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What Are Canker Sores
Canker sores — clinically known as aphthous ulcers — are small, shallow sores that develop inside the mouth. They typically appear on the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or the soft tissue at the base of the gums, and are easily recognized by their white or gray center surrounded by a red border.
They're not contagious, they're not caused by a virus, and they're completely separate from cold sores — which appear on the outside of the lips and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Canker sores are simply irritations of the soft tissue inside the mouth, and while they aren't dangerous, they can be genuinely painful — especially for children who are eating, drinking, or talking.
Most canker sores heal on their own within one to two weeks. If your child develops sores that are unusually large, extremely painful, or don't resolve within that window, give us a call at The The CrocDoc in El Paso.
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Causes of Canker Sores in Children
The exact cause of canker sores isn't fully understood, but several factors are known to trigger them or make recurrence more likely.
- Minor Mouth Injury: A bite to the inside of the cheek, a sharp food edge, aggressive brushing, or irritation from dental appliances can all trigger a canker sore at the site of the injury.
- Stress and Fatigue: Emotional stress and lack of sleep are common triggers, particularly in school-age children and teenagers.
- Dietary Factors: Acidic or spicy foods — citrus fruits, tomatoes, hot sauce — can irritate the soft tissue and trigger sores in children who are prone to them.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of iron, zinc, folate, or B vitamins have been associated with recurring canker sores. If your child develops them frequently, it may be worth discussing nutrition with their pediatrician.
- Hormonal Changes: Adolescents going through puberty may experience an increase in canker sore frequency due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Genetics: Canker sores tend to run in families. If you experienced them frequently as a child, your child may be more susceptible.
How to Help Your Child Manage Canker Sore Discomfort
While canker sores resolve on their own, there are several ways to ease your child's discomfort while they heal.
- Rinse with warm salt water two to three times a day to soothe irritation and promote healing
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash formulated for mouth sores — these can reduce duration and discomfort
- Apply an over-the-counter topical gel or paste designed for canker sores to numb the area temporarily and protect it from further irritation
- Avoid acidic, spicy, or rough-textured foods that aggravate the sore while it heals
- Encourage your child to brush gently around the sore using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Keep your child well hydrated — a moist mouth heals faster and is less prone to irritation
When Should I Call the Dentist
Most canker sores don't require professional treatment. Contact us at The CrocDoc if your child experiences any of the following:
- Sores that are unusually large or deeply painful
- Sores that haven't healed within two weeks
- Multiple sores appearing at the same time
- Sores accompanied by fever or significant swelling
- Recurring sores that appear frequently throughout the year
- Sores that seem to be spreading or getting worse over time
Frequent or severe canker sores can occasionally signal an underlying nutritional deficiency or health condition that's worth investigating.
Painful Mouth Sores? We're Here to Help
Canker sores are common, but that doesn't mean your child has to just put up with the discomfort — and when they keep coming back, it's worth finding out why. At The CrocDoc in El Paso, we take the time to evaluate recurring mouth sores, identify any underlying triggers, and make sure nothing more serious is being overlooked. Whether it's your child's first canker sore or their fifth this year, our team is here to help.
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