Dental Advice for the Sweet Tooth

Hey! I'm Frankie, and welcome to my dental advice blog. I'm a foodie and I love sweet treats, but I also love my teeth! It can be hard to keep your dental health in top condition when you've got a sweet tooth, but it's not impossible. Over the years, I've learned tons of great advice from friends, family members and dentists, and I'd love to share it with you. My blog is here to give you all the tips and tricks you need to stay free of decay and other tooth problems without giving up all your favourite foods and snacks.

Is It Possible to Be Allergic to Your New Braces?

Dentist Blog

Of all the places where you might develop an itch, the inside of your mouth probably isn't the most obvious location. Your oral mucosa (the soft tissues that line the interior of your mouth) might have become slightly inflamed and irritated, and you need to fight the urge to actually scratch your gums (which is unwise). This may be a new, novel sensation—and the culprit might be something that was recently installed inside your mouth. Could you be allergic to your new braces?

Latex and Nickel

Of course, a suspected allergic reaction in these circumstances is an allergy to one of the primary components of your braces. If an allergy has developed, it's likely to be an allergy to latex (found in the elastics of your braces), or to nickel (if the braces' wire is made of a nickel alloy).

Previously Undiagnosed

You may not have been aware of any nickel or latex allergy. However, when the allergen is in such close contact with your oral mucosa, a previously unknown allergy can become noticeable. After all, allergies affect different people to different degrees. What will your mouth feel like if you are in fact allergic to one of the components of your braces?

Signs and Symptoms 

Aside from curious itchiness in your mouth, your gums and the lining of your mouth can become inflamed. It's possible to develop hives and/or a rash at the contact point. You may also display other signs more commonly associated with a pollen allergy, such as a runny nose. In extreme cases, a person experiencing an allergic reaction might have difficulty breathing. So what should you do if you're concerned that you might be allergic to your braces?

Latex Substitute

You should see your orthodontist as soon as you can. They'll inspect your oral mucosa for the telltale signs of an allergic reaction. If it's suspected that your braces are to blame, they must be removed. This removal is followed by replacement, with the offending component replaced with an allergy-safe substitute. For example, latex can be replaced with a synthetic alternative made of an artificial polymer, such as polyurethane or silicone.

Nickel Substitute

Not all braces are made of a nickel alloy, but if nickel is present in your mouth and thought to be the culprit for your allergies, this can be replaced. Stainless steel or a titanium alloy are good choices, as they're durable while also being hypoallergenic.

An allergic reaction to one of the materials used to construct your braces isn't common, but it's important to know the signs of this rare problem. 

For more information about braces, contact a local dentist

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21 June 2022