Getting braces can be a momentous occasion in your life! This means that you will have perfectly straight teeth before you know it, as well as a healthy bite, and a fantastic smile. While you get used to the new hardware in your mouth, you will barely even notice it after a while. Your first week can seem a little daunting. To help you get through this adjustment period smoothly, here are a few braces tips that can work for you during your first week of treatment.
Use An Over-The-Counter Pain Medication Before You Have Your Appointment
Although you shouldn’t suffer from any severe pain during your first week with braces, or at any point in the treatment, your teeth will be a bit tender and achy after about an hour and a day or two after you get your braces put on. This means that your braces are working to shift your teeth into place. This initial discomfort will last about a week, and after scheduled adjustments, a couple of days.
You can get a head start on dealing with sensitivity by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever right before your bonding appointment. This way, it will be active by the time you are finished and before your braces start putting pressure on your teeth. You can continue to take this pain medication as directed for a few days after first getting your braces.
Eat Soft Foods And Cold Drinks
Soft foods and cold foods are very easy on the teeth, and they will help if your teeth are tender. Cold food items and beverages can help numb the teeth and mouth a little bit, providing some relief. The best soft foods for braces include yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, soup, ripened bananas, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, milkshakes, or protein shakes. Stick to options that require minimal chewing for the first few days.
Keep Your Braces Wax Close By
Brace wax, or orthodontic relief wax, can be a great help during your first week with braces. Once you begin wearing braces, the hardware can irritate your mouth and inside of your cheeks, lips and tongue. This is normal, and after a few weeks, your mouth will get used to it and the irritation will go away. In the meantime, you can keep the wax handy.
Rinse With Saltwater
You can make a saltwater rinse by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in some warm water. Then you can gargle the solution in your mouth, and let it sit on any irritated or sore areas, then spit it out. You can swish it around a few times a day if needed. This will help speed up healing and prevent discomfort.