Getting braces as an adult can be a big change, but taking steps towards the straighter teeth you want is something to be proud of. Finally, you can have the smile of your dreams! It’s perfectly natural to be apprehensive about the discomfort that comes with newly attached brackets and wires. To help ease your transition, here are four tips for wearing braces to work.
Carry a Braces Care Kit
You don’t stop having braces when you walk into the office, so it’s important to take time to care for them. A way to cause minimal interruption to your day is to prepare a braces care kit so you’ll have everything you need to maintain clean and healthy teeth on hand.
Some examples of what your kit should contain could be:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Floss
- Non-aspirin Pain Medication
- Dental Wax
- Chapstick
Use this kit anytime you start to feel uncomfortable or after eating lunch or a snack. These items are small enough to fit in a toiletry bag, but they can make a big impact on easing any discomfort you might have with your new braces.
A Water Bottle is a Must
Drinking plenty of water is always good for your overall health, but in terms of dental care, it can rinse away food particles or acid from sugary or dark beverages to prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion. Bringing a water bottle with you to work is crucial to keep your braces in tip-top shape.
Be Mindful of What You’re Eating and Drinking
There are a variety of drinks and foods you can have while you’re wearing braces, but there are also some you should avoid to maintain your oral health.
Water is always best. You should avoid dark or sugary drinks if you can, and having water on hand will give you something to sip on.
While your mouth is adjusting to your orthodontic treatment, you should eat softer foods like smoothies or scrambled eggs. Consider bringing lunch from home to ensure you have braces-safe food. On the same note, you should steer clear of hard, sticky, and sugary foods.
Take Care of Your Mouth
Make sure to keep up with your daily oral hygiene practices. Brushing your teeth twice a day and using floss and mouthwash goes a long way. With braces, your pearly whites could use a little extra love, so brush after every meal to clean away any food particles.
Another way to care for your mouth is to use orthodontic wax to ease discomfort that might come from irritation from new braces. Over time, the soft tissue in your mouth will toughen, but to start with, dental wax can be your best friend.
If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, you can rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution of half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. Do this a couple times a day for 30 seconds each time, and your soreness should disappear.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder has over 20 years of comprehensive dental training and experience. At Moses Lake Family Dentistry, he is committed to offering expert and gentle care to patients seeking long-lasting results. If you want to learn more about braces, you can contact Dr. Harder through his website or by phone at (509)-765-4351.