Dry mouth is a common issue for patients with traditional metal braces, especially in the early stages of treatment. It occurs when there isn’t enough saliva in your mouth and can be quite uncomfortable.

The main reason you may face dry mouth with metal braces is that your braces are causing irritation in your mouth. They are foreign on your teeth so your mouth isn’t used to them and reacts by drying out your mouth.

While some orthodontic patients have dry mouth for a few days, others have it for a few months. In addition to a feeling of dryness in your mouth, dry mouth can lead to symptoms such as dry throat, excessive thirst, bad breath, burning throat, and dry nasal passage.

Dry mouth can result in serious health problems such as infections that can raise your risk of gum disease. It can also reduce your natural defenses against tooth decay and cause you to develop more cavities.

The good news is that there are ways you can treat dry mouth or reduce its effects. Chewing on soft ice chips can add moisture to your mouth and soothe any discomfort. Drinking plenty of water can also help as it can wash away some of the food particles and bacteria in your mouth and restore moisture to your throat.

Additionally, you can purchase an artificial saliva, which can be purchased over-the-counter in fluid, spray,  or gel form and apply it to your mouth. If you wake up with dry mouth every morning, running a humidifier when you sleep is a good option as well.

If your son or daughter is complaining of consistent of dry mouth, they may also have dry lips. This is very common when it is extremely cold or hot and dry during the summer. The dry lips might actually be sun burnt lips that need moisture. If you are looking for some Chap Stick alternatives you may consider coconut oil or Aloe Vera. These are ways in which your children will find more comfort instead of constantly trying to lick their lips to gain moisture.

Schedule an Appointment at Sims Orthodontics

For more information about traditional metal braces and dry mouth, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Call us at 850-477-7715 today. We look forward to hearing from you!