Xerostomia, commonly known as dry mouth, is the sensation of dryness resulting from a reduction or absence of saliva flow. While braces do not directly cause a systemic decrease in salivary gland function, their presence can indirectly contribute to this feeling. This occurs largely due to mechanical and behavioral changes that interfere with the normal distribution and retention of saliva, making dry mouth a frequent complaint, particularly during the initial phase of orthodontic treatment.
The Direct Link Between Braces and Reduced Saliva
The orthodontic hardware introduces a foreign object into the mouth, which often triggers a temporary change in the oral environment. Brackets and wires can rub against the inner cheeks and lips, causing minor irritation. The body’s response to this persistent irritation can sometimes include a temporary reduction in saliva production, which contributes to the sensation of dryness.
The bulk of the hardware can also mechanically interfere with a patient’s lip posture. This phenomenon, known as lip incompetence, occurs when the presence of the braces prevents the lips from fully and comfortably closing. An inability to maintain a proper lip seal leads to increased mouth breathing, a major factor in the rapid evaporation of moisture from the oral cavity. This mouth breathing is often most noticeable during sleep, which is why many patients wake up with a dry feeling.
For most individuals, this dryness is a temporary issue that resolves as the mouth acclimates to the new appliances. The internal tissues adjust to the brackets and wires within the first few days to weeks, and the body’s initial reaction subsides. However, the physical obstruction and the resulting mouth-breathing patterns can continue to contribute to perceived dryness throughout the treatment period.
Immediate Strategies for Managing Dry Mouth
Managing xerostomia during orthodontic treatment requires consistent, practical adjustments to daily habits to restore moisture and stimulate saliva. The simplest strategy involves regular hydration by sipping water frequently throughout the day, rather than gulping large amounts. This continuous intake helps to moisten tissues and rinse the mouth, providing relief from the sticky feeling associated with dryness.
Patients should also evaluate their consumption of substances known to be dehydrating. Beverages containing caffeine and alcohol are diuretics that can exacerbate the symptoms of dry mouth, and overly salty or spicy foods can increase oral irritation. Limiting these items helps maintain the body’s overall hydration levels.
To actively stimulate saliva production, sugar-free products containing xylitol are beneficial, such as specialized mints or gums designed for dry mouth relief. Chewing or sucking on these items increases salivary flow. However, any gum usage should be non-sticky and cleared by the orthodontist to avoid damaging the hardware.
When natural stimulation is insufficient, over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes, available as sprays, gels, or rinses, can coat the mouth to provide sustained moisture and lubrication. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom at night is also highly effective, as it introduces moisture into the air and counteracts the drying effect of night-time mouth breathing.
Oral Health Risks Associated With Xerostomia
Ignoring dry mouth while wearing braces can significantly compromise oral health because saliva serves a highly protective function. Saliva naturally contains minerals that help remineralize tooth enamel and acts as a constant rinsing agent, washing away food debris and neutralizing bacterial acids. A reduction in this natural defense mechanism rapidly increases the risk of dental decay, or cavities, which are particularly problematic around the brackets where plaque tends to accumulate.
The lack of saliva also makes orthodontic patients susceptible to the development of “white spot lesions” (WSLs), which are areas of demineralized enamel appearing as chalky white spots after the braces are removed. Furthermore, the absence of natural cleansing contributes to gingivitis and generalized gum irritation, as bacteria and plaque build-up are not efficiently removed. This environment also fosters halitosis, or bad breath. If dry mouth symptoms persist even after consistently applying remedies, consulting a medical professional is recommended, as the cause may be related to systemic conditions or medications unrelated to the braces.