Once you make the decision to get braces, our Rock Hill, SC, orthodontists say there are certain responsibilities to keep in mind. When you have braces, 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 there are a few tips you should follow.

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.

Tip #2 – Orthodontic Wax

You should have been given orthodontic wax 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.

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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 contact one of our offices for help. 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 one of our orthodontic office locations today!

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 topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Burrow Welchel & Culp Orthodontics by calling (704) 334-7202 to reach our offices. You may also click here to use our convenient online form.