Braces are worn by over 4 million Americans, with the majority of them being children and teenagers. While getting the smile you always wanted is exciting, new braces can be difficult to grow accustomed to, especially at the beginning. With the new mouth soreness, soft tissue irritation, and new limitations to your diet, you begin to wonder if you’ve made a huge mistake. Fortunately, these things are only a small price to pay for the perfect smile. By following a few tips and tricks from your orthodontist in Frisco, you will make it through your first week before you know it!
How Can I Deal with Soreness from My New Braces?
It is only hours after you leave the orthodontist when you begin feeling the soreness associated with braces. Whether it is a result of your moving teeth or the braces rubbing up against the soft tissues in your mouth, there are a few things you can do to reduce this discomfort. Here are a few:
- Over-the-counter pain killers: When dealing with dental discomfort, including the soreness caused by new braces, over-the-counter pain killers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can give you some relief.
- Saltwater: Mix a solution of one cup of water and half a teaspoon of table salt. Swishing this around your mouth for 30 seconds several times a day can help sores heal more quickly and can relieve pain and discomfort.
- Orthodontic wax: If there is a particular spot in your mouth that is being irritated by a wire or bracket, using orthodontic wax can help. This is often provided by your orthodontist, but you can also find it in the dental section at your local pharmacy. Talk to your orthodontist if a wire is causing extreme pain or irritation.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Taking extra care of your teeth, especially after meals, is important to prevent problems down the road. Get into the habit of brushing and flossing after you eat early on to make things much easier going forward.
What Should I Eat When I Have New Braces?
There are certain foods and beverages that your orthodontist will ask you to avoid when you have braces. On top of that, harder foods may be difficult to eat for the first week. Stocking up on softer foods while your mouth is sore will make eating much easier. A few recommended soft foods to try are:
- Pasta
- Mashed and soft vegetables
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Scrambled eggs
Even though your first week of braces may not be the most pleasant experience, there are many ways to alleviate mouth discomfort. Just think about how much you’ll love your smile when you finish your treatment with the orthodontist. After you get through your first week, it’s smooth sailing from there!
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Buchwald is a board-certified orthodontist currently practicing at Buchwald Orthodontics. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, he insists on providing superior customer service to each and every patient. He would be happy to welcome you into his office to discuss your orthodontic needs. For more information, visit his website or call (972) 377-5940.