Braces are highly effective for straightening teeth, but the metal hardware introduces friction where the soft tissues of the mouth meet the brackets and wires. This constant rubbing often results in small, painful abrasions, commonly known as mouth sores or ulcers, which can make eating and speaking uncomfortable. Managing these sores involves a two-part approach: providing immediate relief for the existing sore and preventing new irritation from forming. This guide offers practical solutions to soothe discomfort and promote faster healing.
Treating Existing Sores with Topical Remedies
The first step in managing a mouth sore is to reduce pain and encourage healing. Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day is a simple and effective remedy. This solution acts as a mild antiseptic, keeping the ulcer clean and reducing inflammation by drawing fluid out of the surrounding tissue, which can minimize swelling.
For more direct pain relief, over-the-counter topical anesthetic gels containing benzocaine can be applied directly to the sore. These gels temporarily numb the nerve endings, providing a short window of comfort, especially before meals. Specialized oral rinses formulated for canker sores, often containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, are also beneficial. These rinses gently cleanse the wound and provide an antiseptic effect. When using any topical gel, gently dry the sore with a cotton swab first to ensure the medication adheres properly.
Physical Barriers to Prevent Further Irritation
Protecting a sore from the source of trauma is crucial for tissue repair. Orthodontic wax is a simple, non-toxic material designed to create a smooth, temporary barrier over the abrasive parts of your braces. To apply it, pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball between clean fingers to soften it, and then press it firmly over the offending bracket or wire.
Silicone covers, sometimes provided by an orthodontist, function similarly but offer a more durable shield than wax. Applying silicone requires the bracket to be completely dry for proper adhesion, but the result is a protective layer that does not need frequent reapplication. If a wire has shifted and is poking the inner cheek, place a small piece of wax over the sharp end to cover it until you can see your orthodontist.
Adjusting Diet and Hygiene for Faster Healing
Accelerating the healing of mouth sores involves temporary adjustments to your diet and gentle hygiene practices. While a sore is present, strictly avoid highly acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, or spicy foods, as these can sting and irritate the raw tissue. Crunchy, hard, or sharp foods like chips, nuts, or crusty bread should also be avoided because their texture can re-injure the sore.
Opting for soft, bland foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs minimizes chewing and prevents unnecessary contact with the sore. The body’s ability to repair mucosal tissue is supported by certain nutrients, particularly B vitamins and iron. Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and iron have been linked to an increased frequency of oral ulcers, so maintaining adequate levels through diet or supplements is beneficial.
Your oral hygiene routine must also become more gentle around irritated areas. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush slowly and carefully around the brackets to prevent further injury. Good hydration is important, as a moist mouth promotes healthy saliva production, which contains antibodies that aid in healing.
Signs That Require an Orthodontist Visit
While most mouth sores caused by braces are minor and will heal completely within one to two weeks with at-home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional intervention. Contact your orthodontist if a sore does not show any signs of improvement or begins to worsen after seven days of diligent at-home treatment.
Seek professional help if you notice clear signs of infection, such as severe, spreading redness, the presence of pus, or significant swelling that makes eating or speaking difficult. A persistent fever accompanying the sore is another indication that the body is fighting a more serious infection. Additionally, if the source of the irritation is broken or displaced hardware, like a loose bracket or a wire that has shifted and cannot be covered with wax, an adjustment is necessary. Leaving damaged equipment untreated can cause significant trauma to your oral tissues.