Canker Sores Treatment for Kids and Teens in NYC

Canker sores may require seeing the dentist. In our pediatric dentistry center on NYC’s Upper East Side we use a dental soft tissue laser that can seal off nerve endings and promote faster healing.

Canker sores (aphthous stomatitis) are small, shallow ulcers characterized as non-malignant, non-contagious, and non-sexually transmitted sores within the oral cavity.

Their appearance is of a round or elongated ulcer with a yellow, white, or grey floor surrounded by a reddened halo. Canker sores occur as superficial lesions within the mouth, specifically on the oral mucosa of the floor of the mouth, cheeks, and vestibule and are sometimes concentrated towards the anterior portion of the mouth.

The most common form of canker sores have a diameter of less than 10 mm, occur in multiples of 1 to 5 ulcers, and lasts for 7 to 14 days with a 3-month recurrence rate. They initially appear in childhood and adolescence, affect up to 25% of the general population, and are more common in females. These ulcers cure spontaneously and the time between ulcer recurrences is variable.

Canker sores are distinct from cold sores. Cold sores, termed fever blisters and herpes virus type 1 blisters, are lesions caused by viral infection, occur as fluid-filled vesicles which are painful, are highly contagious, and are often found outside the mouth. Canker sores are found inside the mouth.

Cause of Canker Sores

The cause of canker sores is unknown but apparently involves an immunological aspect activated by the type of white blood cell termed a cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte (“T-cells”). An ulcer results from the destruction of the mucosa (i.e., the surface, moist lining of the inner mouth and tongue) mediated through a T-cell mediated immune response.

The trigger for this response is not known, yet is considered a multifactorial. Although there is some aspect of genetic predisposition, other factors that may trigger ulcer formation include:

• nutritional deficiencies (e.g., of vitamin B12 and folic acid)
• allergic reactions to certain foods (e.g., tomatoes)
• sensitivity to commercial chemicals (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate present in some brands of toothpaste)
• emotional stress
• trauma
• abrasion by dental appliances (e.g., braces)

Canker Sores Treatment

As these ulcers are self-limiting (i.e., the lesions will go away by themselves), treatment focuses on reducing pain, healing time, and lowering frequency of recurrence.

Pain is most intense on the days immediately following the emergence of the ulcer and subsequently subsides as the healing process progresses; no scarring is evident.

For most, the pain is tolerable and dietary modification may be suggested, such as:

• avoidance of spicy foods
• citric and acidic foods and beverages

Some cases of canker sores may require the need for topical anesthetics to reduce pain and therapeutic mouthwashes to decrease the number of ulcer days.

Some cases of canker sores may require seeing the dentist for appropriate medications and topical medications. In our practice we use a dental soft tissue laser that can quickly lessen the discomfort by sealing off nerve endings and can promote faster healing.

Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Sara B. Babich, DDS
116 E 84th St
New York, NY 10028
(84th St. btw Park Ave / Lex Ave)
☎ 212-988-4070

Contact us today to learn more about our
New York City pediatric dentistry practice 212.988.4070