If your teeth are overlapped, gapped, or misaligned, you may be interested in getting braces. This orthodontic treatment consists of wires and brackets that move your teeth into a better position over time and can address the aforementioned issues head-on. As beneficial as orthodontic treatment is for both the look of your smile and your oral health, it does come with some potential issues, such as mouth sores. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this. Continue reading to learn about four tips that will help you prevent mouth sores with braces.
Tip #1: Brush and Floss Daily
The cleaner that your mouth is, the less likely you are to develop an ulcer. Unfortunately, keeping food particles and debris out of your braces isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s so important that you keep up a solid oral hygiene routine at home. Be sure to brush and floss your teeth after every meal or at least twice per day. You should also floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth.
Tip #2: Rinse and Disinfect Throughout the Day
Another way to prevent mouth sores with braces is to be diligent about rinsing your mouth out throughout the day. This is especially true if you aren’t able to brush and floss after lunch. Swish some mouthwash or water around in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds, and then spit it out. This will promote a clean mouth as well as prevent food particles from irritating existing sores.
Tip #3: Apply Orthodontic Wax or Silicone
Orthodontic wax is a good thing to have around when you’re undergoing braces treatment. It will protect your gums, tongue, and cheeks if your brackets begin to irritate them. Additionally, the base of orthodontic wax is water-resistant. This means that it won’t slip out of place during the day. You can also use dental silicone to protect your smile in the same way.
Tip #4: Drink Plenty of Water
Saliva has antibacterial components, which means that it can help prevent the onset of ulcers in your mouth. Saliva also helps wash away bacteria and food particles. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth moist. You can also chew on sugar-free gum, suck on sugarless hard candy, or munch on fresh, crisp fruits and veggies like apples and celery to encourage saliva production.
Mouth sores with braces are a real hassle, but they’re relatively easy to avoid with the above tips. This can help make your orthodontic treatment go as smoothly as possible and keep oral health problems at bay!
About the Author
Sachse Family Dentistry at Woodbridge, which is led by Dr. Travis Rottman, takes pride in helping patients keep their smiles healthy and bright. They offer patients an enjoyable experience from the moment they enter the office. For those with crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth, they offer braces and Invisalign. They can teach you about the risks of mouth sores with braces as well as how to prevent them. To make an appointment with Sachse Family Dentistry at Woodbridge or to learn more about their orthodontic treatments, call their office at (972) 848-0073 or visit their website.