Can Soft Tissue Laser Treatment Treat Pediatric Canker Sores?
If your kid has a sore inside the mouth, it’s most likely a canker sore. In a dentist’s language, these are oral ulcers that appear on soft tissues inside the mouth, like on the inside of cheeks, lips, tongue, or gums. When kids get them, they’re called pediatric canker sores. They can cause pain while kids eat, brush, or speak.
While most sores will cure in a week or two without any assistance, the pain and disruption can be daunting for a young child. That’s why parents will seek options – faster healing, less pain, fewer days lost, snacks, and a brighter smile.
Where Does Laser Treatment Fit In?
One of the modern options in children’s dentistry is what we call laser therapy of soft tissues. There, the laser isn’t used to drill teeth – it’s used to heal ulcers and other tissue lesions. For pediatric canker sores, the expectation is that a soft laser beam will reduce pain, calm inflammation, and facilitate healing sooner.
Children’s soft tissue conditions have promising studies. Systematic review of the pediatric oral soft-tissue condition using a laser showed advantages like less bleeding, shorter procedure time, and fewer complications post-procedure.
What To Say When You’re At The Dentist With Your Child
When you’re at the dentist’s office (like a pediatric dental clinic) and you mention that your child has recurrent or chronic canker sores, they might recommend soft tissue laser treatment for them. Here are helpful questions for parents to ask their pediatric dentist in Allen:
- Is soft tissue laser treatment available here, and has it been used on canker sores in kids?
- What are the benefits, and how many visits would it take?
- How does it feel for the child? Is there anything with anesthesia?
- What’s the cost or insurance coverage?
- Is there any risk of complications or what to avoid afterward (e.g., care instructions or activity restrictions)?
When Laser Might Make Sense
Laser therapy may be the most suitable when:
- The child has several large ulcers that affect eating, speech, or brushing.
- Topical treatment, consistent oral hygiene, and staying away from provokers haven’t been effective enough.
- You desire a minimally invasive option that perhaps speeds healing and reduces pain.
On the other hand, if a child has a small, minor canker sore that heals within seven days and doesn’t cause much interference, home oral care may be quite sufficient.
If your child has pediatric canker sores and regular procedures are not enough, exploring soft tissue laser therapy with your dentist is a wise step. The research indicates that this method has the ability to reduce pain and promote recovery in a kid-friendly way.
In the meantime, proper oral hygiene, observation for causatives (such as foods that can irritate the inside of the mouth or lip trauma), and keeping up with dental check-ups are required.
Call Jupiter Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics today to schedule an appointment. Help your child feel better sooner and get back to loving their smile.
