Once you make the decision to get braces, our Hillsborough, NC, orthodontist says there are certain responsibilities that come along with them. Regular brushing, flossing, and eating a proper diet are just a few of the ways to maintain braces. Sometimes, even with the best care, wires can poke the inside of your mouth, irritating your lips and rubbing sores. When this happens, our Hillsborough orthodontist has a few tips you should follow.
Hillsborough, NC, Orthodontist - Handling Irritated Braces
Tip #1 – Prevention is Key
As with most things in life, prevention is key when dealing with braces. Since it's not uncommon for the wires in your braces to poke the inside of your mouth, making sure you do everything you can to prevent it from happening is a great idea. For starters, avoid eating hard and chewy foods that can cause brackets and wires to break. Things like hard candies, gum, and pretzels should be avoided, according to our Hillsborough orthodontist.
Tip #2 – Orthodontic Wax
You should have been given orthodontic wax from our Hillsborough, NC, orthodontist when you had your braces put in place. This wax is intended to act as a barrier between your braces and the inside of your mouth. It's a good idea to use wax until your mouth gets used to the braces, but it will also help if you end up with a pokey wire or a broken bracket. Apply a small bit on the problem area to give your mouth relief from irritation and make it easier to function until you can see an orthodontic professional. Make sure to remove the wax prior to eating or brushing, and apply clean wax afterward.
Need Help? See Our Hillsborough, NC, Orthodontist!
Tip #3 – See a Professional for Help
Regardless of whether you have a broken bracket or just a pokey wire, the best way to deal with any braces-related issue is to see our Hillsborough, NC, orthodontist. Although the steps above can help you at home, professional guidance is needed to ensure your braces remain intact and any irritation you're dealing with is resolved. If you're experiencing a sore, irritated mouth from your braces, then call our Hillsborough orthodontist today for a consultation.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Wilson Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office near Hillsborough, NC, by clicking here or by calling 919.383.7423.
