If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances, you may occasionally experience sore gums, mouth ulcers or irritation. While these can be uncomfortable, there are simple things you can do at home to help soothe your mouth and support the healing process.
One of the easiest remedies is a warm saltwater rinse.
Salt water rinses have been used for generations as a simple way to keep the mouth clean and soothe irritated tissues. They can be particularly helpful when your gums are feeling tender or when you have a small mouth ulcer.
How Does Salt Water Help?
A saltwater rinse can help cleanse the mouth, soothe irritated tissues and support the natural healing process.
It may be useful for:
- Sore or irritated gums
- Minor mouth ulcers
- Gum inflammation
- Small areas of irritation caused by braces
- Tenderness following certain dental procedures
- Keeping the mouth feeling clean while an irritated area heals
However, a saltwater rinse is not a replacement for professional dental treatment. If you have a significant or persistent gum infection, severe pain, swelling or symptoms that are getting worse, you should contact your dentist or orthodontist.
How to Make a Salt Water Rinse
Making a saltwater mouth rinse is simple.
You will need:
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- A glass of lukewarm water
Mix the salt into the lukewarm water until it has dissolved.
Take a mouthful of the solution and gently rinse it around your mouth, particularly around the irritated area. You can then spit it out.
Do not swallow the salt water.
Repeat as recommended by your dental professional, particularly while an ulcer or area of irritation is healing.
Why Lukewarm Water?
Lukewarm water is generally more comfortable for sore or irritated gums than water that is very hot or very cold.
Make sure the water is comfortable before rinsing — you don’t want to further irritate your mouth.
What If My Braces Are Causing an Ulcer?
Mouth ulcers can sometimes develop when a bracket, wire or other part of your braces rubs against the inside of your cheek, lip or tongue.
If something is repeatedly rubbing against the ulcer, it can make the irritation worse and prevent the area from settling.
This is where orthodontic wax can help.
How to Use Orthodontic Wax
If a bracket or wire is irritating your mouth:
- Wash and dry your hands.
- Take a small piece of orthodontic wax.
- Roll it between your fingers to soften it.
- Place it over the bracket or wire that’s irritating.
- Gently press the wax into place.
The wax creates a small protective barrier between your braces and the inside of your mouth.
You can use orthodontic wax whenever you need it, particularly when you first notice an area becoming irritated.
Remember: wax helps protect the area while it heals, but if a wire is persistently poking or causing significant discomfort, contact your orthodontic team so they can check it.
Salt Water + Wax: A Helpful Combination
If your braces have caused a small ulcer, you can use both approaches:
Salt water rinse → soothe and cleanse the area
Orthodontic wax → protect the area from further irritation
Together, these simple steps can make an uncomfortable ulcer much easier to manage while your mouth heals.
When Should I Contact My Dentist or Orthodontist?
Most minor irritation and mouth ulcers settle with time. However, you should contact your dental or orthodontic team if:
- An ulcer is not healing or keeps returning
- Your gums are very swollen or painful
- You notice significant bleeding
- You have facial or gum swelling
- You have severe or increasing pain
- A brace or wire is causing ongoing injury
- You think you may have a gum infection
- You develop symptoms that concern you
A salt water rinse can help with minor irritation, but persistent or severe symptoms should always be professionally assessed.
Keep Your Mouth Clean During Orthodontic Treatment
When you have braces, maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important.
Brush your teeth carefully around your brackets and along the gumline, clean between your teeth as recommended by your orthodontist, and attend your regular dental and orthodontic appointments.
If your mouth becomes irritated, a simple saltwater rinse can be a useful addition to your normal oral hygiene routine.
A Simple Tip for a Sore Mouth
The next time your gums feel tender, or you develop a small ulcer, remember:
1 teaspoon of salt + lukewarm water = a simple soothing rinse.
And if your braces are rubbing against the area, orthodontic wax can provide some much-needed protection.
If you’re unsure about an ulcer, gum irritation or something that’s bothering you during orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re here to help keep your treatment — and your smile — on track.
