races are designed to straighten your teeth, but they can also make the inside of your mouth feel a little uncomfortable, especially during the first few weeks. It’s common to notice small sores on your cheeks, lips, or gums as they rub against the brackets and wires. While they can be painful, they’re usually a normal part of the adjustment process and tend to improve as your mouth gets used to your braces.
The good news is that you don’t have to simply wait for them to heal. A few simple home remedies and good oral care can help ease the discomfort and speed up recovery. In this article, you’ll learn why braces cause mouth sores, how long they usually last, when you should be concerned, and what you can do to keep your mouth comfortable throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Why Do Braces Cause Mouth Sores?
Your mouth is made up of soft, delicate tissue. Braces, on the other hand, are made of metal or ceramic. Until your mouth gets used to them, some irritation is completely normal.
Here are the most common reasons mouth sores develop during orthodontic treatment.
1. Friction and Irritation
When brackets and wires rub against the inside of your cheeks or lips, they create constant friction. This repeated rubbing can irritate the tissue and eventually lead to small ulcers or sores.
This is especially common during the first few weeks after getting braces.
2. New Adjustments
Every adjustment appointment changes the amount of pressure your braces apply to your teeth.
As your teeth begin to move, the brackets and wires may sit slightly differently against your mouth. You might notice mild soreness or irritation for a few days after each visit until your mouth adapts again.
3. Accidental Biting
When braces are new, your mouth hasn’t fully adjusted to the extra thickness on your teeth.
It’s easier to accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or lip while eating or talking. Even a small bite can leave behind a painful sore.
4. Food Particles
Tiny pieces of food can become trapped around brackets and wires.
If they aren’t removed properly, they may irritate the surrounding tissue or contribute to inflammation, making an existing sore feel worse.
5. Dry Mouth
Saliva naturally protects the tissues inside your mouth.
If your mouth becomes dry because you’re not drinking enough water or you’re breathing through your mouth, the tissues become more sensitive and may heal more slowly after irritation.
How Long Do Mouth Sores from Braces Last?
Most mouth sores caused by braces begin to improve within a few days and usually heal within one to two weeks.
For many people, the first month with braces is when sores are most noticeable because the mouth is still adapting. As the tissues become tougher and more accustomed to the brackets, irritation usually becomes much less frequent.
You may still experience occasional soreness after adjustment appointments, but it generally settles down much faster than it did in the beginning.
If a sore lasts longer than two weeks or keeps coming back in the same spot, it’s worth contacting your orthodontist for advice.
How to Treat Sores in Your Mouth from Braces
Although mouth sores can be uncomfortable, there are several simple ways to make them heal faster and reduce irritation.
1. Apply Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is often the first thing orthodontists recommend.
Simply place a small piece of wax over the bracket or wire that’s rubbing against your cheek or lip. The wax creates a smooth barrier, reducing friction while the sore has time to heal.
2. Use a Warm Salt Water or Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
A warm salt water rinse is one of the easiest home remedies.
Swishing gently for about 30 seconds can help keep the area clean while soothing irritation. Some people also use a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse if recommended by their orthodontist, as it may help support healing.
3. Try Over-the-Counter Pain Relief and Oral Medications
If the soreness is making it difficult to eat or speak, over-the-counter pain relievers may provide temporary relief.
Oral gels designed for mouth ulcers can also numb the affected area for a short time, making everyday activities more comfortable.
Always follow the directions on the product label or your healthcare provider’s advice.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water keeps your mouth moist and supports the natural healing process.
A dry mouth often feels more irritated, so staying hydrated throughout the day can make a noticeable difference.
5. Try Tea Bags
A cooled chamomile or black tea bag placed gently against the sore for a few minutes may help calm irritation.
Tea contains natural compounds that some people find soothing, although it shouldn’t replace proper orthodontic care if symptoms continue.
6. Eat Soft Foods and Avoid Acidic or Spicy Foods
While your mouth is healing, choose foods that are gentle to chew.
Mashed potatoes, yoghurt, oatmeal, smoothies, soups, scrambled eggs, and soft pasta are usually much more comfortable than crunchy snacks.
It’s also a good idea to avoid spicy foods, citrus fruits, and highly acidic drinks for a few days since they can make sores sting even more.
7. Reduce Stress
Stress doesn’t directly cause sores from braces, but it can slow healing and make your body more sensitive to discomfort.
Getting enough sleep, staying relaxed, and maintaining healthy daily habits can all support the healing process.
How to Prevent Mouth Sores from Braces
You may not be able to prevent every sore, but you can greatly reduce how often they happen.
1. Orthodontic Wax
Don’t wait until a sore develops.
If you notice a bracket rubbing against your cheek, apply orthodontic wax early to prevent irritation before it becomes painful.
2. Silicone Covers
Some orthodontic products include soft silicone covers that fit over braces during sports or periods of extra irritation.
Ask your orthodontist whether they’re suitable for your treatment.
3. Brush and Floss
Good oral hygiene reduces bacteria around irritated tissue and helps sores heal more comfortably.
Brush carefully around your brackets and floss daily using the tools recommended by your orthodontist.
4. Rinsing
Regularly rinsing your mouth after meals helps remove food particles that can become trapped around braces and irritate sensitive areas.
5. Drink Water
Keeping your mouth hydrated helps maintain healthy tissues and reduces dryness that can make rubbing feel worse.
6. See Your Orthodontist Regularly
Routine appointments allow your orthodontist to identify wires or brackets that may be causing unnecessary irritation.
Sometimes a simple adjustment is all that’s needed to improve your comfort.
When Should You See Your Orthodontist?
While most mouth sores heal on their own, there are times when professional advice is the better option.
Schedule an appointment if you notice:
- A sore that hasn’t healed after two weeks.
- Mouth sores that keep returning.
- Severe pain that isn’t improving with home care.
- Swelling, pus, fever, or other signs of infection.
- Difficulty brushing or flossing because of the pain.
- A sore that looks unusually large, deep, or different from previous sores.
Your orthodontist can determine whether the sore is simply caused by braces or if another dental issue needs attention.
Get Effective Pain Relief for Mouth Sores from Braces at Brite Orthodontics
Starting braces shouldn’t mean living with constant discomfort. At Brite Orthodontics, your comfort is just as important as your treatment results.
Our orthodontic team carefully monitors every stage of your braces journey, making adjustments that support healthy tooth movement while helping minimise unnecessary irritation. If you’re experiencing persistent mouth sores, poking wires, or brackets that feel uncomfortable, we’ll identify the cause and recommend the right solution. Whether that involves adjusting your appliance, providing guidance for home care, or suggesting products that make daily life easier, we’re here to help you stay comfortable throughout treatment.
Get Relief from Braces Discomfort
If mouth sores from braces are causing ongoing discomfort, our orthodontists can help you stay comfortable throughout your treatment.
Closing Thoughts
Mouth sores are a common part of the braces journey, especially in the early stages, but they usually improve as your mouth adapts. With proper care, good oral hygiene, and support from your orthodontist, you can manage discomfort while keeping your treatment on track. At Brite Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier smile with expert braces treatment and personalised care every step of the way.
