Between brushings, offer your child a soft, bland diet. Avoid foods with heavy seasoning or spicy sauces. The Indian Dental Association notes that the nutritional concepts that apply to preventing infection and enhancing wound healing apply to the prevention and management of periodontal disease. These include the need for adequate protein, calories, vitamin C, iron and zinc. Offer your child scrambled eggs, oatmeal, creamy soup, Greek yogurt, tofu, macaroni and cheese, steamed vegetables, applesauce, pancakes or protein shakes. Make sure your child continues to drink fluids, too. Icy cold water, milk or diluted grape juice are least likely to irritate the sores.
Although canker sores are painful, they are not an excuse to give up on daily oral care. Work slowly, use alcohol-free dental products and offer a diet of bland, soft foods until your child's mouth fully heals.