Important Dental & Braces Information

If you have gotten braces recently, then you know it’s a big adjustment, and getting used to wearing orthodontics can be tricky. Whether you choose traditional metal braces or ceramic braces, your mouth will need to adjust to orthodontic appliances once they’re installed. The appliances may then rub and scratch your gums, lips, and teeth, leading to mouth sores, blisters, and ulcerations. These mouth ulcers and sores occur most commonly when a patient has just received new orthodontic work or has had a recent adjustment to their braces.

Ways To Quickly Ease the Discomfort from Mouth Sores Caused By Braces

John Redmond Orthodontics has compiled a quick list of easy tips to help ease the pain and discomfort of mouth sores or ulcers caused by braces. These useful tips for easing pain and discomfort include:

• Dental wax: Dental wax is a fantastic tool for people who wear braces. This product is a tasteless wax that offers a simple, affordable way to prevent metal braces from irritating the mouth. Dental wax is readily available at most grocery stores, drug stores, or from your orthodontist’s office. It can be used liberally and applied as needed.
• Numbing gel: If you already have a mouth sore and irritation persists despite using dental wax, a numbing gel can help ease the pain. Numbing gel is also available at supermarkets and drugstores. Although it won’t heal your mouth ulcers or sores, it can help relieve pain so you can get on with your day.
• Avoid acidic foods: Acidic, spicy, or citrus foods can increase the risk of irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth in people wearing braces. Moreover, foods such as oranges, tomatoes, or soda should be avoided to help prevent mouth irritation.
• Saltwater rinse: Saltwater rinses are an effective way to treat mouth irritation caused by braces. Combine warm water with a teaspoon of salt and swish the solution around your mouth for about a minute. You may feel a slight stinging or tingling sensation at first. Don’t be alarmed, though. This means it’s working and doing its job. The salt solution has a disinfectant action and can offer pain relief for up to a few hours.

Our experienced team is committed to delivering a pleasant, practical orthodontic experience for every patient. If you are experiencing any unusual discomfort or other issues with your braces, please let us know right away. We’ll do our best to get you into the office to ease your pain as soon as possible. If you don’t already have braces but are considering them for yourself or a loved one, contact our Oceanside, CA orthodontic clinic to schedule an evaluation and consultation with an orthodontist.