Canker sores are small ulcers in the mouth. Benign but painful, they represent a real embarrassment for babies and children. How do you know if your child has canker sores? How to relieve it? We will explain everything to you. 

A canker sore is a small, painful mouth ulceration. Canker sores are most often located on the inside of the lips, on the inside of the cheeks or on the tongue. They are common in childhood and tend to decrease with age. 

The canker sore is characterized by a small painful red spot that can then take on the appearance of a yellow or white crater. The ulceration is rounded or oval and measures on average 2 to 10 mm. It is painful especially during meals and when brushing teeth. 

If your child complains of pain in the mouth, makes faces at mealtimes or has difficulty swallowing, inspect the movable mucous areas of his mouth to spot these famous little white spots: the inside of the lips and cheeks, the edges, the underside and the tip of the tongue, but also under the tongue. The top of the gums can also be affected by canker sores (the gums attached to the bone are usually spared). 

Canker sores resolve spontaneously. Healing takes 10 to 15 days and leaves no trace in the mouth. Treatment consists of relieving the pain caused and avoiding reviving it by:

• removing foods that are too acidic or too salty from the child’s diet likely to intensify the pain, until the mouth ulcers have completely disappeared.
• monitoring the child’s oral hygiene: brushing teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste, and mouthwashes.
• avoiding foods that are too hot or spicy. 

If the pain is intense, you can apply an analgesic gel to the canker sore (s) or give an oral analgesic (in the form of a lozenge or spray). Ask your doctor or pharmacist. Your child does not want a medicine? Small tip, make him drink sparkling water. Rich in bicarbonate, a natural antiseptic, it instantly soothes pain.

Certain factors could promote the appearance of canker sores in children:

• tiredness.
• the stress.
• the consumption of certain foods: citrus fruits, nuts, tomatoes, gruyère, chocolate …
• the use of bottle nipples or non-disinfected pacifiers.
• wearing dirty objects or having dirty fingers in your mouth. 
• vitamin deficiency. 

If your child is often prone to canker sores, talk to your doctor because recurring canker sores can be a sign of an underlying problem. Also, in case of other symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, numerous lesions in the mouth, headache, vomiting and canker sores that persist for more than two weeks, have your child seen promptly by a doctor. . 

Baking soda 

Baking soda is a natural antibacterial. In a glass of lukewarm water, pour a little baking soda. Have the child gargle (if he knows how to do it) with this mixture before spitting it out. 

homeopathy

Five granules of Borax 5 CH three times a day for a week will speed up healing. If the child is too small to swallow them, dilute the granules in plenty of water.

Honey

Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. It also soothes pain in case of canker sore but also sore throat. Apply honey directly to the canker sore (with a cotton swab), preferably after meals. 

Plants

Some plants are known to relieve canker sores: myrrh and sage. Myrrh is known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in pure tincture. Dab a few drops directly on the canker sore (it stings a little but relieves effectively afterwards) or use the solution as a mouthwash (dilute about ten drops in a glass of water). Sage is a natural disinfectant, it is used in infusion or in mouthwash. 

Be careful, plants contain active ingredients that are sometimes powerful, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before giving them to your child.