Some of our patients have noticed that their gums and mouth feel dry with braces. Although this can be a bit uncomfortable, there are several solutions for preventing this dry feeling. Let’s take a closer look at what causes dry gums and mouth with braces and what you can do to avoid it.
What Causes Dry Gums and Mouth with Braces?
Since your braces take up a great deal of space in your mouth, your gums may become a bit irritated. When this happens, you may notice less saliva. Less saliva can also arise if you have removed certain foods you typically eat from your diet. It’s important to note that while not everyone with braces experiences dry gums and mouth, it is a common side effect.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Dryness with Braces?
At Gladwell Orthodontics, we encourage our patients with dry mouth and gums to keep a water bottle by their side so they are reminded to drink water on a regular basis. Water can help keep their mouth from becoming too dry and assist in rinsing off any plaque they have.
It’s also a good idea to suck on crushed ice as doing so can promote the production of saliva while adding additional moisture to the mouth. Lastly, we suggest eating less salty foods as they are known for causing dryness.
Contact Gladwell Orthodontics
If you are concerned about the dry gums and mouth your braces may have caused, call our office today at 919-453-6325.
