Can Braces Cause Canker Sores & How Long Do They Last?

Getting braces is an exciting step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile. However, many patients experience canker sores during their orthodontic journey, which can cause discomfort and concern. If you’re wondering whether braces can trigger these painful mouth sores and how long they typically last, you’re not alone. Understanding what causes canker sores and how to manage them can help make your orthodontic treatment more comfortable.

At Clear Choice Orthodontic Associates in The Woodlands, we’ve helped over 25,000 patients navigate their orthodontic journey with confidence. Our experienced team understands the challenges that can arise during treatment and provides comprehensive support to ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Key Takeaways

• Braces can trigger canker sores due to friction and irritation in the mouth
• Most canker sores from braces heal within 1-2 weeks with proper care
• Simple prevention strategies like orthodontic wax and good oral hygiene can reduce occurrence
• Persistent or severe sores should be evaluated by your orthodontist
• Professional guidance ensures optimal healing and treatment success

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside your mouth. These painful sores typically appear as round or oval white or yellow spots surrounded by a red border. Unlike cold sores, canker sores occur inside the mouth and are not contagious.

Common symptoms of canker sores include:

• Sharp, burning, or tingling sensations
• Pain that worsens when eating, drinking, or speaking
• Difficulty brushing teeth or maintaining oral hygiene
• Small, round lesions with white or yellow centers

Several factors can contribute to canker sore development, including stress, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, food sensitivities, and minor injuries to the mouth tissue. Certain foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods may also trigger canker sores in susceptible individuals.

Do Braces Cause Canker Sores?

Braces can increase the risk of developing canker sores due to the friction and irritation they may cause on the soft tissues of the mouth. The brackets, wires, or other components of braces can rub against the inner cheeks, lips, or tongue, creating minor injuries that might trigger the formation of canker sores.

However, braces do not directly cause canker sores, as these painful sores are often the result of a combination of factors, including stress, nutritional deficiencies, or sensitivities to certain foods.

Several factors make braces wearers more susceptible to canker sores:

• Initial adjustment period: Your mouth needs time to develop protective tissue calluses in response to the new hardware.
• Sharp edges: Broken brackets or protruding wires can create particularly irritating spots.
• Increased cleaning difficulty: Braces make thorough oral hygiene more challenging, potentially leading to bacterial buildup that can worsen sore development.
• Dietary changes: You may accidentally bite your cheek or lip more frequently while adjusting to eating with braces.

The good news is that most patients find their mouths adapt to braces over time, making canker sores less frequent as treatment progresses.

How Long Do Mouth Sores From Braces Last?

Most canker sores from braces heal within 1-2 weeks without requiring special treatment. However, the exact healing time depends on several factors:

• Size and severity: Smaller sores typically heal faster than larger ones. Minor canker sores usually resolve within 7-10 days, while larger sores may take up to two weeks or slightly longer.
• Location: Sores in areas that experience more friction or movement may take longer to heal.
• Individual healing response: Some people naturally heal faster than others due to factors like age, overall health, and immune system function.
• Ongoing irritation: If the source of irritation isn’t addressed, sores may persist longer or recur frequently.
• Oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral cleanliness promotes faster healing by reducing bacterial interference.
• Nutritional status: Adequate nutrition, particularly B vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc, supports tissue repair.

While waiting for canker sores to heal, you may notice they go through distinct phases. Initially, they may feel tender or tingly before the visible sore appears. The sore then typically becomes most painful during the first few days before gradually improving.

Treatment and Prevention

Managing canker sores from braces involves both treating existing sores and preventing new ones from developing.

Treatment Options

• Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Topical treatments: Oral gels containing benzocaine or lidocaine provide temporary numbing relief. Products like Orajel or Anbesol can be applied directly to sores.
• Mouth rinses: Antimicrobial rinses or salt water solutions can help keep the area clean and promote healing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently swish several times daily.
• Protective barriers: Orthodontic wax creates a smooth surface over brackets and wires, preventing further irritation.
• Dietary modifications: Avoid spicy, acidic, or rough foods that could aggravate sores. Stick to soft, bland foods until healing occurs.

Prevention Strategies

• Use orthodontic wax: Apply wax over any brackets or wires that feel sharp or irritating, especially during the first weeks of treatment.
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene: Brush carefully around brackets and use an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce harmful bacteria.
• Eat carefully: Cut food into smaller pieces and chew slowly to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or lip.
• Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration helps maintain healthy oral tissues.
• Address sharp edges promptly: Contact your orthodontist if you notice any broken brackets or protruding wires.
• Consider dietary supplements: Some patients benefit from B-complex vitamins or lysine supplements, though you should consult your healthcare provider first.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This reduces additional irritation to already sensitive tissues.

When to See an Orthodontist

While most canker sores resolve on their own, certain situations warrant professional evaluation:

• Persistent sores: If sores last longer than two weeks or seem to be getting worse rather than better.
• Frequent recurrence: Multiple sores appearing repeatedly may indicate an underlying issue that needs addressing.
• Severe pain: If pain is interfering with eating, drinking, or sleeping despite over-the-counter treatments.
• Signs of infection: Increased redness, swelling, fever, or pus around sores.
• Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene: If sores prevent you from properly cleaning your teeth and braces.
• Large or unusual sores: Sores that are unusually large, have irregular shapes, or appear different from typical canker sores.

At Clear Choice Orthodontic Associates in The Woodlands, Dr. Ray McLendon and our experienced team understand that comfort during treatment is essential for successful outcomes. We provide personalized care and practical solutions to help manage any challenges that arise during your orthodontic journey.

Our team can adjust your braces to eliminate sharp edges, recommend specific products for your situation, and ensure your treatment progresses smoothly. We believe that every patient deserves a comfortable path to their perfect smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are canker sores from braces normal?

Yes, canker sores can be an indirect side effect of braces, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Your mouth needs time to adjust to the new hardware, and some irritation is expected during this adaptation period.

Q: Can I use regular canker sore treatments with braces?

A: Most over-the-counter canker sore treatments are safe to use with braces. However, avoid products that might stick to your brackets or interfere with your orthodontic appliances. When in doubt, ask your orthodontist for specific recommendations.

Q: Will canker sores affect my treatment progress?

A: Occasional canker sores typically don’t impact your treatment timeline. However, if sores prevent you from maintaining proper oral hygiene or attending appointments, they could potentially slow progress. This is why addressing persistent issues promptly is important.

Q: How can I eat comfortably with canker sores and braces?

A: Stick to soft, non-acidic foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, and anything with rough textures. Drinking through a straw can help liquids bypass sore areas.

Q: Should I stop wearing elastics if I have canker sores?

A: Don’t stop wearing prescribed elastics unless instructed by your orthodontist. However, if elastics are causing severe irritation, contact your orthodontic office for guidance on how to proceed while maintaining your treatment plan.

Taking Control of Your Comfort

Canker sores from braces are temporary challenges that most patients successfully manage with proper care and patience. While these sores can be uncomfortable, they typically heal within 1-2 weeks and become less frequent as your mouth adapts to orthodontic treatment.

The key to managing canker sores lies in prevention through good oral hygiene, using orthodontic wax when needed, and maintaining open communication with your orthodontic team. Remember that experiencing some initial discomfort doesn’t mean your treatment isn’t progressing well – it’s simply part of the adjustment process.

At Clear Choice Orthodontic Associates, we’re committed to ensuring your orthodontic journey is as comfortable and successful as possible. Our team provides the support, expertise, and personalized care needed to address any concerns that arise during treatment.

Ready to see why our patients trust us with their smiles? View our Google My Business reviews to learn about real experiences from patients in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. Contact Clear Choice Orthodontic Associates at (281) 587-4900 or visit us at 4800 W Panther Creek Dr Ste 200, The Woodlands, TX 77381 to schedule your consultation today.