Toddler Getting Canker Sores

You said "in" his mouth? To me that sounds like a canker sore vs a cold sore. So maybe get that clarified first because a canker sore is a very minor thing that needs no treatment, isn't contagious, etc. Not a lot of info about what causes canker sores though can run in families, be aggravated by stress, or reflect vitamin deficiency (b12), or even caused by certain ingredients is toothpaste or mouthwash.

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my son is now 7 but he has been getting cold sores since he was between one and two. By his eyes, nose and mouth.
At first the doctor thought it could be impentigo but then he culured it and it was coldsores.
He now has prescription from the doctor: Acyclovir 200mg liquid and it works great!!!!
I also put abreva on it from the drug store.

Does your child drink a lot of juice? My almost 3-year old had a couple of cold sores recently, and I realized it's most likely due to his drinking a lot of orange juice. I've read that the high acidity in the juice can cause cold sores. The two cold sores he had (two separate occasions) went away pretty quickly on their own and I've since diluted and cut down his juice intake, which he needed to do anyway, he was getting addicted!

Some things that can cause canker sores:

1) Eating foods with too much acid. Orange juice is a big one.

2) Acquiring one of the herpes viruses, which is responsible for canker sores. Most people, if they acquire the virus that causes canker sores in their mouths, are deficient in the amino acid L-Lysine. I am not sure if this is given to a child, or if it is, how much can be given. However, a naturopathic doctor can test your son and, if he's deficient in L-Lysine, can tell you how much to give him.

3) Another area in which people acquire a lot of canker sores is if they have problems digesting the gliadin protein, known as gluten in wheat, rye, barley, and oats (if they're cross-contaminated with wheat), along with all the subspecies in the wheat family, of which there are several. While only about 2% of the population tests positive for Celiac disease, up to 40% actually have what is called Gluten Intolerance. If this is your son's problem, only strict avoidance of anything made with gluten with make the canker sores stay away. A naturopathic doctor can test your son to see if he has the antibodies for gliadin/gluten, and they can also test at the same time for food intolerances.

Prescription medications for ear infections generally do not cause canker sores.

My daughter used to get these, I get them once in a great while, and my husband gets them all the time. My husband and I both have the herpes virus that causes canker sores. My husband is very affected by orange juice, and any time he drinks some, he gets a big canker sore in his mouth. My husband, my daughter, and myself have all tested positive for gliadin/gluten intolerance. If we stay away from eating anything with wheat protein, we don't get canker sores.

I hope some of this information is helpful. Canker sores are very painful. I hope you find the source/cause of the
problem so you can help your son. I'd put my money into taking him to see a naturopathic doctor and being tested. You'll be thankful you did.

Good luck.

I would first start with your toddler's doctor. When he has an outbreak, bring him in to have it cultured to see if it truly is a cold sore. If it does come back positive for Herpes Simplex I; that is what a cold sore is. It means the person now has Hepes Simplex I which they will have for life. If he does have it, then it just means teaching him as he grows about the disease. You will ten be able to get medication from the doctor to aid with outbreaks as well as aid with suppression. If a child has acquired it at this young of an age, it usually is because some adult with the virus has been sharing kisses, a drink or spoon/fork. I hope it is just another rash. Good luck.

I am not sure about totally preventing them but make sure that he is not having too many acidic things to eat/ drink (orange juice, tomatoes, citric fruits etc.) You should also try to switch the tooth paste that he is using. I have found that when I use crest products that I get them a lot but sense switching to aquafresh I hardly ever get them. My mom has also said that gargling with cider vinegar has helped her get rid of them faster too. Maybe just rubbing some on them will help b/c I am not sure that I could teach my 3yo how to gargle. good luck!

folic acid. folic acid will prevent canker sores and take them away faster. folic acid is usually present in normal daily vitamin. take one vitamin a day and he should not get canker sores!