Treating a Mouth Injury from Braces

Getting braces can cause some patients discomfort at first, and any injury or trauma to the mouth or face while wearing braces can be even more painful. Here are some ways to treat common injuries with braces as well as a few tips and tricks to avoid injury all together.

If you believe you may have sustained a serious injury to your mouth, the first step is to call your orthodontist so they can advise you as far as the best care and make sure no serious injury to you or your braces has occurred. If you sustain an injury where a tooth or part of the tooth is knocked out, it’s best to act quickly. If you are able, save the tooth in a hygienic container and take it with you in case it can be reattached.

Most Common Mouth Injuries with Braces

Injury to braces wearers can displace teeth, irritate gums, and make painful lesions on the insides of the cheeks and lips. Ice packs can be the simplest and most effective way to decrease swelling and ease pain.

If you sustain any force to the face, cheeks or lips can get stuck in the braces, causing painful bruising or cuts. Soft tissue damage typically heals in a timely manner on its own. However, cold compresses and pain relieving medication can help ease you through the healing process. Any facial injury that displaces teeth can also inflame your gums. The gum swelling or irritation can be relieved by swishing with a saltwater solution.

Over-the-counter topical pain gel can also ease the affected area after an injury.
For open tissue lesions, try applying orthodontic wax to your braces so that the wound is not further irritated by the brackets or wires. If you’ve sustained a facial injury, be sure to give yourself time to heal. This can mean sitting out from a high-contact, risky activity and only eating soft foods that require little chewing.

Avoiding Mouth Injuries During Orthodontic Treatment

One of the most common ways people with braces sustain injury to their mouths is playing sports. Mouthguards are crucial to protecting every athlete’s smile, especially if they are involved in contact sports. Mouthguards for athletes with braces are especially important. If you play sports or engage in any activity that makes you prone to facial injury, speak with your orthodontist about getting the mouthguard that will be the best fit for you and your braces.

Another possible way to avoid braces-related injuries is to opt for Invisalign instead. Invisalign uses soft, plastic aligners that get the same results as braces without the metal brackets and wires. Mouth injuries compacted by having braces are very common for younger children and active teens. That’s why invisalign may be the best treatment, especially for accident-prone kids.

Sometimes there can be bumps in the road to your perfect smile. Prevention can help avoid braces-related injuries, however, sometimes injuries still occur from unpredictable accidents. There are plenty of at-home remedies you can use to alleviate the pain from minor injuries, but for more serious injuries, be sure to speak with your orthodontist.