Management of Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients: A Practical Overview of Available Treatment

Oral mucositis (OM) is an inflammatory condition associated with breakdown of the protective mucosal barrier. Clinically, it can range from mucosal erythema to painful ulcerations that can lead to malnutrition, secondary infection, and increased medical costs due to hospitalizations. Existing literature regarding OM primarily investigates antineoplastic-induced OM in the adult population; however, many non-oncologic disease processes can present with OM, including autoimmune and infectious conditions such as pemphigus vulgaris, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, and reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption. Management of OM is largely palliative and can be grouped into four domains: pain control, oral decontamination, nutritional support, and palliation of dry mouth. This review aims to articulate the current topical management strategies for symptom relief and treatment of OM in children secondary to non-oncologic disease processes. Future studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base for interventions in children with refractory OM that is not caused by oncotherapy.