How to Prevent Canker Sores in Children
Canker sores are ulcers on the lining of the mouth and can make eating and drinking extremely difficult. They can happen in both adults and children. Children get particularly upset because of them and refuse to eat, apprehensive that it will irritate the sores. These sores appear as red spots which develop into whitish sores in later stages. A single sore can affect the whole mouth and at times they even appear in bundles. Contrary to popular belief, these sores are not contagious. The sores cause discomfort as long as they are there. They usually disappear on their own in a couple of days, although harder cases may take long. There are many ways to treat canker sores. However, nothing is better than prevention in the first place. We have some suggestions for parents who want their children to avoid canker sores right in the first place.
Instructions
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1
Oral hygiene:
To avoid canker sores, it is very important that you take care of the oral hygiene of your children. Make your children brush regularly, twice a day. This is not only necessary for clean healthy teeth but also for a cleansed mouth, free of bacteria and contaminants that promote such sores. A clean mouth is a sore free one. Do not let small children put dirty knuckles or fingers into their mouth because it can trigger a sore reaction.
Sharp utensils like forks can injure the mouth lining and cause sores, use soft plastic utensils for the children. -
2
Choice of tooth paste:
There are some elements that encourage formation of such sores. One of these is sodium lauryl sulfate. While buying tooth paste for your children, make sure that this ingredient is not included because it is known to encourage sores. -
3
Diet:
You may have noticed that the sores get extremely painful when your child eats spicy and acidic food. So to prevent these sores in the first place, it is necessary that you keep children away from such food which have high level of spice so that sores keep away. It will also keep away your children from diseases related to ear, nose and throat.
Incorporate yogurt into the regular diet of your children. Yogurt is helpful against sores.
Canker sores can also be caused by nutritional deficiencies especially of folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron. If your child suffers regularly from canker sores, a diet rich in these elements and supplements can help him avoid them.
