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Mouth Ulcers, Canker Sores

Canker sores: The #1 cause of mouth ulcers.
- 1 to 3 painful, white ulcers of the inner cheeks or gums (no fever).
- Causes include injuries from rough food, tooth brushes, biting, food irritants, etc.
Antacid for Pain Relief:
- Use a liquid antacid 4 times per day for pain relief.
- Children over age 4 can use 1 teaspoon as a mouth wash after meals (some parents prefer regular mouth washes, but they may sting).
- For younger children, put ½ teaspoon in the front of the mouth after meals.
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for severe pain (especially at bedtime)
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
Diet:
- Offer a soft diet.
- Encourage favorite fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Cold drinks, milkshakes, and Popsicles are especially good.
- Avoid salty foods, citrus fruits and foods that need much chewing.
- For infants, give fluids by cup, spoon, or syringe rather than a bottle (Reason: The nipple can cause pain).
Contagiousness: Canker sores are not contagious. Children with fever or many mouth ulcers need to be examined before returning to day care or school.
Expected Course: They heal up in 1 to 2 weeks. Once they occur, no treatment can shorten the course, but treatment can reduce the amount of pain.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.