How Can I Prevent and Manage Mouth Sores with Braces?

On your journey to a smile upgrade with traditional braces, there can be some obstacles along the way. It’s how you respond to them that matters. If your braces are rubbing against your oral tissues and causing uncomfortable irritation, your orthodontist in Braselton has some helpful advice. Keep reading to learn some tips to prevent and manage mouth sores with braces.

What Can I Do to Prevent Mouth Ulcers?

• Rinse and Disinfect: Most rinses and gels are used to reduce the pain caused by ulcers via forming a strong barrier over the sore areas for several hours. The best rinses and gels can be found at the pharmacy but rinsing with sage is also an option. Mix two teaspoons of sage with four ounces of water. Boil the mixture and consume it after it’s cooled for 10 minutes.
• Brush and Floss: The cleaner your mouth is – the less likely that ulcers will form. A good way to minimize ulcers and infection is to brush and floss regularly. When you have braces, brush and floss after each meal. In addition to a cleaner mouth, enjoy fresh breath.
• Use Silicon Covers: Like orthodontic wax, silicon covers are designed to ensure the lips and mouth do not contact the brackets. As a long-lasting solution to prevent mouth ulcers, the brackets should be dry before applying silicon covers.
• Apply Orthodontic Wax: Apply the wax to your brackets, but make sure to warm it in your hands first. Since the wax is water-resistant, you don’t have to worry about it staying in place.
• Drink Water: Saliva has antibacterial components that will prevent the onset of ulcers. Regularly consuming water will stimulate saliva production. It can also minimize pain in the inner cheeks where an abrasion has formed near the brackets.

How Can I Manage Pain from Mouth Ulcers?

• Use Salt Water Rinse: Combine a half-teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water for a potent salt water rinse. Along with relieving sore throat symptoms, this rinse can be great for combating mouth ulcers. It can reduce swelling and kill bacteria. For best results, your orthodontist in Braselton suggests using this solution frequently throughout the day.
• Take OTC Pain Relievers: Known for relieving throbbing headaches, over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen have been shown to relieve mouth ulcer pain.
• Apply Topical Pain Relievers: Usually found at the drugstore, two excellent over-the-counter drugs for pain are Orabase and Anbesol. Apply them throughout the day for optimal results.
• Use Antiseptic Rinses: While more expensive than rinsing with salt water, these are still a great way to remove harmful oral bacteria. The potent ingredients in antiseptic rinses can also prevent gum disease.
• Apply a Tea Bag: Placing a warm and soaked tea bag on an oral sore is an excellent, natural way to manage pain. Tea has antiseptic ingredients that reduce inflammation and help maintain a clean mouth. Using a chamomile bag is also an option.
• Avoid Certain Foods: Spicy or sour foods can worsen an oral sore. Acidic items like tomatoes, soda, and coffee may also be problematic. Bland, easy-to-swallow foods, as well as foods with a high pH, are good choices. With its probiotic ingredients, yogurt is an excellent option.
• Manage Stress: Reducing stress relieves ulcer pain. Try activities like exercising, deep breathing, or even getting a massage. Maintaining a strong circle of family and friends is also helpful to reduce stress.

By taking steps to avoid mouth sores with braces and relieve the pain if you do get them, you will be more comfortable during your treatment with braces. After all, you shouldn’t have to be in pain to achieve the straighter smile you seek!

About the Author

Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is your orthodontist in Braselton. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Georgia Society of Orthodontics and is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. If you or your child are interested in traditional braces, she is ready to help, and insurance and financing are accepted. You can ask her questions about dealing with mouth sores or anything else you might be wondering about during an appointment, which you can schedule on her website or by calling (678) 879-3006.