A good percentage of people end up getting braces in order to fix misalignment issues and to work towards a more cosmetically appealing smile. Nearly everyone is happy with the end result after the braces are removed, but during the process, many patients struggle with oral sores from the metal brackets and wires. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage and prevent them. Continue reading to learn some tips.
How Can You Prevent Oral Sores?
Here are a few tips for preventing oral sores from developing in the first place:
- Rinse and Disinfect: Many rinses are used to reduce pain that is caused by ulcers. They form a strong barrier over the sore area for several hours. The best rinses and gels can be found at your local drugstore.
- Brush and Floss: The cleaner your mouth is, the less likely you are to get oral sores. Be sure that you are brushing and flossing regularly to limit the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Orthodontic Wax: One way to prevent mouth ulcers from developing is by applying orthodontic wax to the brackets. This way, they won’t rub up against your oral tissues as harshly. This can be found at your local drug store, and it is easy to remove.
- Drink Plenty of Water: You need to be hydrated to produce enough saliva. Saliva helps to prevent the onset of mouth ulcers. Dry mouth can worsen the condition and ultimately lead to more oral sores.
- Silicone Covers: Similar to orthodontic wax, silicone covers can help to prevent the lips and cheeks from coming into direct contact with the brackets.
How to Manage Pain from Oral Sores
If you have mouth ulcers, the following tips may be able to help:
- Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can help to relieve pain caused by oral sores.
- Saltwater Rinse: This can be made by combining ½ teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water.
- Antiseptic Rinse: Antiseptic rinses contain antibacterial ingredients that help mouth ulcers to heal quickly.
- Tea Bags: Place a warm, soaked tea bag onto the sore. This can help to reduce inflammation and reduce discomfort.
- Avoid Certain Foods: Spicy, sour, and acidic foods can aggravate sores and make them even worse. Avoid things like tomatoes, jalapenos, and lemons.
Straightening your smile shouldn’t mean putting up with painful mouth sores. Try using the tips listed above. This way, your orthodontic journey will be a breeze!
About the Author
Dr. Justyna Balicka earned her dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry before undergoing a 3-year orthodontic residency program at St. Barnabas Hospital. She is currently a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. For more information or to schedule an appointment at her office in Huntington, visit her website or call (631) 423-7857.