tips for adjusting to dentures

Whether your teeth are overlapping, crowded in your mouth or you suffer from an overbite, there are several reasons why you might need braces. If your family has chosen metal braces, your orthodontist will provide you with a few tips and tricks to help you adjust to eating, cleaning and simply living life with your new hardware. However, there is one aspect of getting braces that you might not be prepared for: mouth sores. Unfortunately, mouth sores are very common occurrence for people with braces, but there are ways to treat and prevent them from happening. 

Why Do Braces Cause Mouth Sores?

Although mouth sores can occur almost any time when you are wearing metal braces, they are more common in the first few days after your braces are adjusted or installed. Your mouth simply isn't used to braces, so when you perform every day normal activities, such as eating, drinking or brushing your teeth, the metal braces can scrape the inside of your mouth and lips.

This can lead to discomfort and bleeding. As you become more accustomed to your braces, and learn how to chew, drink and get through life with the metal in your mouth, the mouth sores will become less common.

Preventing Mouth Sores from Occurring

Once again, as you become more accustomed to your braces, your present mouth sores will begin to heal, and you won't have as many mouth sores occur. In the meantime, orthodontic wax prevents new mouth sores from occurring while you are getting used to your braces. The wax is used to coat the metal parts of your braces, which will help prevent new mouth sores from forming.

To apply the wax, begin by washing your hands and brushing your teeth. This will help prevent the build-up of bacteria in your mouth and remove any food particles that can make it difficult for the wax to adhere. Next, grab a piece of paper towel or a clean washcloth and dry your teeth and braces. The drier your teeth and braces are, the longer the wax will adhere.

Next, take a small amount of wax from the container and roll it into a ball between your fingers. Place the wax on any metal brackets that are rubbing against the inside of your mouth or lips. Hold your finger over the bracket for a few seconds to allow the wax to set in the bracket.

You can reapply the wax as needed, just use the steps provided above. The wax is a great tool that can help your mouth heal, and prevent new sores from forming.

Treating Your Mouth Sores  

Although they are very painful, it is easy to treat your mouth sores. In addition to applying dental wax, there are other options available. For example, create a paste from baking soda and water and apply it directly to the sore. This will help ease the pain and protect the sores from being irritated.

Additionally, gargling salt water can also help relieve the pain. There are over-the-counter mouth rinses and antiseptic gels that can be applied directly to the sores. If you're having trouble finding the right product to relieve the pain of your mouth sores, don't hesitate to contact your orthodontist right away. Clinics like Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics will point you in the right direction and lessen the pain.

Metal braces and mouth sores go hand-in-hand. If you are having trouble with your metal braces and are suffering from several mouth sores, it can negatively impact your quality of life. Luckily, there are several options available to both prevent and treat the sores.