How To: Navigate Your First Week With Braces

By Author: Dr. Isaak Yelizar
Total Articles: 50
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Is your upcoming appointment when your orthodontic treatment will officially begin? Maybe it’s been a few hours or days since your visit and you’re a bit lost on what you should and shouldn’t do. Either way, you’re in the right place! Below, you’ll find helpful information on everything from what to eat to how to make brushing your teeth (and braces) on-the-go easy.

1. Stock Up on Anything You Need

At your appointment, you’ll be given a few things, including some dental wax. Although this can help prevent soft tissue irritation, many patients find it helpful to also have an OTC pain reliever on hand, especially when your teeth, gums, and tongue are adjusting to the presence of your brackets and wires. While at the store, consider stocking up on some other helpful essentials, like pre-threaded floss and an interproximal toothbrush.

2. Stick to Soft Foods

After your initial appointment (and following your adjustment visits), your teeth will likely feel very sore, and your gums will feel very tender. To prevent these symptoms from being exacerbated, we recommend sticking to applesauce, oatmeal, ...
... soup, plain yogurt, scrambled eggs, and other soft foods. Additionally, you should avoid crunchy, hard, and sticky foods, like raw cashews, whole nuts, tortilla chips, and popcorn.

3. Pack an On-the-Go Dental Care Kit

Brushing and flossing your teeth each morning and evening is a great first step, but patients with braces are actually encouraged to complete their oral hygiene regimen after lunch too. That way, food particles, plaque, and other debris aren’t left to linger on the brackets and wires. To make this easy, keep a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss with you!

4. Rinse Your Mouth with Warm Saltwater

Warm saltwater isn’t just a natural disinfectant; it also can help alleviate uncomfortable swelling. So, don’t hesitate to rinse with this mixture periodically during your first week with braces. This will help reduce puffiness in your gums while also reducing your chances of developing an infection.
Hopefully, the above information helps you navigate your first week with braces easily. Of course, if you have any questions or need additional recommendations, you’re more than welcome to reach out to your orthodontist too!