Canker Sores & Braces

Canker Sores & Braces

Canker sores are never fun, but they can be even more painful and annoying when you’re receiving orthodontic treatment. We’ve found that braces can sometimes irritate canker sores enough that they’re more painful and take longer to heal. This blog post is designed to help you understand how you can avoid and treat a canker sore during your orthodontic treatment.

What is a canker sore?

To know how to prevent cold sores, you must first understand why they appear. Canker sores on common for those with:

• Higher than normal stress levels
• Family history of canker sores 
• Compromised immune systems 
• Trauma occurring to the mouth (biting the cheek or lip, for example)
• Changes in hormone levels (pregnancy and menopause, for example) 
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially of B-12, folic acid, iron, or zinc 

If canker sores occur near a bracket on your braces, they can be even more troublesome and annoying than usual. Luckily, most canker sores will go away by themselves within 6-10 days. However, if you suffer from frequent canker sores, Dr. Kuhni at Kuhni Orthodontic Studio can recommend a prescription-strength treatment.

Canker Sores & Braces

Below are a few ways you can alleviate the symptoms of a canker sore during your orthodontic treatment:

• Any product that will form a protective layer over the ulcer. This will allow the canker to heal more quickly. 
• Products that can help to kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, such as mouthwash. We recommend using a mouthwash without alcohol, as these rinses may sting the open sores. 
• Anything that can bring relief, such as numbing products. These will at least allow you to eat meals without irritating your canker sore. 
• If a nearby wire or bracket is causing your canker sore to become larger or more irritated, use dental wax to cushion the sore. 

If you’re suffering from frequent, painful canker sores, please contact Kuhni Orthodontic Studio in Spanish Fork, Utah.