Are Braces Triggering Your Canker Sores?

Fortunately, canker sores are not often a serious issue, but they sure can be annoying! These small ulcers can pop up in your mouth and on the inside of your lips and take days to heal. However, they are quite easy to prevent, especially once you understand what triggers them! See below for more advice from Dr. Timothy McReath at McReath Orthodontics for how to prevent them.

Well, the unfortunate news is that braces can contribute to canker sores. This mainly happens in patients that are already prone to them. They may experience an increase in sores because your mouth is adjusting to a big change when beginning orthodontic treatment. Braces can irritate oral tissue, which leaves it vulnerable to little lesions such as canker sores.

Luckily, avoiding possible triggers and practicing good oral hygiene can help you to avoid or lessen the instances of these sores.

Some Common Triggers to Avoid

Stress – Stress is known to weaken your immune system, which makes it easier for canker sores to form. Make sure you’re keeping your stress at a healthy level in order to avoid these sores!

Tissue Injury – Cuts or scrapes inside of your mouth make you more vulnerable to canker sores.

Foods – Avoid foods that are high in acidity such as lemons, pineapples, and tomatoes, as they can trigger canker sores.

Sickness – You have a higher chance of getting a canker sore when infection is present in your body.

Knowing what triggers these sores for you makes them easier to avoid. If your braces are irritating your mouth, don’t hesitate to have the spots checked out and/or ask for more dental wax.

You can also modify your oral care routine to help eliminate instances of them.

Rinse your mouth each day with salt water

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will help to avoid irritating oral tissue

Also, try using a toothpaste that doesn’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate

Talk to Your Orthodontist

If your canker sores are still persisting, be sure to speak to your orthodontist to see if there is anything else they can do to help. They may be able to offer clinical rinses or gels that can provide you with relief. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns you may have.