Thanks to advancements in orthodontic techniques and technology, modern braces are much more comfortable than those of past generations. However, they can still cause problems from time to time. For example, some patients develop mouth sores with braces in Torrington. How can you prevent this issue, and if you do notice a sore, what can you do to help it heal as quickly as possible? This blog post discusses the answers to those important questions.
Preventing Mouth Sores
Here are some tips to lower the risk that you will suffer from a braces-related mouth sore:
- Apply orthodontic wax. In most cases, mouth sores are the result of the braces’ brackets rubbing against soft tissues in the mouth. You can minimize this problem by covering the brackets with orthodontic wax.
- Try silicon covers for your brackets. As an alternative to orthodontic wax, you might try covering your brackets with silicon covers. They tend to last longer than wax.
- Drink plenty of water. A dry mouth is at a heightened risk of many problems, including sores and ulcers. Try to keep a bottle of water with you at all times and sip on it throughout the day.
- Keep stress to a minimum. Often, there is a correlation between mouth sores and high levels of stress in a patient’s life. It would be wise to take time each day to relax a little.
Minimizing Discomfort from Mouth Sores
In spite of your best efforts to prevent mouth sores, you might still find that you develop one occasionally. Feel free to call your dentist or orthodontist for guidance when this happens. They might recommend that you take one or more of the following measures:
- Use pain relievers if necessary. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both easy to acquire over the counter, and both are effective at relieving mouth pain.
- Try a topical anesthetic. Anbesol and Orabase can both be applied topically to mouth sores. They can minimize discomfort.
- Rinse with salt water. Salt water can fight inflammation and reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Simply combine half a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth, and repeat several times a day.
- Apply a tea bag. Soak a tea bag in warm water for a few minutes before gently pressing it against your mouth sore. Tea has antiseptic properties that can promote healing. Black tea and chamomile tea both work well for this purpose.
- Alter your eating habits. Spicy, hot, and acidic foods might exacerbate your mouth pain. Sticking to soft, cool, and room temperature foods would be wise while you are healing from your sore.
Mouth sores with braces can be painful and annoying. Fortunately, though, there are some easy things you can do to prevent and manage this problem.
Meet the Practice The talented team at Torrington Dental Care is proud to provide a broad range of treatments, including both traditional braces and clear aligners. If you have questions about orthodontic services or are struggling with mouth sores, we are ready to assist you. Contact us at 860-259-4073.