What are Canker Sores?
If you’ve experienced small, sore bumps on the inside of your cheeks and lips after getting your braces, you know how annoying canker sores can be. Although they can be inconvenient and painful, they’re usually nothing to worry about.
Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small lesions that can develop on the soft tissues inside of your mouth. These tiny sores may appear on the inside of cheeks and lips, as well as under the tongue.
Why Do Braces Cause Them?
When you first get your braces put on, your mouth needs to adjust to your new hardware. While you get used to your braces, it is possible to accidentally cause damage by biting the inside of your cheek, brushing too hard, or even just your wires rubbing up against the inside of your mouth. These minor injuries may cause canker sores to develop.
Signs of a Canker Sore
If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, you may have a canker sore:
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Tingling or burning sensation
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A small sore on the inside of your cheek, lip, or under the tongue
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Sores that appear white or grey with a red edge
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Swollen lymph nodes
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Fever
How to Treat Canker Sores at Home
Most canker sores heal and clear up on their own within a few weeks. While there is no quick solution to rid your mouth of these painful little sores overnight, there are some home remedies that can help speed up the process.
Salt Water Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm, salt water is a go-to solution for minor mouth injuries and sores. It may help to sry out the sore and speed of the natural healing process.
Use the following steps:
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Stir 1 teaspoon of salt into a half cup of warm water
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Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds
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Spit out the solution
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Repeat every few hours as needed
Baking Soda Rinse
Using a baking soda rinse is another great remedy for mouth sores of any kind. Baking soda helps to restore the affected area’s pH, which may also help to heal the canker sore.
Use the following steps:
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Stir one teaspoon of baking soda into a half cup of warm water
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Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds
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Spit out the solution
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Repeat every few hours as needed
Honey
Honey is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that honey can be used to effectively reduce canker sore pain, swelling, and irritation.
Use the following steps:
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Be sure to use unfiltered, unpasteurized honey
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Apply honey to the sore 3-5 times daily
Orthodontic Care In Denver
When you are in need of a trusted Denver orthodontist who can help you regain confidence in your smile, turn to our team at Speaks Orthodontics. We have a team of orthodontic specialists who can help you achieve the happy and healthy smile you’ve always wanted.