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Canker Sores: The Little Sorre That Causes Big Pain

Orthotics and Canker Sores

Canker sores can be painful, especially when braces are constantly rubbing against the sore. They are also known as canker sores. They are bothersome sores inside the mouth that plague many Americans each year. They are different from cold sores, which usually appear on the outside of the mouth on the lips.

The exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. Certain foods, including citrus fruits or acidic fruits or vegetables (such as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries) can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Sometimes a sharp tooth surface or dental appliance such as braces and even biting down on the inside of the cheek or tongue can also trigger thrush. Stress, immune system reactions, and family history tend to play a role in the frequency of these sores.

The presence of other ulcerative diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, IBS or digestive ulcers, can also have an effect. Doctors now believe that some of these ulcer diseases may be caused by H. pylori and other bacteria. If you have these other problems, and you get ulcers frequently, you should talk to your doctor, as it could be a symptom of a larger problem. Whatever the cause, canker sores are annoying and painful, especially if they occur inside the lip near a bracket.

There is no permanent cure for canker sores, only treatment for the discomfort or pain. Most canker sores last 10 to 14 days and can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. If you have frequent thrush, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about it.

Products that are available include:

Zilactin-B, Orabase-B, Rincinol, Anbesol and Orajel that form a protective layer and can last for several hours.

Other remedies that have helped our patients over the years include:

Rinse your mouth with salt water. This is a good way to relieve many oral or throat irritations. The salt water also acts as a mild antibacterial.

Avoid acidic foods that can irritate mouth sores (eg, citrus juices, tomato-based products, oral vitamin C)

One mixture that may be helpful is 1 to 2 tablespoons of Maalox mixed with ½ tablespoon of liquid diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Swish a teaspoon in your mouth and spit it out. This can be done four times a day. Be sure not to swallow the mixture and be careful when using this remedy on children as Benadryl can cause toxicity.

Try various remedies and see which one works best for you. If the canker sore is irritated by a nearby abutment, you can also relieve the pain by liberally applying dental wax or dental silicone to the offending abutment. This forms a barrier between the bracket and the sore. Doing this, in combination with the remedy of your choice, will help heal the sore.