Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, can develop in anyone, including people who have braces. Braces can sometimes cause irritation or injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, which can lead to the development of ulcers. Additionally, the brackets and wires of braces can make it more difficult to keep the mouth clean, which can also contribute to the development of ulcers.

If you have braces and develop mouth ulcers, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the pain and discomfort they can cause.

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. This can help to clean the area and promote healing.
• Apply a cold compress to the affected area. This can help to reduce swelling and pain.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods, as these can irritate the ulcer and make it worse.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage the pain.
• Apply a cream or gel designed for mouth ulcers, such as one containing benzocaine, to the affected area.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. If your mouth ulcers persist or are very painful, it’s best to consult a doctor or dental professional for advice.

In this post, we’ll show you the steps to prevent and manage ulcers on your child’s mouth. Let’s get cracking.

How to Prevent Mouth Ulcers

Use Silicon Covers

• Similar to orthodontic wax, silicon covers are designed to ensure that the lips and mouth do not contact the brackets. As a long-lasting solution to preventing mouth ulcers, the brackets should be totally dry before applying the silicone covers.

Rinse and Disinfect

• Most rinses and gels are used to reduce the pain caused by ulcers by forming a strong barrier over the sore areas for several hours. The best rinses and gels can be found at the drugstore. One effective rinse is Rincinol PRN. By consistently rinsing the mouth with this product, the food that your kid consumes is less likely to aggravate the sore spots in his/her mouth. Rinsing the mouth with sage is a Native American remedy that can also promote a clean mouth. Simply mix two teaspoons of sage with 4 ounces of water. Proceed to boil the mixture and then consume after the mixture has cooled for ten minutes.

Brush and Floss

• The cleaner your kid’s mouth, the less likely an ulcer will form. A good way to minimize ulcers and infection is by reducing the chances of bacteria build-up in the mouth is to make sure that your child brushes and flosses his/her teeth regularly. Because braces often collect pesky food particles, the residue should be removed after each meal to prevent mouth ulcers. The simple flossing tool can help with this process if your child finds traditional flossing too difficult. Not only will taking care of his/her mouth eliminate problems, but they also won’t scare friends away with bad breath.

Apply Orthodontic Wax

• One way to prevent Mouth Ulcer is to apply orthodontic wax to the brackets. Orthodontic wax is similar to beeswax as the wax can be easily pulled off and placed on the brackets. Make sure that you warm the wax in your hands first before sticking the wax to the abrasion. Since the wax is water-resistant, your kid won’t have to worry about the object slipping or breaking down, thus causing a less than pleasant smile.

Drink Water

• Saliva has antibacterial components that will prevent the onset of ulcers in the mouth. Regularly consuming water will stimulate the production of saliva. Because a dry mouth can often worsen the condition, consuming lots of water can also minimize pain in the inner cheeks where an abrasion has been formed near the brackets.

Tips to Manage Pain

Take OTC Pain Relievers

• Known for relieving throbbing headaches, over-the-counter pain pills like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen have also been shown to mitigate oral ulcer pain.

Apply Topical Pain Relievers

• Often found at the drugstore, two other great over-the-counter drugs for pain are Anbesol and Orabase. These excellent pain relievers need to be applied throughout the day to maintain optimal effects.

Use Salt Water Rinse

• The most potent saltwater rinse can be made by combining 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1 cup of warm water. Along with relieving symptoms of a sore throat, saltwater rinse can be great for combating mouth ulcers. The rinse can reduce swelling and kill bacteria. For the best results, the solution should be consumed frequently throughout the day.

Use Antiseptic Rinses

• Although antiseptic rinses are not as inexpensive as saltwater rinses, they still do a great job of removing harmful bacteria from the mouth. The potent antibacterial ingredients in antiseptic rinses can prevent mouth ulcers as well as gum disease.

Apply a Tea Bag

• One of the most natural’s ways to manage pain is to place a warm and soaked tea bag on the sore. Tea is known to contain antiseptic ingredients; therefore, they are great for reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort. This solution also helps to maintain a clean mouth. The same effects can be achieved by using a chamomile bag, which features antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components.

Avoid Certain Foods

• Not eating a certain food is just as important as removing residue from your mouth. Spicy or sour foods may worsen the condition. Foods that are high in acids like tomatoes, soda, and coffee may not be good for your mouth either. Try eating bland foods that are easy to swallow. A great option is yogurt because the food is made with probiotic ingredients protein the mouth against bacteria and ulcers. In general, foods that have a high pH contain nutrients that can help the area feel less painful.

Manage Stress

• Stress reduction also relieves ulcer pain. A few stress-relieving activities include exercising, taking a bath, reading, deep breathing, coloring, practicing yoga, journaling, meditating, and receiving a massage. Maintaining a strong circle of family and friends has also been shown to reduce stress on the body in general.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, are small sores that can develop inside the mouth. While there is no cure for mouth ulcers, there are a few home remedies that may help to alleviate the pain and discomfort they can cause. These include rinsing the mouth with warm salt water, applying a cold compress, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying a cream or gel specifically designed for mouth ulcers. If your mouth ulcers persist or are very painful, it’s best to consult a doctor or dental professional for advice.

Finally, led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Gluck, the practice specializes in the popular service known as Invisalign. Call today to schedule an appointment with Gluck Orthodontists to learn more about the most effective orthodontic care for your child’s condition.

12 Hacks for a Mouth Ulcer with Braces | FAST FACTS 2022

joelgluck

Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.