Since I got my braces on last week, I've had some sores in my mouth. Why?

During the first week of treatment, you may notice sores or ulcerations inside your mouth.  This can happen because your lips and cheeks are not yet used to rubbing against your orthodontic braces.  Over time, your skin on the inside of your mouth will get tougher and you will not have sores anymore.  To provide some relief for your lips and cheeks rubbing against your rough braces, you can place a small pea-sized amount of wax or cotton on the area of the braces that is causing the sore or ulceration.  The sore should improve within a couple of days and completely heal within a week.  Rinsing with salt water can help speed the healing proess.  If the sore or ulceration does not improve or gets worse, call your orthodontist to have it examined.

How do I make a salt water rinse?

To make a salt water rinse, simply mix ½ teaspoon of table salt in one cup of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Then transfer approximately ¼ cup of solution to your mouth and gently swish for 30 seconds, being sure to force the water over any areas that feel particularly tender. Then spit the water into the sink. Repeat until the entire cup is gone.