Canker sores are white or yellow sores typically found on the gums, tongue, soft palate, lips and inner cheeks. The sores are usually small and surrounded by a bright red area. According to KidsHealth.org, canker sores are not contagious. Children with immune system problems, food allergies and folic acid, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiencies are more likely to develop canker sores. Mouth injuries and emotional stress are also believed to cause canker sores. In addition, these sores tend to run in families. If a parent is prone to canker sores, their children have a 90 percent chance of being prone to them as well.
Over-The-Counter Treatments
While most canker sores do not require treatment and will heal completely within one to three weeks, there are several over-the-counter treatments that can help ease the pain associated with canker sores. Non-prescription topical ointments such as Anbesol and Orajel contain numbing agents that can reduce canker sore pain. AboutKidsHealth suggests swishing with 1 tsp of antacid solution for several minutes then spitting it out. Younger children may benefit from "painting" canker sores with antacid solution after meals. In addition, acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also be used as needed. While these medications are available without a prescription, consulting a pediatrician before starting treatment is always a good idea.
Home Remedies
There are several home remedies that can be used to ease canker sore pain. As with over-the-counter treatments, a child's pediatrician should always be consulted prior to using home remedies. KidsHealth.org suggests having a child rinse with a homemade solution of two ounces of hydrogen peroxide and two ounces of water for one minute, four times a day. Children may also rinse with a solution made from 4 oz of water mixed with 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of baking soda. These rinses should only be used by children old enough to understand not to swallow the mixture. In addition, applying wet black tea bags to canker sores has been known to provide some pain relief.
Prescription Medications
Occasionally, more severe canker sore cases may require prescription medications. According to KidsHealth.org, immunosuppressive drugs or rinses and gels containing steroids may be prescribed. Fluocinonide gel and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash are two prescription topical medications used to treat canker sores. Particularly stubborn cases are sometimes treated with oral steroids. However, because of the serious side effects associated with these drugs, steroids are usually only prescribed as a last resort when all other medications have failed. Debacterol, a topical treatment that can only be applied by a medical professional, may also be used to treat canker sore pain in children 12 years old and older.
