Starting orthodontic treatment with braces can be an exciting time. A beautiful, straight smile is just around the corner! However, braces can also come with some annoying side effects like difficulties cleaning teeth, mouth sores, and a bothersome metallic taste.
While a metal mouth feeling is common with braces, it doesn’t have to cause ongoing discomfort or breath issues. Using an effective oral rinse daily can help freshen your breath and banish that metallic taste from braces. Keep reading for tips on conquering metal mouth during your brace treatment!
The metallic taste that many patients notice after getting braces is caused by a combination of factors. For one, the metal materials used to make braces – such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, or nickel – can impart a metallic flavor as they interact with foods, drinks, and saliva in your mouth.
Braces also make cleaning teeth more difficult, allowing more bacteria and food debris to collect around brackets and wires. This increase in bacteria leads to bad breath, which may have a metallic edge. Mouth sores and irritation around braces can also contribute to an unpleasant metallic flavor.
Most people report metallic tastes are strongest right after braces are tightened or adjusted. The sensation normally lessens between adjustments but never fully goes away.
You’ll also probably notice the metal mouth worsening after eating or drinking, especially acidic or sugary foods and beverages. The metallic flavor may linger for hours after eating. It’s strongest when oral hygiene is poor.
While you can’t eliminate the metallic taste from braces completely, you can minimize it! Here are some tips:
While the above tips can help, rinsing daily with an effective oral rinse like MetaQil Oral Rinse will provide the most dramatic improvement in the metallic taste of braces.
MetaQil contains a proprietary blend of zinc oxide, xylitol, essential oils, and other key ingredients clinically shown to neutralize metallic tastes in your mouth.
Zinc binds to odor and taste receptors on your tongue to prevent you from tasting metal as strongly. Meanwhile, xylitol reduces bacteria levels to freshen breath. Essential oils like spearmint and wintergreen add a refreshing flavor.
Unlike typical mouthwashes, MetaQil is alcohol-free and won’t dry your mouth or damage braces. It’s safe for daily long-term use.
Using MetaQil daily as part of your oral care routine is easy! Follow these steps:
Patients find rinsing with MetaQil right before bed helps with a metallic taste upon waking. You may also want to rinse after school when your breath is worst.
It will take consistent daily use of MetaQil – about 2 weeks – before you’ll start to notice a significant decrease in your metallic taste with braces. Stick with it and soon you’ll be rewarded with much fresher breath!
Dealing with the metal mouth from braces doesn’t have to be miserable. Take steps like brushing carefully, flossing, drinking water, and sucking mints. But most importantly, be diligent about gargling with a highly effective oral rinse like alcohol-free MetaQil twice a day.
In no time, you’ll forget all about the metallic taste and have fresh, clean breath until your next orthodontist visit. Your smile and confidence will shine brighter!
