When you get braces, the first day is bound to be difficult. You’re not used to the feeling of a foreign object in your mouth, and it’ll take some time getting used to it. The first week of wearing braces will bring with it some discomfort and pain as wearing braces will add pressure on your teeth. It usually fades after the first week or so.
Your first day with braces will have many other firsts as well. For instance, you’ll be brushing teeth with braces for the first time. So, to get through perils of your first day with braces, we have some tips for new braces wearers.
Tips for new braces wearers:
Watch what you eat
The foods you eat on the first day with braces will affect the intensity of pain you experience. Your dentist will provide you with a list of foods that you cannot eat while wearing braces. And while you follow that, the first week requires even more vigilance. Stick to soft foods and liquids that don’t require much pressure to chew on. The below list of foods is a safe bet.
yogurt
oats
mashed or soft-cooked vegetables
scrambled eggs
soft fruits like berries and bananas
yogurt, and smoothies
Poha or upma
khichdi
Over-the-counter painkillers
On the first day of wearing braces, you are bound to experience some pain and discomfort. You can opt for over-the-counter pain relief medicine to help with the pain. Ask your dentist for the right prescription.
Ice pack
If medication is not your thing, you can help alleviate the pain and soreness by placing a cloth covered with an ice pack on the side of your cheek, or the area where you feel sore.
Go for wax on braces
The soft tissues of your mouth may feel sore and have cuts due to the friction of your braces. And while your skin will toughen over time, for the first week of wearing braces, it may be a good idea to cover the braces with some wax to avoid the irritation.
Saltwater rinse
As mentioned before, the first day and week of braces can be quite painful and may irritate your mouth. Rinsing it with some warm salt water for approximately 30 seconds will help. Do this around five to six times a day for effective results.
Clean between your teeth
Braces surely makes it difficult to reach in between your teeth and between braces. Nevertheless, make sure you do clean your teeth because otherwise it will simply lead to tooth decay and cavities. Floss your teeth regularly after every meal. Oral-B’s Essential Mint Dental Flossy is a good option as it comes with shred-resistant technology, which means you can floss without the worry of the fibers getting stuck in your teeth or the floss snapping. This feature is supremely useful for braces wearers as they need the cleaning and are often worried about cutting their floss. It also comes with a refreshing mint flavor that leaves you feeling lively.
Practice good oral hygiene
The whole point of getting braces is to improve your dental health. And what good would that be if you don’t follow the basics of oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice using a good toothbrush that suits your needs. Use Oral-B’s Pro Series Electric Toothbrush that deep cleans using 3D technology. Its round head oscillates, rotates, and pulsates to remove up to 100% more plaque than regular manual toothbrush. It also comes with an embedded timer that makes sure you brush for an optimal period of two minutes It also whitens your teeth gently from day one by removing surface stains.
Using a good antibacterial mouthwash too would be helpful as it kills cavity-causing bacteria and leaves you with a clean, fresh mouth.
How to brush teeth with braces?
The technique is like your usual brushing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on brushing your teeth with braces on.
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gently move the brush in short, circular strokes over your teeth and braces.
Remember to brush the front, back and chewing surfaces of all your teeth. Continue brushing your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes.
Lastly, brush your tongue as well to keep your breath fresh by removing bacteria.
When you have braces, maintaining proper oral care is of the utmost importance. The first day of braces would surely be tough but by following a few tips and guidelines, you’re sure to cruise along that first week.
