9 Tips to Manage the First Week of Your Braces Treatment

Are you trying to get accustomed to your newly fixed braces? Your pain and discomfort are entirely justified as it is a new foreign body strapped to your teeth. The first week after the braces treatment is challenging for everyone.But once you sail through it, your rest of the journey towards straight teeth is comparatively much easier.

We are here with 9 tips to help you survive your first week with braces. Check them out

1. Your gums and teeth need some time to get used to the constant pressure exerted by braces on them. You can take some over-the-counter pain medication for pain and inflammation.
2. Regular oral hygiene is vital during braces treatment. The food particles can get stuck in brackets and buildup cavities in your mouth. The solution is to brush your teeth after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. The pressure applied by the brackets on your gums leads to irritation and sores. But it is temporary. Use the wax provided by your orthodontist to fight these sores in your mouth.
4. Saltwater is an effective home remedy to minimize the pain of sores and heal the inflammation. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth 5-6 times a day with this.
5.  A Mouthguard forms a protective barrier for the soft tissues of your gums. Always wear a mouthguard while playing sports or doing any physical activity to prevent your teeth and braces from any damage.
6. To fulfill your dream of straight teeth, you should learn to handlebraces emergencies like broken brackets or poking wires. Gain the knowledge of the first aid you need to do yourself before reaching the orthodontist.
7. You don’t eat as much with braces as you used to eat before. Therefore your mouth might feel dry. The solution is to stay hydrated. Keep sipping some water or any sugar-free beverage during the braces treatment.
8. Your gums and teeth are susceptible in the initial days of braces treatment. Thus, avoid eating too hot or cold or chilled food. Instead, consume food and drinks which are warm or cool or at room temperature.

You can be friends with the following soft foods to achieve the desired straight teeth after the braces treatment:-

• Cool Beverages Like Milkshakes and Smoothies
• Soft-Cooked Fish or Fish Sticks
• Steamed Vegetables
• Salads with Eggs, Tuna, Tofu, and Chicken
• Peanut Butter
• Grains Like Rice, Barley, Couscous, and Quinoa
• Fruit Cups and Ripe Fruits
• Hummus
• Soft Bread Like Pancakes and Sandwich Bread.
• Pasta and Noodles
• Stew and Soup
• Applesauce
• Fork-Tender Meats
• Beans
• Pudding
• Soft Dairy Products Like Yogurt, Cheese, Ice-cream, etc.

Parting Words!

These tips will help you in the first crucial week of the braces treatment and afterward as well. Never hesitate to contact your orthodontist in case of grave concern. Get ready to embrace a beautiful life-long smile and straight teeth.

Bonus tip - If your children need braces, taking them to a kids-friendly orthodontist will be a good idea.