It’s common to experience sore spots or irritation on your cheeks, lips, or tongue after getting braces. These spots usually improve with time, but there are ways to ease the discomfort and protect your mouth as you adjust.
Here’s a Canadian-friendly guide for managing braces-related sore spots.
🩺 Why Sore Spots Happen
- New brackets and wires rub against soft tissues
- Your mouth hasn’t adapted to the new hardware yet
- Broken or loose wires may poke unexpectedly
These issues are usually most noticeable during the first week or after adjustments.
🛌 Quick Relief Tips
- Use orthodontic wax on rough or sharp areas
- Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in 1 cup of water)
- Apply topical numbing gel (ask your dentist for a safe option)
- Eat soft, cool foods to soothe irritated areas
🪠 Prevention Tips
- Stay on top of oral hygiene to prevent further irritation
- Use lip balm to avoid cracked lips catching on brackets
- Drink lots of water to keep the mouth hydrated
⚠️ When to Contact Your Orthodontist
- If pain lasts more than a week
- If you see signs of infection (swelling, pus, or fever)
- If a bracket or wire breaks and is causing damage
Need help managing braces discomfort?
McLevin Dental is here to make your treatment smooth and comfortable
. Reach out if sore spots persist — we’ll get you relief quickly.