Metal Mouth Message Board

Hi all!

About three weeks ago I got braces for the first time. Since having my braces put on my lips have been extremely dry. My lips are flaking and peeling, the corners of my mouth have cracked and the skin around my mouth have also started to peel. My mouth has also been very dry.

It looks horrible and I don’t know what to do about it. I have tried most lip balms and nothing seems to work. Has anyone experienced the same thing and can anyone perhaps give me advice as to what will help with my dry lips?? It would greatly be appreciated!!

I just kept Chap-Stick moisturizer handy at all times. It doesn't have any flavors, scents or medications (like eucalyptus) in it.

Keep a bottle of water nearby to sip and that will help with the dry mouth.

I had this problem when I first had my braces put on. It was harder for me to lick my lips and close my mouth properly with the braces in the way. I constantly applied vaseline / lip balm / chapstick and kept trying to lick my lips/close my mouth and get adjusted to the braces. Eventually you get used to them and so do your mouth and lips.

Neosporin offers a night creme for the lips. Lather that on before you go to bed and if you do this religiously, you'll see your lips are back to normal.

original Burt's Bees chapstick. Don't get the ones south the funky oils added, just get the original. It'll burn like the Dickens the first time from the peppermint oil, but your lips will be in shape in no time.

I've had braces for 4 months and my lips are still dry all the time. Aquaphor and vaseline seem to help.

I use a lot of lip balm, all kinds. I just keep searching for the perfect one. The Aquafina brand ones are pretty good.

In addition I learned that alpha lipoid acid helps keep skin and mucous membranes supple, so I take that as well.

Best advice though is to drink plenty of good ol' plain water!

I use smith's rosebud salve. It is very good. It comes In a tin. I also try to drink more water.

I found the best is to apply some Vaseline at night

I have the same problem too, my lips are sheadding heaps. I am begining to feel like a snake lol. I have been using Blistex which seems to help.

Paw paw has been the only thing that's worked for me!

And self control. When my lips get try, I tend to bite the dry skin off or lick them even though I know I shouldn't.

If you can get something to moisturise your lips at the same time as eliminating habits that will dry your lips out, they should get better. :)

I also got braced three weeks ago and have been experiencing dry, cut up lips! I would have to reapply chap stick every half hour. I use Burt's Bees and like it a lot, makes your lips nice and tingly too

Thanks for all the advice.

Something seems to be working because my lips are getting much better. I discussed this with one of the assistants at my orthodontist and she recommended Bepanthen Baby Ointment. I have been using this along with a variety of the lip balms mentioned on this post :) and it seems to work!

My lips feel and look so good at the moment. Very happy!! :)