Oral canker sores are small ulcerations affecting the oral mucosa; they can be observed on the gums, on the sides of the tongue, on the inner edge of the lips and cheeks, as well as on the palate.

These lesions, by damaging the epithelium that lines the mouth, expose the nerve endings to all external stimuli (thermal, mechanical, chemical) causing painful symptoms .

The dimensions vary from a few millimeters to over a centimeter; the shape is oval or round; generally they present with yellowish exudate in the center and, around, an inflamed red halo. They usually appear in successive waves. The severity is highly variable, they can be single or multiple, and they are not contagious.

They affect adults, as well as children. However, major canker sores , i.e. those with a diameter greater than one centimeter, occur mainly in childhood and adolescence.

When oral aphthae appear periodically we speak of recurrent aphthous stomatosis , a disease that can occur at any age but is found more frequently in children and adolescents.

Causes of mouth ulcers

The causes of mouth ulcers are not fully known to date. It is believed that the functioning of the immune system may be involved ; a certain familiarity was observed for the recurrent forms. Furthermore, other predisposing or triggering factors have been identified: avoiding them, where possible, the formation of oral canker sores can be prevented. These are:

• food intolerance
• local trauma : for example caused by braces, bites, hot drinks and food, sharp food, fractured teeth …
• emotional factors , and therefore anxiety, physical and mental stress …
• excessive exposure to aggressive surfactants (organic compounds that dissolved in water promote the solubility of dirt and are found in detergents and toothpastes) which, in the long run, can favor the appearance of mouth ulcers
• deficiency of vitamins and other nutrients

Prevention of mouth ulcers in children

To prevent canker sores in children, especially in those who have shown a predisposition to the disorder, it is necessary to:

• avoid too hard foods and excessively hot drinks , which could cause trauma to the oral mucosa;
• take great care of oral hygiene , using toothpastes without sodium lauryl sulfate , a rather aggressive surfactant, and brushes with soft bristles, which help not to traumatize the gums;
• avoid foods that can more easily irritate the oral mucosa, that is, for example, those that are too salty or acidic .

Treating oral canker sores in children with natural remedies

Aphthae usually resolve spontaneously ; the time varies according to the severity of the disturbance. Mild canker sores usually go away in about 10-15 days. There are, however, numerous treatments, both pharmacological and natural, which allow to alleviate the disorder and help speed up recovery times. Some remedies used in adults are not suitable for children.

Here are some natural methods that can also be used in children:

• live lactic ferments which, favoring the regular function of the intestine and the defense of the organism against the lowering of the immune defenses, help both in the prevention and in the treatment of canker sores;
• foods rich in vitamin C and sometimes, on the advice of the pediatrician, it is also possible to resort to supplementation through supplements ;
• propolis : helps relieve pain and burning;
• fresh garlic which children probably won’t like, but if they accept it can be rubbed directly on the canker sores and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, will help speed up its disappearance;
• Mallow : Older children can gargle with mallow-based infusions.

Find out which lactic ferments are best suited for children

If you suspect the presence of canker sores in your children, contact your pediatrician . Mouth ulcer lesions can sometimes be confused with herpes labialis , and the diagnosis should always be made by a doctor . Furthermore, your trusted pediatrician will be able to advise you on the best therapy indicated for the specific case.