If youre wearing braces, you may occasionally experience discomfort when a bracket or wire pokes the inside of your mouth. This is a common issue that can happen when a wire becomes loose or a bracket shifts out of place. While it may seem like a minor issue, a poking bracket can cause irritation, pain, and sores inside your cheeks, gums, or lips, making it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or even smile.
Knowing how to handle this situation effectively can help alleviate discomfort and prevent further injury to the inside of your mouth. In this blog, well guide you through the steps to take if a bracket is poking the inside of your mouth, as well as tips for preventing this from happening in the future.
What Causes Brackets to Poke the Inside of Your Mouth?
Brackets, which are attached to the teeth in the process of orthodontic treatment, are usually made of metal or ceramic. They are affixed to each tooth with a bonding agent and connected by wires that gradually shift the teeth into their desired positions. However, occasionally, the following factors may lead to a bracket or wire poking or irritating the inside of the mouth:
Loose Bracket: A bracket that has become loose from the tooth can shift and stick out, poking the inside of your lips or cheeks.
Wire Shift: Over time, wires can shift or move from their intended position, causing the ends to poke out and irritate the soft tissues inside the mouth.
Tightening of Braces: After a visit to the orthodontist when the braces are tightened, you may experience temporary discomfort. In some cases, the wires or brackets may become more likely to poke into the inside of the mouth.
Worn or Broken Brackets: If a bracket is damaged or partially broken, it can protrude more than usual and cause poking or sharp discomfort.
Steps to Take When a Bracket Is Poking the Inside of Your Mouth
If a bracket is poking the inside of your mouth, here are the steps you can take to relieve the discomfort and prevent further irritation:
1. Try to Move the Bracket or Wire
If the bracket is slightly loose or out of place, you may be able to move it back into position temporarily. Use a clean pencil eraser or a cotton swab to gently push the bracket back into place. Be careful not to use too much force, as you dont want to break the wire or damage the bracket further.
Tip: If you dont have a pencil eraser, you can use the back of a spoon or any other clean, soft object that wont damage the braces.
2. Cover the Poking Bracket with Wax
Orthodontic wax is a simple and effective way to alleviate the discomfort caused by a bracket thats poking the inside of your mouth. This wax can be applied directly to the bracket to create a soft barrier that protects the soft tissues in your mouth.
How to Use:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Break off a small piece of orthodontic wax and roll it into a ball.
Flatten the wax and press it over the offending bracket or wire. Make sure it covers the sharp edge or protruding part completely.
If you dont have orthodontic wax, you can use a small piece of sugar-free gum as a temporary solution until you can get some wax.
3. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe any irritation or sores caused by the poking bracket. Salt water acts as a natural antiseptic and helps to reduce inflammation, cleaning the affected area.
How to Use:
Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
Swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, then spit it out.
Repeat this process a few times a day, especially after meals, to keep the inside of your mouth clean and help promote healing.
4. Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If the poking bracket is causing significant discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions.
Tip: Avoid aspirin, as it can increase the risk of bleeding and may irritate the tissues in the mouth.
5. Apply a Cold Compress
If the poking bracket is causing swelling or discomfort, a cold compress can help alleviate both pain and inflammation. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek near the affected area can also numb the discomfort.
How to Use:
Wrap ice cubes in a clean cloth or use a gel ice pack.
Apply the cold compress to the outside of your cheek where the bracket is poking the inside of your mouth.
Hold it in place for 10-15 minutes at a time.
6. Contact Your Orthodontist
If the discomfort persists or if the bracket is severely out of place or broken, its important to contact your orthodontist. They may need to make adjustments to the braces or reattach the bracket to prevent further irritation and discomfort.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist:
If the wire is completely out of place and cannot be adjusted at home.
If the bracket is broken or has become detached from the tooth.
If the pain is severe and over-the-counter pain relief is not sufficient.
Your orthodontist will schedule an appointment to examine your braces and make any necessary adjustments. If youre experiencing discomfort between appointments, dont hesitate to reach out for advice on how to manage the situation.
Preventing Poking Brackets and Other Discomforts
While its not always possible to completely prevent a bracket from poking the inside of your mouth, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of this happening:
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can put additional pressure on your braces and may cause wires or brackets to shift. Avoid eating these types of foods, especially during the initial stages of treatment.
Use a Nightguard: If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), wearing a nightguard can help prevent excessive pressure on the braces, which may contribute to the brackets poking the inside of your mouth.
Attend Regular Orthodontic Appointments: Regular visits to your orthodontist will ensure that your braces are properly adjusted, preventing discomfort from loose or broken brackets.
Be Mindful of Your Oral Hygiene: Keeping your braces clean and free from food particles will help prevent irritation and soreness in your mouth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing tools designed for braces to maintain good oral hygiene.
Conclusion
While a bracket poking the inside of your mouth is a common issue for those with braces, its usually easy to manage with a few simple steps. By applying orthodontic wax, rinsing with salt water, and seeking advice from your orthodontist when necessary, you can alleviate discomfort and prevent further irritation. If youre experiencing consistent discomfort or if the bracket is severely out of place, dont hesitate to contact your orthodontist for an adjustment.