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How to Handle & Prevent Mouth Sores with Braces

October 25, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — tntadmin @ 8:44 pm
Girl with braces in Webster suffering from mouth sores

Modern-day braces are more effective and comfortable than ever before! Unfortunately, the brackets and wires can still cause irritation to the inside of your mouth if you’re not careful. Thankfully, managing mouth sores with braces is easy, and there are several steps you can take to keep them from developing in the first placed! Read on to learn more.

Treating Mouth Sores from Braces

If you clicked on this post, it’s likely that you’re looking for relief from irritating and uncomfortable mouth sores from your braces. Here’s what you can do to relieve pain and help your smile heal faster:

  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever: Store-bought pain relievers like Ibuprofen are a great choice for managing discomfort from mouth sores as well as soreness from having your braces tightened or adjusted.
  • Use a numbing oral gel: In the dental department of your local pharmacy or grocery store, you’re likely to find OTC topical numbing gel for your mouth. These gels can be applied directly onto the irritated tissue to numb your discomfort.
  • Avoid spicy and acidic foods: These foods will cause your mouth sores to hurt more and they slow down your natural healing process.
  • Rinse with mouthwash or special rinses: Antiseptic mouthwash can help clear away bacteria, soothe inflammation, and fight off infection. In some cases, your orthodontist may recommend specialized rinses with certain ingredients.
  • Call your orthodontist: If you’re having a very difficult time managing your mouth sores, don’t hesitate to give your orthodontist a call. They’ll be able to adjust your braces to be more comfortable and will ensure you don’t have an infection.

How to Prevent Mouth Sores with Braces

Soft tissue irritation may be common with traditional metal braces, but mouth sores aren’t inevitable. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping your smile comfortable while it’s being straightened, like:

  • Orthodontic wax: This moldable, biocompatible, and smooth material can be placed directly over sharp parts of your braces to prevent irritation. Plus, the wax is typically opaque so no one will even notice you’re wearing it!
  • Great oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing will clear out bacteria in your mouth that could potentially aggravate the tissues that come in contact with your braces. It will also lower your risk of developing infections and cavities.
  • Talk to your orthodontist about your concerns: Any orthodontic treatment is bound to cause a little bit of discomfort as your teeth shift in place, but constant pain or sores in your mouth is something you should talk to your orthodontist about right away. They can help adjust your braces and take a closer look at your mouth to help prevent sores from forming and make sure you’re more comfortable.

Don’t let mouth sores keep you from enjoying your journey towards a straighter smile! Keep these tips in mind to keep your mouth healthy and comfortable.

About the Practice

Our talented team here at Simply Orthodontics is proud to provide customized, high-quality orthodontic care for smiles of all ages in Webster and the surrounding communities. We offer a wide variety of reliably effective orthodontics, including everything from traditional braces to Invisalign. Plus, our compassionate team will be with you every step of the way during your treatment to ensure the process is as smooth as possible! To learn more, we can be contacted online or at (508) 943-2100.