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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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My nephew is 14 months old and has just been diagnosed with cankers in his mouth. These cankers are huge. Is there anything that my sister can do to ease the pain that he goes through in the middle of the night? He has had three sleepless nights so far and judging from the size of the cankers she is in for many more. Her doctor said there is nothing to do for him but to wait it out. Isn't there anything over the counter that will freeze them or help them go away quicker?
Most often "cankers" are in fact aphthous ulcers. These are erosions of the mucous membranes inside the mouth which are caused by viruses or the body's immune system. Unfortunately, there is not much which will help them except time. Sometimes antibiotic mouthwashes will help with symptoms, but they are generally not tolerated by kids because of taste. Cool liquids, popsicles or topical anesthetics will sometimes help temporarily."