An aphthous ulcer is another term to describe a canker sore. Aphthous ulcers appear in your child's mouth, most often on the inner lining of the lip or cheek. Canker sores are not contagious and are very common in children older than 5. Home care measures provide your child with some relief, but canker sores generally clear on their own within a couple of weeks.
Symptoms
Aphthous ulcers are small sores that approximate the size of a pencil eraser or a single kernel of corn. The sores appear red around the edges and a lighter color, either yellow or gray, in the center. Mouth ulcers most often develop singly rather than in bunches. Younger children who are not able to articulate the discomfort they feel might cry when eating or when brushing their teeth due to the pain of a canker sore.
Causes
The exact cause of an aphthous ulcer in a child is not clear, but certain behaviors could increase your child's risk of developing sores. Make sure your child is well rested and emotionally calm, as both chronic fatigue and stress lead to canker sores in some children -- and adults. Your child may be more likely to develop mouth ulcers if she also suffers from a variety of allergies, according to the American Dental Association. Your child's brushing habits could play a role in the development of oral ulcers; encourage your child to brush her teeth gently without scrubbing her teeth and gums too aggressively. Pre-existing sores in the mouth from biting the inside of the cheek or lip and the scraping of rough edges of braces are also contributing factors to aphthous ulcers in children.
Treatment
Oral anesthetic gels, the same type of over-the-counter product you might have used to dull the pain when your child was teething, provides some relief to a child's canker sore. Have your child rinse his mouth with water to ensure that all food particles are removed from the area of the aphthous ulcer. Dry the ulcerated area with a soft cloth before gently rubbing the medication on to the sore. A short-lived stinging pain is likely upon application of a topical anesthetic before the active ingredient takes effect. Aphthous ulcers caused by irritation from braces or other orthodontic appliances should be examined by your child's orthodontist or dentist. Remedies to prevent further irritation include covering sharp wires or brackets with dental wax. Antibiotics may be required to treat canker sores that do not heal on their own or become infected.
Lifestyle
Adjust your child's diet when he has an active canker sore to avoid aggravation of the ulcer. Foods that are highly acidic, including orange juice, and carbonated soft drinks increase the discomfort of a canker sore. Spicy foods, including salsa, also are likely to irritate the ulcerated tissues. Cut back on foods with sharp edges that can poke at a sore, such as chips and toasted bread.
