I Just Got Braces. What’s Happening With My Saliva?

Life is a series of adjustments, and that’s true of getting braces, as well. The first few days after you’ve received braces are likely to be accompanied by changes as your teeth and mouth get used to having these new visitors, and our orthodontist at Northfield Orthodontics always prepares our patients for these temporary adjustments.

One change some patients notice during those first few days is the amount of saliva being produced by their mouths.These conditions can vary, with some people experiencing an excess amount of saliva present, apparently triggered by our brains in anticipation of digestion. Others may have the opposite reaction, experiencing dryness of the mouth because of the minor irritation that braces may be causing. 

Of course, it is worth mentioning that having the right amount of saliva is absolutely crucial to good oral health. Saliva washes food and other substances away, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, and protects our mouth and bodies against disease-spreading germs. It moistens food to enhance our sense of taste, make it easier to swallow; and rinses our teeth with protective calcium and fluoride.

Whether your braces have left you high and dry, or drooling with excess saliva, our orthodontist can offer assurances that these reactions are only temporary and that things should be back to normal within a few days. We advise our patients to stick to soft foods during this period of adjustment, rinse with warm salt water to address any irritation, and maintain a robust oral hygiene routine to prevent any bacteria-causing food particles from being left behind.

Don’t lose sight of the fact that this brief adjustment period is a first step toward taking possession of a healthy, beautiful, long-lasting smile. If you have any questions or concerns about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact our orthodontist at Northfield Orthodontics today.

By Northfield Orthodontics

August 30, 2022