Wearing new braces often introduces an uncomfortable period where the metal hardware rubs against the soft tissues inside your mouth. This friction commonly results in irritation and the development of small sores on the cheeks, lips, and gums. The delicate oral lining requires time to toughen and adapt to the presence of the orthodontic appliance. Understanding the temporary nature of this discomfort allows you to focus on immediate, effective steps for relief while your mouth adjusts.
Immediate Relief Using Protective Barriers
The fastest way to stop an appliance from cutting your cheek is to create a smooth, physical barrier over the irritating component. Orthodontic wax is the primary solution, serving as a protective shield between the sharp edge and your oral tissue. To ensure proper adhesion, you must first dry the specific bracket or wire with a clean tissue or cotton swab, as the wax will not stick to a wet surface.
Pinch off a small piece of wax, typically about the size of a pea, and roll it between your fingers to warm and soften it. This makes the wax pliable and easier to mold over the problematic area. Press the softened ball firmly onto the bracket or wire causing the irritation, flattening it slightly to create a smooth dome.
If you run out of traditional wax, specialized silicone products offer a more durable alternative that often adheres better in a moist environment. These silicone barriers are sometimes moisture-activated, eliminating the need to dry the bracket before application. In a temporary pinch, a small piece of sugar-free gum can be molded over the irritant, though this should be a last resort due to the risk of it sticking to the appliance.
Healing and Soothing Existing Irritation
Once the hardware is covered with a protective barrier, you need to treat any existing cuts or sores that have developed on your cheek. A warm salt water rinse is a simple, effective method to promote healing and maintain oral hygiene in the injured area. Mix about one-half teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water and gently swish the solution in your mouth for approximately 30 seconds.
This saline solution works as a mild antiseptic, cleansing the wound and reducing the risk of infection. You can repeat this rinsing two to three times daily, or as often as needed for comfort, to soothe the inflamed tissue. For persistent pain, over-the-counter topical anesthetic gels can provide temporary numbing relief directly to the sore spot.
These gels often contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic that blocks nerve signals to interrupt the pain sensation. When applying, follow the package directions, which advise dabbing a small amount onto the sore up to four times a day. To prevent further injury and allow the sore to heal, temporarily avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, or those with a crunchy or sharp texture that could scrape the healing tissue.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While at-home remedies manage most minor irritations, certain hardware issues require professional attention to prevent treatment delays. A poking wire is common, often occurring when teeth shift and cause the archwire to slide out of the back bracket. Before calling the office, attempt to gently push the wire flat or tuck it out of the way using the unused eraser end of a pencil or a cotton swab.
If a wire is protruding significantly and cannot be safely tucked, you may use clean nail clippers to carefully snip the excess wire as close to the last secure bracket as possible. This is a last-resort solution and should be done with caution to avoid swallowing the clipped piece.
Contact the clinic if a bracket becomes loose or detached from the tooth, even if it is not causing immediate pain. A true orthodontic emergency involves severe, unmanageable pain, an inability to close your mouth, or signs of infection such as swelling or fever. Any damage to the appliance resulting from trauma, such as a sports injury, should prompt an immediate call. Even if you resolve the issue temporarily, inform your orthodontist so they can schedule a repair to keep your treatment progressing correctly.