While canker sores in the mouth can arise pretty much anytime, they often show up when you are first wearing braces. These types of sores are white or yellow ulcers surrounded by a red border. They crop up as the soft oral tissues in your mouth may be irritated for one to two weeks while they adjust to the braces in your mouth. Dr. Michael Bowen and our team in Scottsdale, Arizona have some tips to share today to help you when you have canker sores.

If you are seeking relief from canker sores, dental wax can help while you are wearing braces. When you are experiencing issues with sores in the mouth, dental wax can protect the mouth from irritation so the tissues can heal. You simply take a small piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and place it over the braces where you are experiencing discomfort.

Not only that, but dental wax can actually help prevent canker sores if you keep it on those areas where the braces are rubbing until the tissues have toughened up a bit. If you experience a broken wire or rubbing from loose bands, you can end up with a sore mouth, tongue or canker sores.

Canker sores can also be relieved by applying ointment to relieve pain and irritation. For example, you can apply a tiny bit of over-the-counter numbing ointment on the sore, and periodically use a salt water rinse on the affected area. If necessary, you may also try an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen.

Our final recommendation to avoid further oral irritation is to avoid hot, spicy, or acidic foods until your mouth adjusts to the braces. Dr. Michael Bowen and our Great Big Smiles Orthodontics team in Scottsdale, Arizona are here for all of your oral care needs. To speak to a member of our staff with any questions or concerns, please call 480-948-4200, and we are happy to assist!