Soothe mouth ulcers during braces
Time to break out the braces survival kit!
It's time to review what to do when braces irritate your lips, cheeks, and tongue.
You may have already noticed some irritation of your lips or cheeks when you brush your teeth or eat food.
Some irritation is common - when you have something new in your mouth, your body takes some time to adapt.
It usually takes about 14 days for your lips and cheeks to toughen and become accustomed to the surface of your new braces. Here's the good news - all of our patients have all made it through this awkward adjustment phase with their braces - and we know that you will make it too!
Plus, you get to benefit from all of their experiences! Our former patients have some real-world tips for helping soothe irritations that develop as the lips, cheeks and tongue adjust to your new braces:
Colgate Peroxyl Mouth Rinse
Peroxyl is a peroxide based antiseptic rinse. Our patients recommend using this to help speed up the healing of any sore spots on their lips or cheeks. It has a bubbling action that cleans and alleviates discomfort to provide healing. It is alcohol-free, so there is no burning sensation (it's great for sensitive mouths).
Here's how to use the mouth rinse:
- Use 2 teaspoons
- Rinse vigorously for one minute
- Spit out (don't rinse with water)
- Use up to 4 times daily (after meals and at bedtime)
(In a pinch, you can use warm salt water instead. Dissolve a tablespoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of warm water.)
Colgate Orabase Paste
Orabase is a numbing ointment. Our patients use it to numb up irritated areas inside their lips or cheeks. It works by numbing the area and blocking any irritants from aggravating the sore.
Here's how to use Orabase to numb a sore spot:
- Gently dab on the affected area with a cotton swab or fingertip.
- Allow to remain in place at least 1 minute
- Spit out (don't rinse)
- Use up to 4 times daily
Wax
We saved the best for last: wax!
Wax works by forming a smooth surface around any sharp braces. It can be used directly on the braces or poking wires. To get the best results from your wax, follow these directions:
- Wash your hands
- Dry the sharp area with a tissue or paper towel
- Pull a pea-sized piece of wax off from the package
- Roll the wax into a ball with your fingers
- Place the ball of wax over sharp spot.
Today's tips should help soothe any irritations that develop over the next 2 weeks.
Next up, we will answer the question, “can I eat pizza?”.