Kids and teens are prone to canker sores or, aphthous ulcers. Diets, hormonal changes, acidic, accidental cheek trauma and certain processed foods can contribute to the formation of canker sores. They can be extremely painful and uncomfortable and often seem to never heal. Braces and broken orthodontic equipment can be another cause and many parents call us about these little nuisances so we thought we’d talk a little about them and how to best handle them when they do form.
First, canker sores are not cold sores.
We’ve all heard canker sores called cold sores. However, they aren’t really the same thing at all. Cold sores are caused by a herpes virus that over 90% of the world population carries – it’s contagious. These sores tend to form on the outside of the lip and come with a tingle as they are “bubbling” to the surface. But canker sores/aphthous ulcers are caused internally in the individual by his/her diet, stress or hormonal changes. It’s not contagious and it’s not viral or bacterial.
Cold sores are also outside the mouth. They look like infected pimples that grow on or around the lips. Canker sores are always inside the mouth.
Causes of canker sores:
- Food allergies (like gluten and wheat sensitivity)
- Vitamin and mineral deficiency (very common in picky eaters who may not get enough vitamins and zinc in their diet)
- Reaction to certain toothpastes (especially cinnamon flavored ones)
- Stress (very common during examination times!)
- Hormonal changes (very common in teens)
- Mechanical trauma (biting the cheek, braces, retainers with sharp points/edges, a broken tooth with a sharp point left untreated, brushing too hard, hard foods with sharp edges like pretzels and chips)
- Acidic and processed food (anything boxed or foil wrapped can cause canker sores. Tomato sauce processed foods are a common culprit, and chocolate drinks, fizzy drinks, and juice boxes)
- SLS in some toothpastes (sodium lauryl sulfate makes toothpaste bubbly and it can cause cankers)
How to best treat them:
Salt water rinses increase blood flow to the canker sore and coax it to close. It’s very effective in a concentrated oral rinse that you swish in your mouth. It can sting a lot, so younger kids may balk at it. But if they can take it, do it. You can also try oil pulling with virgin coconut oil to soothe and heal the area.
We can prescribe medications and can even recommend an in-dental-office low power laser treatment if your child is in tremendous pain or won’t tolerate the salt water rinses. These laser treatments have been clinically proven to shorten the duration of the canker sore and reduce discomfort associated with it. Avoid ibuprofen and other over the counter pain medications because they can just delay healing. Be sure to give us a call if you suspect the cause is from orthodontic equipment!
DO NOT USE:
- Hydrogen peroxide – again, there’s no bacteria to kill. This only irritates the canker sore further and causes more pain and can delay healing!
- Mouthwash – there’s no bacteria in a canker sore, so mouthwash will only sting without promoting healing
- Canker sore covers – they don’t help at all and only prolong and irritate the sore
If your child is prone to canker sores you may consider getting an allergy test as a diet change and/or supplements may be beneficial.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. The ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
