Canker sores are recurring wounds in children. Although they are not dangerous, they can create pain and discomfort. How to fight them? In this article, we share pharmacological and natural treatments or remedies for you.
The occurrence of canker sores in children can be worrisome at first. But, as described in an article published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, these sores are mild and manage to disappear on their own in a short period.
As some understand, the mouth is a site-sensitive to several situations. Among these, “mouth ulcers” or canker sores are one of the most popular. In fact, it is thought that they affect 85% of people. How to treat canker sores when they happen in children? Coming up next, we describe you.
Discover: How to take care of a Newborn navel
Canker sores in children
Canker sores are also acknowledged in popular language as “sores.” Its occurrence is linked to numerous factors. However, in the case of children, it is connected to the practice of putting various things in their mouths. The sores that develop are provocative and cause pain.
They begin as an altitude in the oral mucosa, white in color, which can advance to an oval or circular ulcer. And although they are simple and clean edges, their bottom can be necrotic with a changeable diameter.
In general, canker sores in children emerge on the mucosa of the cheeks; though, they also manage to happen on the tongue, lips, and gums. For some undiscovered reason, this situation is more prevalent in females than males.
Besides, in certain circumstances, they can happen frequently over time. In this case, it is a disease called “recurrent aphthous stomatitis”, which shows itself through single or multiple sores of various sizes.
Also Read: 6 Most Common Diseases In Nursery School Children
Treatment of canker sores
Despite whether it is an isolated sore or “recurrent aphthous stomatitis”, the sores normally disappear on their own in almost 7 days. However, canker sores in children can be very uncomfortable and sometimes prevent food consumption.
This is why a lot of people wonder what to do to race up their healing. In this sense, there are two healing options: one pharmacological and the other through natural or home remedies. Both choices are helpful to improve symptoms and bypass potential complications.
Pharmacotherapy
Because this is such a well-known symptom, it is not unexpected that there is a wide variety of drugs that help improve healing. Most of them are for insular use, that is, they perform on the affected area immediately. Now, among the opportunities we have the following:
- Antiseptics such as mouthwashes or chlorhexidine gel, which can be practiced to fight the microorganisms causing the damage.
- Topical corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories, which improve the performance of antiseptics.
- If oral infection is produced by bacteria, antibiotics may be required.
On the other hand, when the cases are difficult, oral corticosteroids with systemic treatment has been recommended. The first one should be done below medical guidance, only when canker sores are very chronic or too significant.
Read Also: Diet Guidelines and Menu for Overweight Children
Natural treatment or home remedies
Some natural or home remedies can be adopted as adjuvants to heal canker sores in children. While they are not the first-line choice, they can be effective in overcoming inflammation and fighting existing infections. Ideally, of course, they should have antiseptic properties and anti-inflammatory as well.
- One of the most practiced options is to make rinses with bicarbonate of soda or warm water with salt. The natural home remedy is performed between 2 and 3 times per day until you see an improvement. The mix should be made with a pinch of bicarbonate or salt for half a glass of warm water. It should not be ingested.
- An added ingredient that is usually used for this purpose is the aloe vera. The gel included in the leaf has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that support the mitigation of this injury. Just take a small quantity and rub it on the wound.
How to prevent the appearance of canker sores in children?
At this point, it is necessary to note that, in most maximum cases, canker sores and “recurrent aphthous stomatitis” do not have a particular cause. These sores may arise due to a genetic predisposition or due to one of the following conditions:
- Stress.
- Vitamin deficiency.
- Viral or bacterial infection.
- Hormonal changes.
- Trauma from orthodontic treatments.
The prevention of canker sores in children will be focused on fighting all the aforementioned conditions. In the first situation, the main thing is that the little ones have enough oral hygiene. Consequently, they should clean their teeth 3 times a day and use mouthwash at least once a day.
In the event of trauma due to the orthodontic approach, what should be done is to discuss with a specialist, although the symptoms normally dispatch in a short time in these situations. It is also suggested that children take vitamin supplements, as well as foods plentiful in B vitamins.
Discover: Migraine in Children: Symptoms and Treatment
Some recommended foods are the following:
- Assorted fruits.
- Green leafy vegetables.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Eggs
- Lean meats.
- Whole grains.
- Dairy products.
General considerations
Although canker sores are not serious, they can be very disturbing, notably in children. In them, they can restrict the daily food consumption and obtain general discomfort.
Accordingly, the different treatments available will be concentrated on decreasing inflammation, reducing pain, and promoting healing. Besides, these injuries can be stopped if you have decent oral hygiene, with proper tooth brushing.