Your braces will cause some soreness an irritation to the inside of your mouth when you first get them, until your mouth gets used to them. These ideas and products will help you cope in the meantime!
Time
Simply put, it will take time for your mouth to adjust to the new braces. After a few weeks, it will start to get a bit “tougher” and the irritation die down.
Until then, to help you deal with the discomfort, you can try to following:
Salt Water Rinses
Salt water rinses provide short-term relief of oral discomfort, including that caused by braces.
Stir ½ a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water until the salt has dissolved completely. Take a mouthful of this solution and swish for about 30 seconds, then spit it out into the sink. Repeat until the salt water is gone. You can do this as often as you feel is necessary.
50% warm water and 50% hydrogen peroxide
If saltwater doesn't help, try a hydrogen peroxide mixture for a similar effect. Mix the liquids in a glass, and swish mouthfuls for about 30 seconds at a time and then spit, until the glass is empty.
Pain Relief & Barrier Products
To help reduce irritation in the first place and protect your mouth from your braces, you can try some of the following products:
Dental Wax
Dental wax is the most common barrier style product. It works by creating a barrier between the inside of your mouth and your braces, thereby reducing friction and allowing the irritation and sores to heal.
To apply orthodontic wax:
- Wash your hands.
- Brush your teeth so that the area to which you apply the wax is clean.
- Take a small piece of wax (just enough to cover the offending wire or bracket) and roll it into a little ball. This will make it more malleable and easier to apply.
- Press the ball of wax onto the bracket or wire that is causing discomfort.
- Massage the wax into place. It should form a small bump overtop of the bracket or wire, preventing further friction.
Lip Protectors
Lip protectors, flexible “bumpers” that cover your braces from end to end, will shield your lips and gums from your braces.
GUM® Canker-X
GUM® Canker-X is an aloe vera-based gel that treats canker sores, mouth sores, as small cuts and abrasions by forming a barrier that both heals and protects.
Comfort Brace
Comfort Brace Protective Strips look a lot like teeth whitening strips, and function to shield the inside of your mouth from your braces, giving it a chance to heal.
GUM® Rincinol PRN
This aloe vera-based mouth sore rinse helps promote the healing of irritation caused by braces, and provides pain relief for up to 6 hours.
