So, you’ve got braces now—we think you look great, and your partner will think so too! Brodsky Orthodontics is here to give you some ever-important advice for kissing with braces!
Words of Advice
It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about kissing with your new braces. If you have any close friends who are familiar with that situation and would be comfortable sharing advice, they could be a great resource for you as well! Here is some presented on behalf of Brodsky Orthodontics:
1. Take it Slow
- Be Gentle: You should always start slowly to get a feel for how your braces interact with your partner’s lips and teeth. Try to avoid any sudden movements that could lead to accidental collisions.
- Closed-Mouth Kissing: Consider starting with closed-mouth kisses before progressing to more open-mouth kisses.
2. Communication
- Discuss with Your Partner: Openly talk to your partner about your braces. This transparency helps avoid surprises and provides you with more room for caution.
- Feedback: Communication is key in any relationship, particularly in this case. You can ask for or provide feedback with your partner to know if anything feels uncomfortable.
- Minimize Aggressive Kissing: Overly aggressive or deep kissing could increase the risk of injury or discomfort.
3. Keep Your Lips Soft
- Relax Your Lips: Trying to keep your lips relaxed and soft can help cushion your braces and make kissing feel a bit more natural.
- Hydrate and Moisturize: Try keeping your lips hydrated, and use lip balm or lip oil to prevent chapping, which can make kissing with braces more uncomfortable.
4. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Clean Teeth and Braces: This goes for those with or without braces! Ensure your teeth and braces are fully cleaned to make the experience more pleasant for you and your partner. This helps with preventing bad breath.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Consider applying orthodontic wax over sharp or rough edges to reduce irritation to your own mouth, as well as your partner’s.
5. Watch for Brackets and Wires
- Be Mindful: Stay attuned to the position of your braces when you kiss to prevent them from snagging or poking at your partner’s lips or mouth.
- Check Your Braces: Before you kiss, make sure there are no loose wires or brackets that could cause anyone injury.
6. Stay Calm and Patient
- Relax: Being relaxed and patient tends to make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both of you.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will both become! Don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect.
9. Adjust Your Technique
- Experiment: It’s probably wise to try different angles and techniques to find what works best and feels most natural for both of you.
- Don’t Forget to Laugh
- Have Fun: Even if you’ve been with your current partner pre-braces, adjusting to them can be an awkward process—embrace it! Have confidence that they care for you regardless and want you to feel as good as they do.
FAQs About Kissing with Braces
Here are some additional words of wisdom to help you navigate this type of experience!
Q: Can kissing with braces actually cause damage to my braces or my partner’s mouth?
A: While it is pretty unlikely, there is always a small risk of contracting some damage to your braces or causing discomfort to your partner if you kiss too aggressively or without using caution. It might not even happen during a kiss—maybe your partner accidentally headbutts you. Whether it’s kissing or playing contact sports, any sort of close human contact warrants being more careful when you have braces.
Q: Should I use a mouthguard while kissing with braces?
A: Probably not! A mouthguard while kissing is unnecessary, even though there may be a moment when it seems like a good idea. It will almost certainly be a tough barrier to work with.
Q: Can braces cause bad breath, and how can I prevent it?
A: Braces can definitely contribute to bad breath if food particles become trapped in the components or in your teeth. The way that they’re made means they’re more likely to get food stuck. You can prevent bad breath by brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly, using mouthwash, and staying plenty hydrated. Regular check-ups with Dr. Joel, Dr. Charles, or Dr. Jeremy and cleanings with your general dentist are also essential.
Making It Work
We hope this blog has proven to you that there’s nothing to fear! The key to this situation is to have or to choose a partner who is respectful, understanding, and kind. Offer all of those same traits to yourself, and you’ll be back to normal in no time! Brodsky Orthodontics is here to help our patients with braces in all aspects of their lives. Be sure to reach out to our Lakewood office for further questions.