5 Quick Tips for Your First Week With Braces
Getting braces put on is an exciting experience. Not only will braces improve the alignment of your bite and straighten your teeth, but they’ll also enhance your overall smile. That being said, the First Week with Braces can be a challenge. Read on to learn five tips to limit your discomfort and set the stage for successful orthodontic treatment.
Eat Soft Foods
It’s normal for your teeth to feel tender during your first week with braces. Most discomfort can be alleviated by choosing soft foods that give your teeth a break from lots of chewing. This is a great time to choose yogurt, soft cheeses, soup, apple sauce, oatmeal, and noodles. If you enjoy smoothies, stock the freezer and blend away. Maybe even indulge in some pudding or ice cream. Eating softer foods will limit stress on your teeth as they adjust to this change, and they’ll also make brushing and flossing a lot easier.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Mild tooth pain may tempt you to avoid brushing and flossing in your first week with braces. However, keeping your mouth clean is of the utmost importance, especially once you have braces. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with water in-between meals will keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free while they’re being straightened.
If you skip oral care while waiting for the first week to pass, you may find yourself with sore, inflamed gums and bad breath, and it may build a poor foundation for tooth movement. Instead, brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and use a water flosser with lukewarm water to clean between the teeth and at the gum-line at bedtime. At Jones Family Orthodontics, we offer electric Sonicare toothbrushes and Waterpik water flossers at a low cost to patients and their families.
Use Dental Wax
Dental wax can come in handy when your braces rub against your lips or cheeks and cause irritation. Wax will create a smooth shield between the braces and your soft tissues. It works well applied overnight to allow for an extended healing time but can also be used throughout the day. It is safe if swallowed but may be easily removed at mealtime. At Jones Family Orthodontics, we supply our patients with plenty of wax and instructions on applying it.
Don’t Stress
Orthodontic treatment works by placing light forces on the teeth to move them over time. This causes a mild loosening that may initially cause concern. This is actually a sign that your treatment is working. For teeth to gradually move to the ideal position, they have to loosen first. Although this sensation can be unnerving, especially during your first week with braces, it is safe and will stabilize when the teeth reach their final position.
Rinse Your Mouth With Saltwater
Your mouth may feel dry during your first week with braces, so we recommend rinsing with warm saltwater. Simply mix eight ounces of warm water with a half teaspoon of salt. This rinse is soothing, and it can promote healing in soft tissues that are raw. Rinsing with salt water is also an excellent way to free up any food stuck between braces. Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide-based mouth rinses like Peroxyl can also help promote the healing of sore spots. After a while, the tissues in the cheeks get tougher, almost like developing callouses, and are less likely to feel sore.
Although adjusting to braces can be challenging and your first week with braces can be difficult, it should never be overwhelming. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, can also help to reduce tenderness. At Jones Family Orthodontics, we are always available to offer advice or schedule a comfort visit to ease your discomfort or concerns during your treatment.
If you’ve got questions about orthodontics even after your first week with braces, don’t hesistate to contact Jones Family Orthodontics. Request a complimentary consultation online or call us at (360) 863-0303
