How to Get Rid of Canker Sores from Braces

You're just sitting at your computer desk, minding your business when that familiar, irony substance fills your mouth just enough to taste the copper.

Blood. But where is it coming from?

You rush to the restroom to open your mouth, only to see that familiar sight: a small, white sore on the inside of your mouth, right next to your braces. It's a canker sore from the metal pressing against your gum and causing it to become irritated.

Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can be caused by a variety of factors, including braces. Sore spots around your mouth and cheeks may indicate the presence of canker sores.

Luckily, there are some things that you can do to get rid of these pesky sores from braces as fast as possible! To get rid of a canker sore from braces, there are several steps you can take to reduce discomfort and help it heal faster.

First, try to identify the source of the sore. Sores may form on the gums or inside your lips due to irritation from metal wires or brackets in braces. Then, read this article to learn about the various treatments available for canker sores from braces.

Do Braces Cause Canker Sores?

First things first, you might want to know the answer to this question: Do braces cause canker sores?

It is possible for braces to cause canker sores, but the exact cause of each sore may vary. The pressure from metal brackets and wires in braces can irritate your mouth, leading to small cuts or ulcers that become canker sores.

Braces can also cause sores by rubbing against your cheeks and the inside of your lips, which can cause irritation or small cuts. Sores from braces may also be caused by a lack of proper oral hygiene when wearing braces, as food particles can get trapped in the hardware and lead to inflammation.

How to Heal Mouth Sores From Braces

There are several steps you can take to heal mouth sores from braces. Knowing that canker sores can be caused by braces is the first step. Next, to heal mouth sores from braces, you'll want to:

Soothe the sore

To reduce pain and discomfort, rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution (one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water). You can also apply a small amount of an over-the-counter topical anesthetic like benzocaine directly to the sore.

Avoid irritation

Try to limit contact between your braces and the affected area by using wax or cotton swabs as a buffer. Additionally, avoid foods that might irritate the sore, such as acidic fruits or spicy dishes.

Medication

If your sore is particularly painful or doesn’t seem to be healing, you may want to consider taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen. These medications can reduce inflammation and help the sore heal faster.

Visit your orthodontist

If your mouth sores are caused by braces, you may need to have them adjusted, which can cause further irritation if not done properly. Visit a professional orthodontist for proper care of your braces and advice on how best to address your sores.

By following these steps, you should be able to get rid of a canker sore from braces quickly and effectively! The key is to identify the source of the sore and take appropriate measures to reduce discomfort and speed up healing. If the sore doesn’t seem to be healing, or it is particularly painful, visit a professional orthodontist for additional advice and treatment.

Preventing Canker Sores From Braces

Once you've mastered healing your sore from braces, you can move on to preventing the canker sores from braces from ever happening in the first place. To prevent canker sores from braces:

Keep your teeth clean

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps keep bacteria at bay and reduces the risk of developing a sore. Be sure to brush carefully around the brackets and wires of your braces.

Avoid foods that may irritate sore spots

As mentioned above, acidic foods like citrus fruits can irritate existing sores or provoke new ones. To be safe, avoid acidic, spicy and crunchy foods that might cause irritation.

Apply orthodontic wax to braces

You may also want to consider using wax on your braces before eating certain foods or activities that could cause irritation. The wax will act as a barrier between your braces and the sore spot, reducing the risk of further irritation.

By following these tips, you can help prevent future canker sores from braces and reduce discomfort in your mouth. Remember to use caution when brushing or flossing near your braces, and seek professional advice if necessary. With proper care and prevention, you can keep your mouth healthy and free of painful sores!

Sores in Mouth from Braces

In conclusion, sores in mouth from braces can be canker sores. Canker sores are small ulcers that can form as a result of irritation from braces, such as the pressure of the metal brackets and wires.

Soothing the sore with warm salt water, avoiding foods that may irritate it and using topical anesthetic or over-the-counter medications can help reduce pain and speed up healing. Additionally, preventive measures like keeping your teeth clean, avoiding acidic or spicy foods and using braces orthodontic wax can help prevent future sores from forming.

If problems persist, seek professional advice from an orthodontist to ensure proper care of your braces and to address any underlying issues. With the right treatment plan, you can get rid of a canker sore from braces quickly and effectively!

If you're in the Springfield or Branson, MO, area and need orthodontic care, Sharp Orthodontics is your best bet. Our top team contains board-certified orthodontist Dr. Laura Moore. Schedule your smile assessment today.