Mouth ulcers in younger brace wearers (from 5 to 15)
The most likely age to start treatment is around 12 or 13 years old once all their permanent teeth have come through and almost always involves using braces to straighten crooked, crowded or sticking out teeth.
Braces are also used to close gaps between teeth and help the top and bottom teeth to meet when the child closes their mouth. There are different types of braces, some are fixed, some you can take out at night, to eat a meal or to clean them, as well as some which you only wear at night.
What are the main causes?
A child’s mouth is very sensitive to change, and it will take a few days to get used to wearing a brace. This is when mouth ulcers and sore spots are most likely to develop, as the brace rubs against the cheeks, lips and gums.
The orthodontist will need to check the braces every 4 - 10 weeks, to replace worn-out rubber bands, check on the progress of the teeth, and make adjustments to the wires to make sure teeth are being pulled in the right direction. Mouth ulcers may also occur after these adjustments have taken place.
See a dentist or GP if your mouth ulcer:
lasts longer than 3 weeks
keeps coming back
grows bigger than usual or is near the back of your throat
bleeds or becomes more painful and red
What are the symptoms?
A mouth ulcer is:
Painful
Round or oval in shape
They can be white, red, yellow or grey in colour
Swollen around the edge
Most mouth ulcers and sore spots caused by braces appear on:
Inside of the lips
Inside of the cheeks
What are my treatment options?
If parts of a brace are causing pain and discomfort, a children’s sugar-free painkiller such as ibuprofen or a children’s paracetamol suspension may help. Always read the label and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
If sore spots and mouth ulcers develop, the dentist or orthodontist can provide some clear wax to place over the part of the brace that is causing the problem. A mouth ulcer gel suitable for children can be used. Always read the product label.
What can I do about it?
The main goal for treating your child’s mouth ulcer is to relieve their pain and discomfort. Bonjela Junior Gel is suitable for children over 5 months, as well as adults and the elderly.
Bonjela Junior Gel – sugar free, clear, almost colourless banana-flavoured gel for the relief of pain and discomfort from common mouth ulcers.
Medicine for children over 5 months, adults and the elderly. Not for use in teething infants. Always read the label.
Top tips?
Keep the teeth and braces clean, to help prevent dental decay and inflamed gums. Food may build up in the brackets and in between the teeth and will need careful cleaning to remove it.
Eating the wrong foods can damage or even break the brace so avoid hard foods such as whole apples, raw carrots, French bread and crusty rolls, which could break the wires and brackets on the braces. Also avoid sticky, chewy (including gum) and sugary foods.
Avoid fizzy drinks and natural fruit juices as these are often high in sugar and can be acidic, which can lead to tooth decay and stain the brackets.
Continue to visit your regular dentist while treatment is ongoing, to make sure that the teeth and mouth stay healthy.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.