CANKER SORES

(APHTHOUS ULCERS)

Canker sores are painful sores (ulcers) that occur inside the mouth.  They can be on the inner cheeks, roof of the mouth, gums and tongue.  They are usually not accompanied by a fever unless there is a concurrent viral illness.  They usually last 1 to 2 weeks.

The exact cause is unknown, but there are some theories proposing a viral etiology.  They can also be caused by minor mouth trauma (from toothbrushes, rough foods, hot foods or biting one’s own tongue or inner lip).  Some people seem to be predisposed to recurrent aphthous ulcers.  They sometimes seem to be more common in certain families.  They also may be hormonally mediated, as some girls/women have recurrences during menstruation.  Certain medications, such as immunosuppressive drugs (i.e. methotrexate) may also cause an outbreak.  It is also possible that certain foods, such as citrus, tomatoes or other spices may cause the ulcers, so you should keep a food log if the ulcers are recurrent.

They are different from “cold sores,” which are caused by the Herpes virus and occur on the outer lip, not inside the mouth.

There is no treatment to cure the ulcers, but there are some remedies which can soothe the pain.  Your child can take ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the pain. There are also some topical treatments:

• Your child can swish 1 teaspoon of an antacid, such as Mylanta, around in his/her mouth and then spit it out.  If your child is not old enough to do that you can put the antacid directly on the sores.
• There is an over-the-counter product called Orabase Soothe-N-Seal made by Colgate.  This is applied with a special swab (provided in the box) directly onto the sore and lasts longer than many of the older remedies.

If neither of these work, you can call the office and we may be able to prescribe another medicated treatment.



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