If you have braces and woke up with a swollen tongue or lips, you may be wondering whether braces caused them. There are a few reasons why braces may lead to swollen lips. The most common reason is that braces may rub up against the lips or inside the cheeks and lead to irritation, which prompts lip swelling.
Another less common yet possible reason you may be facing swollen lips as a result of braces is a nickel allergy. In the event you do have a nickel allergy, you should not be wearing traditional metal braces. Invisalign is typically recommended for patients who are allergic to nickel.
If you believe your braces are rubbing up against your lips or inside of your cheeks, it’s important to visit our office right away. Dr. Gladwell can adjust your braces to prevent this from occurring again. He can also determine whether you may be allergic to nickel and make adjustments to your orthodontic treatment plan if necessary.
There are several remedies you can try to get rid of your swollen lips before you visit Dr. Gladwell. Placing an ice pack on your lips every few hours may helps as it can reduce the amount of blood flowing to the affected area.
Another remedy is soaking a washcloth in warm water and placing it on the lips. Warm water promotes circulation and can reduce swelling. It can also soothe any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
Schedule an Appointment at Gladwell Orthodontics
If you are concerned about your swollen lips, call 919-453-6325 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gladwell today.
