Heart Health: Don't Neglect Dental Care

If you have just had your first set of dental braces installed, then it's important to know a few special things about their fit and care. While all braces will make your teeth feel loose and sore at first, as you get used to wearing them, this soreness will go away and you will hardly notice the braces at all. However, during the transition period when you first have them installed, your new braces will take a bit of getting used to. To make this transition easier on yourself, here are some tips for wearing dental braces for the first time:

Tip: Treat Your Dental Pain with a Warm Salt Water Rinse

One of the best things you can do to reduce your dental pain is to regularly rinse out your mouth with a solution of warm salt water. You can make the salt water solution by mixing a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of warm water. Rinse out your mouth with the salt water and then spit it into the sink. Do not swallow the salt water because it will make you sick. 

Tip: Use Dental Wax to Prevent Sores on Your Cheeks 

While the soft tissues of your mouth are getting used to coming into contact with the metal parts of your braces, they may become painful and small sores can form from rubbing contact. If any areas of your cheeks become sore, then you can put dental wax on your braces to block sores from forming while your mouth's tissues adjust to being in the presence of the braces. As your mouth tissues become more comfortable with the braces, you will not need to wear the wax anymore. 

Tip: Brush Your Teeth After Meals to Remove Food Particles from Around Your New Braces

Since your new braces give food particles a lot of areas to become trapped within, it is very important that you get into the habit of brushing your teeth after each meal. If you are not serious about brushing your teeth while they have braces installed, then your teeth can become decayed and require additional dental treatment.

Tip: See Your Orthodontist if a Bracket or Wire Comes Loose

Finally, even if you are very careful with what you eat and how you take care of your braces, sometimes brackets or wires will come loose. If this happens, make an appointment with your orthodontist, such as John C. Matunas D.D.S., PA, and they can easily fix the problem for you.