If you just received braces for straightening up your crooked teeth, you are probably still adjusting to the new equipment fitted in your mouth. However, a beautiful smile is on the horizon, though that first week will undoubtedly be difficult! Fortunately, you can do plenty of simple and reasonable things to speed up this procedure and make it more pleasant. A dentist in Germantown, TN, offers these five suggestions to help you get through your first week wearing braces.
Tips for surviving your initial week with Braces
- Stay prepared
You should not leave your orthodontist’s office after receiving braces unless you have reviewed these three essential topics:
- Wire ends: Check to ensure no wires are coming out that might puncture your cheeks or mouth.
- Next steps: Before your next session, clearly understand what you need to do and ask any questions you have.
- Ensure you have enough dental wax, cleaning agents, elastic bands, and other supplies.
- Watch what you are eating.
Although you do not need to wait until you leave the office to eat, limiting yourself to softer meals for the first few days is advised. Good choices include spaghetti, seedless bread, soft veggies, custard, yogurt, and soup.
Furthermore, it is important to avoid harsh or hard foods that can damage your braces or teeth. Harsh foods include ice cubes, popcorn, hard bread, and pretzels. likewise, try to avoid sticky, sugary treats and drinks as they can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and stains.
- Apply wax to mouth sores to treat them.
Although brackets have been designed to be comfortable on your mouth, they might irritate your delicate skin while you get used to them. Your skin will become thicker with time, and you will not experience painful areas as often.
- Use salt water to rinse your mouth.
Dentists suggest cleaning your mouth up to six times daily for 30 seconds with a warm salt water solution if you feel very irritated. Add half a teaspoon of table salt to one cup of warm water. The saltwater will help with pain relief and speed up the recovery of any painful areas.
- Ensure good oral hygiene.
Taking good care of the oral cavity is the most important thing you can do during your first week of wearing braces and afterward. After every meal, clean your teeth and carefully clear any food that may have become stuck in your brackets or wires. This material could trigger dental problems that will prevent you from getting treatment.
