Do You Experience Braces Chapped Lips?
With the invention of orthodontics people from all over the world are having confidence in their smiles. Having a nice straight set of teeth does wonders for your overall self-esteem and confidence. The thing is, nobody has EVER enjoyed the actual process needed to achieve that perfect smile, nor has anybody ever enjoyed having braces. They are uncomfortable! And worse, the issue of braces chapped lips has been a problem since the first-time braces were ever put into someone’s mouth. I’m talking back in ancient Egypt when they used catgut to string through holes drilled into the teeth.
Braces chapped lips were a much bigger problem back in the beginning days of modern orthodontics because braces back then consisted of giant contraptions that you had to wear like a helmet. Some of us are old enough to remember and unfortunately have experienced the ridicule from other students in class when we showed up to school sporting one of those headgear contraptions. I even remember the anxiety that would spring up walking home from school and hearing a bit of thunder and lightning in the distance while wearing one of those metal contraptions. You want to talk about braces chapped lips? Those monstrosities would chap your whole head!
Now with the modern technology, we enjoy in the orthodontic field, braces chapped lips are much easier to manage and avoid. While the giant headset contraptions are still utilized today to correct jaw alignment issues and other such problems, your standard set of braces normally begin and end inside of your mouth. However, we still suffer from different side effects such as braces chapped lips, jaw pain, difficulty eating, and more.
What Causes Braces Chapped lips?
The natural state of your mouth is not conducive to having metal, or other material, always attached to your teeth. The function of braces is to significantly change how your teeth sit inside of your mouth. This is accomplished by applying gentle pressure this way or that, depending on how the orthodontist decides he wants your teeth to go. It may not seem like it, but this causes a great deal of stress on your system.
In some people, the irritation of adjusting the braces causes the saliva production in their mouth to decrease. This will cause difficulty swallowing and makes the mouth feel dry. Additionally, a common side effect of the pressure braces put on your mouth causes your teeth and gums to become very tender. This will in turn affect your diet and the amount of fluids you drink.
Some people even find that they are sleeping with their mouths open at night with braces, and after orthodontic treatment. All these side effects are a staging ground for dehydration. Dehydration is the most common cause of chapped lips. If you find yourself living in a particularly cold and dry climate, your braces chapped lips will be even worse.
Tips to Avoid Braces Chapped Lips
Having that perfect smile is well worth suffering from braces chapped lips by any measure. However, there are ways you can reduce or even eliminate this annoying side effect.
- Stay away from things that dry out your mouth
If you are like me, that spicy Mexican dish at your local restaurant is calling your name most days of the week. Add a teaspoon of salt and you have yourself a feast! Unfortunately, these are some of the very things that are causing your braces chapped lips. Stay away! Other things like smoking, alcohol, and caffeine all contribute to your overall hydration levels.
- Drink flat water regulalry
This is pretty self-explanatory however it must be included. We all know of those people who never drink any water at all and most of us don’t drink enough. I had a roommate back in the day who literally survived off just coffee and 7-up. Yes, I know that soda and energy drinks are made with water. Yes, coffee and tea have actual water in them too. My old roommate would tell me all about that when I asked him how he was still alive, but that doesn’t mean those things will keep you hydrated.
- Use a humidifier while you sleep
This step is important and likely one of the best ways to avoid braces chapped lips. When you sleep, especially if you have your heater running to keep the house nice and cozy, the air in your house gets very dry. Combined with possibly sleeping with your mouth open due to some recent orthodontic work, you will wake up with a mouth dry as the dessert and braces chapped lips.
The humidifier will keep the air in your bedroom moist and combat the dryness that will cause chapped lips and a dry mouth. The humidifier will also help you stay more hydrated throughout the night when you can’t drink water.
Remember, Braced Chapped Lips Will Soon be a Thing of the Past
The most important thing to remember when suffering from braces chapped lips and other uncomfortable side effects is that it’s not permanent! Yes, it sucks when it’s happening, but braces chapped lips is just one tiny bump in the road to straight teeth and a perfect smile.
If you have any other questions regarding how to avoid braces chapped lips, or any other questions feel free to contact our dental professionals here at City Dental Centers. Our staff is always available to assist you in any way possible and answer any questions you may have.
Convenient Dentist Offices in Southern California
Doctor Sam Shahovesi and the team at City Dental Centers are here to provide our patients with the best dental services and dental surgeries for children and adults of all ages. From toddlers to seniors, City Dental Centers offers six convenient dentist offices in Southern California. We even have a dedicated children’s dentist office, City Dental Kids & Braces, to cater to the special physical and emotional needs of children.
Whether you need checkups, x-rays, braces, bonding, teeth whitening, sealants, oral cancer screenings, root canals, crowns, bridges, implants, or tooth extraction, City Dental Centers is here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.
Contact The Nearest Dentist to You
Ready to experience the best dentists in Los Angeles? Choose one of the convenient dental offices we have surrounding LA. We have dental practices in Azusa, Corona, Lake Forest, Montclair, Pico Rivera, and West Covina. You can call our main line at (888) 624-8933 or reach out to an office directly with the information below. We’re so happy you’ve chosen City Dental Centers. We can’t wait to help you along your dental journey and brighten your beautiful smile!
Dentist in Azusa, CA
Location: 483 S. Citrus Ave. Azusa, CA 91702
Phone: (626) 966-3400
Dentist in Corona, CA
Location: 161 McKinley St. STE 102, Corona, CA 92879
Phone: (951) 737-3746
Dentist in Lake Forest, CA
Location: 24602 Raymond Way #210, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Phone: (949) 461-5800
Dentist in Montclair, CA
Location: 5182 Moreno St, Montclair, CA 91763
Phone: (909) 295-3477
Dentist in Pico Rivera, CA
Location: 9400 Whittier Blvd, Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Phone: (562) 949-2526
Dentist in West Covina, CA
Location: 154 Plaza Dr, West Covina, CA 91790
Phone: (626) 962-1722