How to Relieve Mouth Sores From Braces
Reviewed by Dr. David Sentelle, DMD, PhD, MPH
Reading time: three minutes
Braces place new hardware inside the mouth, which can increase friction against the cheeks and lips. In children who are prone to canker sores, this added irritation can make small ulcers more likely to develop.
We care for growing smiles in Frisco, McKinney, and Prosper, TX with gentle, kid-focused dental care.
Table of Contents
Do Braces Cause Canker Sores?
Braces do not directly cause canker sores, but they can make them more likely. Brackets and wires may irritate the inside of the cheeks, lips, or tongue. In children who are sensitive to minor trauma, this irritation can trigger a small ulcer.
A canker sore from braces usually appears inside the mouth as a round or oval sore with a white or yellow center and a red border. Unlike cold sores, they are not contagious and do not form on the outside of the lips.
Some children are naturally more prone to canker sores and may notice them more frequently after orthodontic treatment begins.
How To Relieve a Canker Sore From Braces
Most canker sores heal on their own within 7 to 14 days. The goal is to reduce irritation and keep the area clean while healing occurs.
Helpful steps include:
- Apply orthodontic dental wax over the bracket that is rubbing
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods
If a wire is poking the cheek or lip, contact your orthodontic provider. In some cases, a simple adjustment can eliminate the source of irritation.
How To Prevent Recurrent Canker Sores With Braces
Complete prevention is not always possible, especially for children who are prone to canker sores. However, several strategies can reduce frequency:
- Maintain good oral hygiene with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Stay well hydrated
- Avoid known food triggers
- Attend regular orthodontic and dental visits
As the mouth adapts to braces, the soft tissues typically become more resilient and less likely to ulcerate.
Supporting Comfort During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment requires ongoing monitoring to protect both tooth alignment and soft tissue health. Regular dental exams and teeth cleanings allow early identification of irritation, plaque buildup, and enamel changes during treatment.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Prosper, TX, call (469) 228-4402, request an appointment online, or visit us at 240 S. Preston Road, Suite 10 Prosper, TX 75078.
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FAQs
Repeated friction from brackets or wires can irritate the inside of the cheeks and lips. Children who are already prone to canker sores may experience them more often during orthodontic treatment, especially after adjustments.
A canker sore usually appears inside the mouth as a small round or oval ulcer with a white or yellow center and a red border. Cold sores, in contrast, typically form on the outside of the lips and are contagious.
Yes. A canker sore does not usually require rescheduling an orthodontic appointment. If a bracket or wire is irritating the area, your orthodontist can adjust the appliance to reduce friction.