{"id":1966,"date":"2026-05-01T18:29:44","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T18:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ortegaortho.com\/blog\/?p=1966"},"modified":"2026-05-01T18:30:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-01T18:30:03","slug":"sore-today-straight-tomorrow-managing-mouth-sores-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ortegaortho.com\/blog\/2026\/05\/01\/sore-today-straight-tomorrow-managing-mouth-sores-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Sore Today, Straight Tomorrow: Managing Mouth Sores with Braces"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Patient<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Traditional braces are a tried-and-true method for straightening your smile, but the first few weeks can come with mild irritations. One of the most common complaints from new braces<\/a> wearers? Mouth sores. They’re frustrating, they can make eating and talking uncomfortable, and they have a way of showing up at the worst times. The good news is that they’re very manageable, and with a few smart habits, you can protect your mouth. Here\u2019s what you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Mouth sores caused by orthodontic treatment usually fall into two categories. The first is irritation sores, which develop when the brackets and wires that make up your hardware rub against your cheeks, lips, and gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second type is canker sores, which can be triggered by the stress and minor trauma of orthodontic adjustments. These aren’t contagious, but they can be painful and slow to heal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both types tend to be worst<\/a> in the early weeks of treatment and after wire adjustments, when everything is still settling, and your tissues haven’t toughened yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get Relief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When a sore does appear, there are several things that can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n