Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, are shallow grey, white or yellow sores surrounded by a dull, red border. Aphthous ulcers always occur inside the mouth, unlike cold sores which almost always occur on the lips, according to the American Dental Association. Aphthous ulcers usually resolve on their own within a week or two. In the interim, children with aphthous ulcers benefit from soft, cool, bland food and beverages to minimize discomfort and promote healing.
Soft Foods
Hard or abrasive foods like nuts, potato chips and raw vegetables can poke and scrape at aphthous ulcers, causing discomfort and sometimes delaying healing. As a result, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, recommends offering children soft foods. Cooking makes most vegetables soft. Many fruits like bananas, berries, pears and peaches start out soft. However, hard fruits like apples should be cooked and served in the form of baked apples or applesauce, or saved for after symptoms subside. Grains are an important part of a healthy diet, but dry cereals and crackers can pose problems. Good alternatives include cooked cereals, such as oatmeal and cream of wheat, soft bread or rolls and rice. Tender cuts of meat, fish or legumes, such as chick peas and lentils, should replace protein sources that require a lot of chewing.
Bland Foods
Spicy, salty and acidic foods also contribute to aphthous ulcer discomfort, according to the AAP. Highly acidic fruits and vegetables like oranges, lemons, limes, pineapple, cranberries, pomegranate, tomatoes and peppers should be avoided, as should pickles and other foods such as salad dressing that rely on vinegar as one of their main ingredients. If possible, processed and canned foods should be avoided because these foods are often intentionally acidified and salted, in order to extend shelf life. Although some children refuse spicy foods even when they do not have aphthous ulcers, parents and caregivers should take particular care to avoid these ingredients when the child does have aphthous ulcers.
Cool Foods
Hot foods and beverages can easily burn the damaged tissue of an aphthous ulcer. Parents and caregivers should consider serving cool or room-temperature foods until the lesions heal. Very cold food and drinks often provide some pain relief. The AAP recommends cold drinks, milk shakes and frozen treats. Ice cubes also work well, but may present a choking hazard. Parents and caregivers should consider the child's age and development before offering ice cubes or frozen treats on sticks, like popsicles.
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