closeup of a young woman cringing in pain and touching her cheek with a red hotspot due to a pokey braces wire

What to Do If Your Braces Wire Is Poking the Inside of Your Mouth

March 30, 2023 7:50 pm

Metal braces can take some time to get used to. But after the initial adjustment, you may even sometimes forget they are on your teeth! It is possible to experience a loose and pokey wire that is bothering your cheek or gums. This can happen randomly or after eating hard, crunchy, sticky food or playing a contact sport without wearing proper mouth protection.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, please call us to schedule an appointment! Then try these tips until you can see us:

Gently Push the Wire Back Into Place

If an archwire has come out and is poking the inside of your mouth, gently reinsert the wire by pushing it back into place or tuck it into a more comfortable position.

Apply Wax

When you are wearing braces, you’ll always want to have orthodontic wax on hand! This wax can be molded for easy application onto a wire or bracket to protect your mouth. Remember to remove the wax before eating, drinking, and cleaning your teeth.

Regularly Rinse Your Mouth

A pokey wire can cause a sore if it irritates your mouth long enough. Rinse your mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt to keep the area clean, calm inflammation, and relieve soreness.

Contact Meason Orthodontics for Care!

Avoiding potentially damaging foods and using a mouthguard when you play sports can help you avoid pokey wires and their associated discomfort! Professional guidance is the best way to fix your braces if they are broken or otherwise causing irritation. Please contact Meason Orthodontics with any questions or to schedule an appointment so Dr. Meason can take a look at the affected area. Our office is open Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM, and Fridays from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 3 PM.

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