“Help! My braces are cutting my cheeks.” Sound familiar? Right after getting braces for the first time, you may experience soreness and irritation inside your mouth as your mouth adjusts to the new metal braces. The pain often originates from braces cutting cheeks—ouch!

Here are our top tips on how to prevent braces from cutting your mouth, as well as recommendations for preventing or alleviating some of the soreness and discomfort you may feel at the beginning of your orthodontic treatment.

How to Stop Braces From Cutting Your Cheeks

Orthodontic Wax

Dental wax is the most popular choice for alleviating the discomfort caused by braces cutting cheeks. Use the wax to create a barrier between the inside of your mouth and the metal braces. This application will reduce the rubbing that creates sores, and instead protect your cheeks from irritation.

It’s important to first wash your hands and brush your teeth before applying the orthodontic wax. Then, take a small piece of wax — just enough to cover one wire or bracket — and roll it into a ball. Press the ball of wax onto whichever part of your braces is causing you trouble, and rub it into place.

Lip Protectors

Unfortunately, many patients experience braces cutting lips and cheeks. Wondering how to stop braces from cutting your lip? Lip protectors for braces are a great way to shield your lips and gums from the discomfort of metal brackets. A lip protector is a flexible clear bumper that covers the front of your brackets from one end of your mouth to the other. While they are useful for people who are new to braces, they also work really well for musicians or athletes who don’t necessarily need a mouthguard, but seek additional protection from cuts and sores.

Aloe Vera Rinses

There are a few different aloe vera rinses that can help heal any irritation caused by braces. These gels can also help treat canker sores, mouth sores, and small cuts inside your mouth.

Salt Water Rinses

Cleansing your mouth with warm salt water can be one of the best ways to relieve any discomfort inside your mouth you may be feeling from your braces, especially if your braces are cutting the side of your mouth or rubbing your cheeks. Add ½ teaspoon of salt to warm water and stir until completely dissolved. Then, swish the rinse inside your mouth for about 30 seconds at a time before spitting it out. Repeat this process until finished with all of the salt water, and do this as many times as you feel necessary until your mouth begins to feel better.

Avoid Acidic or Sugary Foods

Soft foods are much easier on your braces, especially when you are first getting used to them. Choose foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt and soups in the beginning and avoid coffee, spicy foods, citrus foods, nuts, seeds and anything else that may aggravate any sores in your mouth or break your brackets.

Drink Cold Water or Iced Tea

Cold beverages can help ease the discomfort from your braces cutting your mouth. Use a straw to sip on cold water, eat a popsicle, or suck on an ice cube to help with any discomfort inside your mouth.

Give it Time

So, when do braces stop cutting your mouth for good? The one thing that we guarantee to stop your braces from cutting your cheeks is time. Once your mouth gets used to the metal brackets, the soreness will go away. After a few weeks, the inside of your mouth will get tougher and any irritations should resolve.

If you have a broken bracket or loose wire causing discomfort inside your mouth, visit your orthodontist right away so they can fix it for you. For more information about how to deal with soreness and discomfort caused by metal braces and find pain relief, contact us today. We are here to help make your orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible.