Author: Marina Peterson, dentist at AP-Denta clinic, practicing since 2005, Torrevieja, Costa Blanca. Publication date: June 23, 2026.
Aphthous stomatitis is an inflammatory lesion of the oral mucosa in which painful ulcers (aphthae) 2–10 mm in diameter, with a white coating and a red border, appear on the inside of the cheeks, tongue, or palate. According to observations by pediatric dentists at the AP-Denta clinic in Torrevieja, aphthae most commonly occur in children aged 1 to 6 years and, with proper care, resolve on their own within 7–14 days. Despite its benign course, this is one of the most frequent reasons for parents to visit a pediatric dentist on the Costa Blanca coast.
Why does a child develop aphthous stomatitis
The exact cause of aphthous stomatitis is not fully understood, but dentists identify five main triggering factors: mucosal trauma (biting the cheek, hard toothbrush, braces), allergic reaction to foods or toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), viral and bacterial infections, decreased immunity due to acute respiratory infections or stress, and deficiency of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12. In children in Torrevieja, we also more frequently record exacerbations in summer — due to dehydration in the heat and frequent swimming in chlorinated pool water.
Symptoms: how to recognize aphthous stomatitis in a child
The first sign is a mild burning sensation or redness of the mucosal area 1–2 days before the ulcer appears. Then the aphtha forms: a round ulcer with a white or yellow coating and a red border. The child refuses food, especially sour, salty, and hot foods, sometimes fever of 37.5–38 °C develops, and the submandibular lymph nodes become enlarged. In children under 3 years of age, symptoms are often confused with teething or herpetic stomatitis — however, herpetic stomatitis is accompanied by multiple vesicles throughout the oral cavity and higher fever (above 38.5 °C).
How symptoms change day by day: table for parents
| Day | What happens | What parents should do |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Burning sensation, redness of the mucosal area, the child is fussy for no apparent reason | Start treating the mouth with an antiseptic, eliminate sour and salty foods |
| 3–5 | The aphtha forms, peak pain, possible refusal to eat and fever up to 38 °C | Anesthetic gel before meals, soft warm food, plenty of fluids |
| 6–9 | The coating decreases, pain gradually subsides | Continue antiseptic treatment, bland diet |
| 10–14 | The aphtha heals without scarring | If the ulcer has not healed by day 14 — consult a dentist |
Treatment of aphthous stomatitis in children: step-by-step plan
Step 1. Pain relief and soft diet
The first task is to relieve pain so that the child does not refuse food and drink. Topical gels with antiseptic and anesthetic effects, approved from an early age, are used — in Spanish farmacias they are sold without a prescription, but the specific medication, age, and dosage should be checked with the pharmacist or pediatrician, and not chosen independently. Diet during this period should be soft, warm, non-acidic food: purees, cereals, broths. Citrus fruits, juices, and salty snacks are completely excluded for 7–10 days.
Step 2. Antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity
Rinses or sprays with antiseptic solutions (as prescribed by a doctor) reduce the risk of bacterial superinfection and accelerate healing. For children who cannot yet rinse their mouth on their own, the antiseptic is applied to the aphtha with a cotton swab 2–3 times a day after meals. Using honey, cauterization with alcohol, or warming to treat aphthae is not allowed — these methods damage the already inflamed mucosa and prolong healing.
Step 3. When to be sure to see a dentist
It is urgent to see a pediatric dentist if: the aphthae do not resolve within 14 days; fever remains above 38.5 °C for more than two days; ulcers appear on the outside of the lip (this may be herpes, not aphthous stomatitis); the child refuses any liquid for more than 6 hours. At the AP-Denta clinic in Torrevieja, such children are seen on the day of the request.
Prevention of recurrent aphthous stomatitis
To reduce the risk of recurrent episodes, AP-Denta dentists recommend: switching to a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), using a soft brush and, if necessary, a water flosser instead of aggressive brushing, checking iron and vitamin B12 levels with a pediatrician in case of frequent recurrences (3 or more episodes per year), and in summer, monitoring the child's fluid intake and rinsing the mouth after swimming in the pool.
Why parents in Torrevieja choose AP-Denta
The AP-Denta clinic sees children with acute pain on the day of the request, consultations are conducted by Russian-, English-, and Spanish-speaking dentists, and diagnostics are tailored to the child's age. This is organizational information about the clinic and is not part of the medical recommendation above.
Questions and answers
How many days does aphthous stomatitis last in a child?
In most cases, aphthae heal on their own within 7–14 days without scarring. If the ulcer persists for more than 14 days or new aphthae appear without interruption, a dentist's consultation is needed — this may be a recurrent form requiring a separate treatment regimen.
How does aphthous stomatitis differ from herpetic stomatitis?
In aphthous stomatitis, there are usually 1–3 large ulcers with a distinct red border and moderate fever. Herpetic stomatitis presents with many small vesicles throughout the oral cavity, higher fever (above 38.5 °C), and is often accompanied by eruptions on the outside of the lips. If herpes is suspected, the treatment differs, so an in-person examination is needed.
Can I apply honey to a child's aphthae?
No. Honey and other folk "cauterizing" remedies do not disinfect the aphtha, but additionally irritate the inflamed mucosa and slow down healing. Furthermore, honey is not recommended for children under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism. Use only products recommended by a doctor or pharmacist.
