Tips for Adjusting to Your New Metal Braces

If you just got your metal braces installed, you are going to experience some discomfort for the first few days. While this is entirely natural and normal, that doesn’t mean it’s an enjoyable experience.

As far as adjusting to your new mouth gear goes, there are a few tips that can help ease some of the discomforts that come with metal braces. Here, we’ll discuss some quick tips you can take advantage of to keep your mouth feeling as good as possible while your teeth are realigned.

Intermittent Pain Medication Can Help

While this may seem like a no-brainer, staying on top of a healthy dosage of Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help to ease some of the pain you’ll likely experience. Be sure to read the instructions so you’re not taking more than the advised amount, but it may be worthwhile to keep some medication handy.

Eat Soft Foods

One of the most common causes of discomfort will come from eating. You can help to mitigate this by being intentional about the foods you consume. Foods like applesauce, mashed potatoes, or fruits can be great sources of nutrients while also being soft on your sensitive teeth. Once the discomfort begins to lessen after a few days, harder foods will be able to be added back into your diet.

Rinse Your Mouth with Salt Water

Another tip for easing some of the pain from your new braces is to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater throughout the day or whenever you’re experiencing extra soreness. Swishing around the warm salt water for 30 seconds can help to reduce discomfort and heal any sores that may be exposed from the braces.

Clean Your Braces

Last but not least, cleaning your metal braces regularly is another way you can help reduce discomfort. If foods are lodged in there, these could be causing painful sores to form in your mouth. Cleaning your braces regularly will ensure there is no food debris causing issues and keep your gums and teeth healthy.

While these tips can be helpful in reducing the discomfort or soreness you may feel in the immediate days after getting your metal braces, be sure to contact your orthodontist if the pain does not subside after a week or so. The average time a person will wear braces is about two years, so there will be plenty of opportunities to take advantage of these tips after you go into your orthodontist’s office for adjustments each time. To get started with affordable braces today, be sure to contact us here at TruSmile Orthodontics.