Dr. Anthony Farrow of Farrow Orthodontics in the Wyndmoor, PA area says that the exact cause of most canker sores is unknown. A sharp tooth surface or dental appliance (i.e., braces or ill-fitting dentures) might trigger canker sores. Stress or tissue injury can cause simple canker sores. Certain foods including citrus or acidity fruits and vegetables (i.e., as lemons, oranges, pineapples, apples, figs, tomatoes, and strawberries) can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. And even an underlying health condition, such as an impaired immune system, iron deficiency or gastrointestinal tract disease can cause canker sores.
Canker sores are small, shallow ulcers that appear inside the mouth (not to be mistaken for cold canker sores that appear outside the mouth—usually under the nose, around the lips or under the chin) and often make eating and talking uncomfortable especially if you have braces rubbing against them. There are two types of canker sores: Simple canker sores and complex canker sores. Simple canker sores may appear three or four times a year and last up to a week. They typically occur in people between the ages 10 and 20. Complex canker sores are less common and occur more often in people who have previously had them.
Dr. Farrow notes that there is no cure for canker sores, and they often recur, but you may be able to reduce their frequency. If you have canker sores and believe that your braces are the problem please be sure to visit Farrow Orthodontics when and if you are in the Wyndmoor, PA area, or to contact Dr. Farrow at 215.247.9060 immediately.