Dealing With Canker Sores

If you have ever experienced the discomfort of a canker sore, you’re well aware of how these small ulcers might disrupt your daily life, making eating, speaking and even smiling a painful endeavour. For those undergoing orthodontic treatment, such as wearing braces, canker sores can pose an even greater challenge. But what if there were ways to manage and even prevent these pesky ulcers while straightening your teeth? In this blog post, we’ll explore how orthodontic choices and care techniques might help mitigate the occurrence of canker sores.

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, appear to be small, shallow lesions that typically develop on the soft tissues in the mouth or at the base of the gums. Unlike cold sores, canker sores seem to be non-contagious, yet they might be quite uncomfortable, particularly when eating, drinking or talking. For orthodontic patients, the irritation from brackets and wires might trigger or worsen these sores.

Orthodontic treatments, which are generally aimed at correcting misaligned teeth and jaws, often involve devices that might irritate the mouth’s sensitive lining. This suggests why understanding canker sores is important.

Selecting suitable orthodontic appliances might help in reducing the risk of developing canker sores. Here are some considerations that could potentially make a difference:

• Smooth-edged braces: Choosing braces with smoother edges might decrease irritation. For instance, ceramic braces are often considered less abrasive compared to traditional metal braces.
• Orthodontic wax: Applying orthodontic wax to brackets and wires may assist in creating a barrier between the metal components of the braces and the soft tissues of your mouth.

Taking proactive steps may help in preventing the onset of canker sores, even while wearing braces. You might consider these suggestions:

• Regular Oral Hygiene: It’s generally advised to keep your mouth clean. Brushing gently yet thoroughly after each meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste might be beneficial.
• Avoid Certain Foods: It may help to avoid spicy, acidic or crunchy foods, as they can irritate your mouth and potentially exacerbate canker sores if you’re prone to them.
• Protective Gels: Applying protective gels, specifically formulated for orthodontic patients, can provide a protective coating. This might help shield the soft tissues from irritation.

When canker sores occur, several treatment options might help manage pain and promote healing. Your orthodontist may recommend:

• Topical agents: Products like topical steroids or antiseptic ointments might help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Mouth rinses: Medicated mouth rinses can help soothe ulcers and keep your mouth clean, which may aid in quicker healing.

Your orthodontist can contribute significantly to aligning your teeth and managing oral health challenges such as canker sores. Here’s how they can help:

• Regular check-ups: These sessions might help your orthodontist to observe your progress and potentially adjust your braces if it seems necessary.
• Personalised advice: Your orthodontist might provide tailored advice to help you manage or prevent canker sores based on your specific situation.

At Perfect Teeth, we understand the challenges that canker sores can present for individuals with braces. Our team is focused on providing support and solutions to make your orthodontic journey more comfortable. We offer a range of orthodontic options designed to minimise discomfort and improve your treatment process. If you’re experiencing canker sores or if you’re interested in learning more about our orthodontic services in Cairns and Redlynch, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today!