Ouch! I Have a Canker Sore!

Aphthous ulcers, aka “Canker Sores”, are recurrent painful ulcers that occur in one-third of children. To learn the common causes and what you can do to heal them, read on!

What Causes Canker Sores?

The cause can vary from trauma from a food source like a chip, acidic foods such as oranges, tomatoes or lemons, or acidic drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, or highly acidic fruit juices.  Some of these can even start with the bristle of a toothbrush, chemicals in some tartar control or whitening toothpaste, and orthodontic brackets and wires. There does seem to be a correlation with a genetic predisposition and if your child is immunocompromised, they may be more likely to get these ulcers.

How Can I Prevent and Heal Canker Sores?

To help prevent these, reduce, or eliminate these acidic foods and drinks for a while to see if the ulcers stay away.  Also, have your child change to a plain toothpaste without any additives, and use a soft toothbrush.  In the meantime, know that the ulcers will go away in about 7-10 days, and there is some over the counter and prescription medication that can be used to help, but it is best to see your dentist or pediatric dentist to choose the more appropriate remedy. 

About the Practice

With Dr. Melissa Rozas leading the way, our team is here to help growing smiles all over the Coppell area stay strong and healthy. In addition to offering a wide range of treatments, we take pride in being a reliable resource for parents and children. That way, you can help protect your favorite smile from tooth decay and other oral health problems. If you would like to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (972) 393-9779.