Canker sores are open wounds that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth, including the base of the gums, under the tongue and inside the cheeks or lips. Canker sores develop in the mouth of a child for various reasons, some of which are unexplained, according to MayoClinic.com. A child may bite her cheek and create a canker sore. Canker sores can be treated safely at home, but large or persistent sores require medical attention.
Salt Mouth Rinse
MayoClinic.com recommends using a mixture of 1 tsp. of baking soda in 1/2 cup of warm water as a rinse to help ease the pain of a canker sore. This mixture isn't harmful if the child swallows some but it is best to practice with plain water a few times to teach young children how to effectively swish the fluid around the mouth and spit it back out. Don't repeat the remedy if the child seems to swallow the salt solution.
Baking Soda Paste
A baking soda paste can be more effective in helping a child's canker sore heal if she has trouble rinsing and spitting the solution out. To make this paste, caregivers can take a small amount of baking soda and mix it with a small amount of water until it becomes thick. This paste can be applied gently over the canker sore. When possible, the paste should be allowed to dry a few seconds before moving the lips or mouth near the affected area. This can be done by pulling the lip away from the gums, if the canker sore is located in this area, and holding this position for several seconds.
Ice Cubes
Ice chips or ice cubes can relieve some of the pain associated with a canker sore. The ice chip can be allowed to dissolve over the wound to ease the pain, MayoClinic.com says.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Kids Health suggests dabbing a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the canker sore. This can be done with a sterile cotton swab. Milk of magnesia can be applied over the peroxide for added treatment in helping to dry the wound and relieve pain. This remedy shouldn't be used on very young children without the consent of a medical professional.
Black Tea Bags
Black tea contains tannin, which Kids Health describes as an astringent. Wetting a black tea bag and placing it over the canker sore can temporarily relieve pain. Some over-the-counter canker sore treatments contain tannin and can be recommended by a health care provider for children.
