifts, autoimmune conditions and stress.

What can I do to alleviate my child’s pain?

Warm salt water rinses 2-3 times a day can help with keeping your child’s mouth clean. If the pain doesn’t subside, we can prescribe a steroid cream to help the apthous ulcer heal in a few days.

Directions for use of Prescription Cream:

Use a Q-tip and place a tiny bead on one end, then pull lip out with you finger and dab dry the sore & surrounding mucosa with the clean end of the Qtip. Flip the Qtip over and apply the paste with a dabbing motion. Do not try to wipe it or it will get crumbly. Once coated, wait 30 seconds to allow it to dry and then release the lip. Discourage your child from disturbing lesion. Apply 2-3 times a day as needed!

Foods / Items to avoid:

• Chocolate
• Strawberries
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Cheese
• Acidic Foods
• Spicy Foods
• Pineapple
• Salty Chips
• Cinnamon
• Citrus
• Tomato Sauce
• SLS Toothpaste