Dry Mouth With Braces - Biermann Orthodintics

Dry Mouth With Braces: What’s the Deal?

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Achieving a healthy and beautiful smile with braces is an exciting journey — but also a journey that comes with discomforts and unexpected symptoms, including dry mouth.

If you have braces and experience some side effects such as a dry, cottony feeling in your mouth, there are solutions that can allow you to remain more comfortable until the braces are off.

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What’s the Connection Between Braces and Dry Mouth?

If you’re a candidate for braces, your dentist will examine your mouth by taking X-rays and performing an oral exam. He should ensure that all of your teeth are properly aligned and your bite is even in conjunction with your jaw.

If he sees a problem, he may refer you to an orthodontist for further evaluation and placement of braces. Your mouth then goes through a metamorphosis as it reshapes and readjusts to the proper fitting. You could experience a dry mouth during this time.

It may take a few weeks or months to get fully adjusted to having braces. According to MedlinePlus, You may experience dryness-related symptoms such as:

  • Parched lips
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry lips
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Thirst
  • Thick and stringy saliva
  • Soreness in the mouth, and 
  • Cuts and cracks at the corners of your mouth

The braces take up more space in your mouth, which can cause irritation to your gums and the sides of your mouth. Any type of irritation can promote dryness. 

After you have your braces placed and when you have to get them adjusted, you may feel pain or extreme discomfort in your mouth. 

Because your mouth experiences a lot of pressure as the adjustment process takes place, soreness is common as the arch wires, brackets, and bands are placed into the right position. This can lead to a dry mouth. It may also lead to an increase in thirst, especially when you wake up in the morning. 

Every time there is work done inside your mouth, there’s an increased risk of dryness and irritation.

Solutions for Those Experiencing Dry Mouth With Braces

You may be prohibited from eating certain foods such as chips, candy, ice, hard foods, nuts, jerky, and gum. Some foods can break down orthodontic appliances and prevent a successful orthodontic experience. 

Why do we mention this?

Normally, chewing gum may help you produce more saliva and prevent dry mouth, but with braces, you may experience dry mouth because of omitting foods and snacks (like gum) from your diet.

So, what can you do instead to help with dry mouth and lips from braces? Try the following: 

  • Stay hydrated. Not only will drinking more water increase your hydration, decreasing the risk of dry mouth, but it will also help you maintain your oral hygiene. 
  • Use ice chips. We do not recommend chewing ice as it may cause pain or damage to your orthodontic appliances, but sucking on ice chips is another great way to reduce dry mouth with braces and increase hydration. 
  • Breathe through your nose. 
  • Consider asking your dentist or orthodontist to prescribe an artificial saliva product.
  • Consult your dentist or orthodontist for additional remedies and information on preventing dry mouth with braces.

Biermann Orthodontics: Serving Patients Throughout and Around Beaverton, OR

Already have braces and experiencing symptoms, like dry mouth? Talk with one of our orthodontists to make sure you’re taking the right steps to prevent it as much as possible. 

At Biermann Orthodontics we understand that some patients want to completely avoid the symptoms, like dry mouth with braces. This is why we do our best to provide a thorough consultation and share your options with you. 

For some, products like Invisalign® may be a better option than traditional braces. For others, braces may be the best route to take. 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us or request an appointment today.

Original Article: http://www.livestrong.com/article/347069-dry-mouth-with-braces/

Looking for an orthodontist in Beaverton, Oregon? Biermann Orthodontics is a cutting-edge, affordable orthodontic practice that serves Beaverton and Molalla, OR, and focuses on providing world-class customer service and efficient treatment. We strive to create stunning smiles in the shortest amount of time without ever sacrificing quality.

Visit our Locations page to find a clinic near you, or schedule an initial consultation.

Biermann Orthodontics

503-690-0722
17885 NW Evergreen Parkway, Suite 200
Beaverton, OR 97006