Mouth sores, often called ulcers or canker sores, are a common irritation for individuals with braces. These painful spots typically develop when brackets and wires rub against soft tissues like the cheeks, lips, or tongue. They can appear as whitish, red, yellow, or gray swollen spots, causing discomfort during eating or speaking. Understanding how to manage and prevent these sores can significantly improve comfort throughout orthodontic treatment.
Immediate Soothing Strategies
When mouth sores appear, several immediate strategies can help alleviate pain and promote healing. Applying orthodontic wax directly to irritating brace components creates a protective barrier between the metal and sensitive oral tissues. This barrier reduces friction and allows existing sores to heal.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm saltwater solution can provide significant relief. This rinse helps clean the sore, reduce swelling, and eliminate bacteria, promoting a healthier healing environment. Rinsing with a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution can also help prevent infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Oral medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation. Topical oral anesthetics, such as benzocaine gels, can be applied directly to the sore for targeted numbing relief. These treatments create a protective layer, providing localized pain reduction.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Consuming cold foods like ice cream or sipping ice water offers a cooling, numbing sensation inside the mouth, alleviating inflammation and pain. Chamomile tea bags can also be placed on the sore; their antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties may reduce pain and swelling.
Preventing Future Sores
Proactive measures can significantly reduce the occurrence of mouth sores from braces. Maintaining consistent oral hygiene is important, as a clean mouth is less susceptible to sores and infections. Brush teeth and braces after every meal, and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque. Poor oral hygiene makes the mouth more vulnerable to developing sores.
Dietary adjustments also play a role in prevention. Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods that can damage braces and irritate oral tissues. Acidic, spicy, or overly salty foods, citrus fruits, and carbonated beverages can worsen existing sores and trigger new ones. Opt for softer foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, which are gentler on the mouth.
Regularly applying orthodontic wax to areas prone to irritation, even before a sore develops, acts as a physical barrier. This prevents friction between the braces and soft tissues, allowing the mouth to adapt more comfortably. Apply wax to any bracket or wire causing irritation, creating a smooth surface.
Staying adequately hydrated is another preventive step. Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production, the mouth’s natural defense against bacteria, and rinses away food particles. A dry mouth increases the likelihood of developing sores.
When to Consult Your Orthodontist
While many mouth sores from braces can be managed with home remedies, professional consultation is necessary in specific situations. If a sore persists for more than one to two weeks without healing, or becomes unusually large, a visit to the orthodontist is recommended. These instances may indicate an underlying issue requiring professional assessment.
Signs of infection warrant immediate attention, including increasing pain, spreading redness, swelling, fever, or pus around the sore. An orthodontist can identify if a misaligned or broken wire or bracket is continuously irritating the mouth, preventing healing and potentially leading to infection. Addressing such mechanical issues promptly prevents further complications.