In this Article

• Special brushing and flossing instructions
• Foods to avoid while wearing braces
• Playing sports while wearing braces
• Caring for retainers
• What to do if a bracket or wire breaks
• Other problems
• Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers Index

Other Problems

Because braces brush up against the inside surface of your mouth, you may be more prone to developing canker sores. If a canker sore develops, your orthodontist or dentist may prescribe a corticosteroid ointment or a prescription or nonprescription pain-reliever solution to reduce the pain and irritation and help heal the sore.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dentistry.

Reviewed by Jay H. Rosoff, DDS, on March 1, 2007

Edited by Charlotte E. Grayson, MD, on May 1, 2005.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2005

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Over-The-Counter Products -
• Mouth Guards - Get information on types of mouth guards to protect teeth from bruxism (teeth grinding) while sleeping and during sports such as football, boxing, wrestling, hockey and basketball.
• Canker Sores - Learn about canker sores (aphthous ulcer) causes, like allergies, immune disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, smoking, stress, and female sex hormones.

Read more Caring for Teeth With Braces or Retainers related articles »

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