Braces are orthodontic appliances designed to gradually adjust the alignment of teeth and jaws. Although braces are confined entirely to the mouth, they can indirectly cause symptoms perceived as a sore throat. The appliances do not extend into the pharynx, but their presence alters the oral environment, causing discomfort in the back of the mouth or upper throat. Understanding these connections helps differentiate temporary irritation from an actual illness.
Indirect Mechanisms That Affect the Throat
The introduction of brackets and wires can change breathing patterns. Many patients unconsciously breathe through their mouths more often, especially while sleeping, due to the new sensation. This shift significantly decreases the moisture level of the mouth and pharynx.
This increased airflow leads to dryness, known as xerostomia, often most noticeable upon waking. When the throat’s mucous membranes become dehydrated, they feel scratchy, raw, or sore, mimicking a viral sore throat. Hydrating quickly usually resolves this irritation.
Braces also create new surfaces where food particles and plaque easily accumulate. If oral hygiene is not rigorous, the bacterial load in the mouth increases substantially, contributing to gingivitis or localized inflammation.
The increased bacteria and inflammation can irritate the back of the throat or lead to canker sores. Although this is not a throat infection, the generalized discomfort can be interpreted as persistent throat soreness.
Distinguishing Braces-Related Irritation from Illness
Most sore throats experienced while wearing braces are caused by unrelated issues, such as viral infections. Soreness resulting from the appliance differs from a systemic illness. Appliance-related irritation is localized to the mouth, gums, or pharyngeal area due to dryness, and resolves quickly after drinking water or a saltwater rinse.
A sore throat caused by a cold, strep throat, or other infection is accompanied by systemic symptoms. These include a fever, body aches, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes. An illness-related sore throat is persistent throughout the day and does not disappear after hydration.
Allergies and post-nasal drip are frequent, non-braces causes of throat irritation. Post-nasal drip, where mucus runs down the back of the throat, causes chronic irritation and a cough. Patients should evaluate symptoms for nasal congestion or sneezing, which suggests an environmental or infectious cause rather than one linked to orthodontic treatment.
When to Seek Professional Advice
It is important to determine if the discomfort is a minor side effect or a sign of a larger medical issue. If soreness is primarily located in the gums or caused by a sharp wire or bracket, the orthodontist should be contacted. They can apply orthodontic wax or adjust the appliance to alleviate localized irritation.
A primary care physician should be consulted if the sore throat is accompanied by significant systemic symptoms. These red flags include a high fever, white spots on the tonsils, difficulty swallowing, or symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours without improvement. These signs suggest a bacterial infection like strep throat or a significant viral illness requiring medical diagnosis and treatment.