{"id":109,"date":"2026-03-01T21:56:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T21:56:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ludloworthodontics.com\/blog\/?p=109"},"modified":"2026-03-04T21:59:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T21:59:23","slug":"how-to-prevent-and-soothe-oral-sores-during-orthodontic-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ludloworthodontics.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-and-soothe-oral-sores-during-orthodontic-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Brace Yourself: How to Prevent and Soothe Oral Sores During Orthodontic Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Starting orthodontic treatment<\/a> is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile, but if you\u2019re new to braces, you\u2019ve probably already discovered that the journey comes with some discomfort\u2014mainly in the form of small oral sores. While this issue is common and rarely ends up being serious, it can still make things like eating, speaking, and smiling more difficult. Fortunately, with the right habits, you can minimize their impact and keep your smile feeling its best as it\u2019s being straightened! Here\u2019s what you need to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Why Do Braces Cause Oral Sores?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Braces introduce new hardware into your mouth, including brackets, wires, and elastic bands, that your cheeks, lips, and tongue simply aren\u2019t used to. In the early weeks, the inside of your mouth is essentially learning to coexist with these new appliances. The metal components of your braces may rub against soft tissue, creating friction that leads to irritation, redness, and small ulcers. The wires can also poke outward or sit at new angles, creating fresh pressure points along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also possible for patients with braces to develop canker sores. These are small ulcers that aren\u2019t necessarily caused by friction, but often stress or hormonal changes, as well as eating certain foods. It just so happens that patients with braces tend to experience canker sores more often! It\u2019s also possible to accidentally bite the inside of your mouth while wearing braces, which may cause irritation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Preventing Oral Sores with Braces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n