Treatment approaches to common symptomatic oral lesions in children

A variety of oral mucosal lesions can be symptomatic in children. This article describes the classic clinical appearance of the most common oral diseases and provides treatment recommendations that are tailored to the pediatric age group. When possible, more than one drug alternative is given for each of the different oral conditions for an improved success rate. It is essential for the clinician to understand that this article should be used as a guide for managing oral and perioral lesions in children and adolescents. Specific dosages and formularies of drugs may require modification in the young child. Consultation with a primary care physician and pharmacist often is needed to ensure the best possible outcome, especially when immunosuppressive drugs are indicated. Most importantly, oral lesions that do not respond to therapeutic protocols should be referred to the appropriate specialist for definitive diagnosis and treatment.