How to Deal with Irritation from Metal Braces?

Your new metal braces just went on, and suddenly, your mouth feels like a battlefield. Tiny brackets are rubbing against your cheeks, and wires seem determined to poke at every opportunity. It’s like your teeth have started to rebel, and your gums are caught in the crossfire. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Metal braces do wonders for straightening teeth, but they also bring an unwelcome guest—irritation.

No one likes to spend months of struggling with discomfort, so let’s talk about practical tips to deal with metal braces without discomfort. Whether it’s soothing sore spots or preventing new ones, these simple tips can make you comfortable while your smile is being transformed.

Use Orthodontic Wax to Create a Barrier

• Orthodontic wax is your friend when metal braces start to irritate your mouth.
• Apply a little on brackets or wires that are chafing your cheeks or lips.
• The wax softens the contact spot, preventing further irritation and giving sore spots time to heal.
• Wash the area first to ensure proper adhesion.

Saltwater Rinses Assist in Healing Sore Spots

• A warm saltwater rinse can help alleviate pain and speed healing.
• Mix half a teaspoon of salt with warm water in a cup and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds.
• This homemade treatment reduces inflammation and stops infection in sore areas.
• Use it twice daily, especially if you feel tiny cuts or sore areas developing.

Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dryness and Friction

• A dry mouth makes braces even more painful.
• Keep sipping water throughout the day to keep your oral tissues hydrated.
• Dry lips? Apply a lip balm to prevent chapping, which worsens irritation.

Adjust Your Diet for Comfort

• Hard or crunchy foods can add extra stress to metal braces, causing more irritation.
• Consume soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and smoothies.
• Cut food into tiny bites to avoid putting too much strain on irritated places.
• Steer clear of sticky and chewy foods that can become caught in wires and brackets.

Silicone Guards to Provide Additional Safety

• Silicone guards stay in place longer and are cushioned more than wax.
• If you find the wax ineffective, silicone guards prove handy for further comfort.

Give Quick Care to Wire Poking

• From time to time, a wire pops out and results in painful poking.
• Use a clean eraser tip or a cotton swab to gently push the wire back into place.
• If that doesn’t work, orthodontic wax can be applied until you see your dentist.
• Never cut a wire yourself—your orthodontist will do it safely.

Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief if Necessary

• If the irritation hurts, try an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken to alleviate discomfort after adjustments.
• Do not put aspirin directly on sores because it will cause further irritation.

Effective Oral Hygiene to Prevent Further Irritation

• Food trapped in braces will cause further irritation, so brushing and flossing are required.
• Fluoridated toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush will make cleaning simple.
• Flossing might be a problem with metal braces—threaders or water flossers make the process easier.
• Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to clean your mouth and eliminate bacteria.

Give It Time—Your Mouth Will Get Used To It

• The initial few weeks of having braces are always the toughest.
• Your gums and cheeks will become more resilient over time, and aches will become less of an issue.
• Keep going with precautions, and soon your braces will be just a part of day-to-day life.

Metal braces may be uncomfortable at first, but the long-term benefits are worth it. They correct crooked teeth, improve bite function, and give you a smile you can be proud of. Most people learn to handle the irritation with the help of tips to deal with metal braces, but once the irritation wears off, the result is well worth it.

If you are still feeling discomfort from your braces or would like to discuss your treatment further, speak to our orthodontist in Spokane Valley. Our orthodontist can adjust your braces and suggest other options. Advice needed? Schedule an appointment today and have the most comfortable orthodontic experience possible!