Braces are a pain (literally), and for me, the worst part has been those annoying little canker sores popping up where the brackets rub. I’ve tried both orthodontic wax and some of those special mouth rinses (like Peroxyl or just salt water), but honestly, I’m still not sure which one actually helps more.
With wax, I like how it gives immediate relief—just blob it on the bracket and boom, no more scraping. Downside is, I keep swallowing the wax accidentally or it falls off when I eat, so I’m always reapplying it. Plus, sometimes it feels like it makes my mouth even gummier, if that makes sense?
Mouth rinses are a different vibe. The saltwater burns (ugh) but does seem to dry out the sore faster. The medicated rinses taste weird but maybe help with healing? I can't tell if it’s just placebo, but after a couple days of rinsing, the pain eases up a bit. The thing is, you have to remember to do it a few times a day, which I’m terrible at.
Honestly, I can’t figure out which one’s better long term. Wax is more “instant fix” but temporary, while rinses feel like they’re actually treating the sore. Or maybe combining both is the way to go? Anyone else get these dumb ulcers and have a preference? Or got any weird hacks (like honey or something)? Curious what’s worked for people who have been in braces longer than me—these things are driving me nuts.
Honestly, I’m team “do both.” Wax is my go-to for instant relief, especially when a bracket’s tearing up my cheek, but yeah, it’s basically gone the second I eat anything. Rinses sting like crazy but seem to help the sore heal faster. I’ve even used a dab of honey before bed—sticky but not terrible. The combo works best for me, but nothing beats finally getting those braces off...
I totally get where you’re coming from—wax is a lifesaver for instant comfort, but yeah, it vanishes the second you eat or drink anything. Rinses definitely sting, but I swear they speed up healing for me too. Never tried honey though... might have to give that a shot next time. Hang in there—the day those braces come off really is worth it.
Honestly, I’m a big fan of rinses for healing, even if they sting like crazy at first. Wax is great for stopping the bracket from digging in, but it always falls off mid-snack for me too. If you can tough out the rinse, I swear it cuts down healing time. Haven’t tried honey either—heard good things though. If you decide to try it, let us know how it goes... anything that speeds up those ulcers is worth a shot in my book.
If you decide to try it, let us know how it goes...
I’m with you on the wax being a lifesaver for instant comfort, but it’s such a hassle when it keeps falling off (especially if you’re eating anything remotely warm). For me, I found combining both actually works best—wax during the day when I’m talking or eating, then rinses at night to help things heal up. The medicated rinses sting, but I swear they speed up recovery. Tried dabbing a bit of honey on a sore once—felt soothing, but not sure if it did much beyond that. Honestly, just rotating between all these tricks seems to keep things manageable.