Six Habits That Can Make It More Comfortable To Undergo Orthodontic Treatment

28 September 2021
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Share

Undergoing orthodontic treatment is exciting because it will eventually lead to a perfect smile. However, along the way, you might periodically have issues like soreness in your teeth or mouth. Fortunately, there are good habits that you can develop to make orthodontic treatment as comfortable as possible. 

The following are six habits that can make it more comfortable to undergo orthodontic treatment. 

Eating sticky or very hard foods infrequently

Certain types of food may be more difficult for you to eat while you have braces. Sticky foods might tend to get stuck in braces so that they're difficult to remove. Also, biting into hard foods like corn on the cob could potentially damage your braces.

That's why it's a good idea to avoid eating these types of food too often until you get your braces off.

Inspecting your orthodontic fixtures periodically

In addition to your other dental hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing, you should also be inspecting your braces on a regular basis. This way, you can look out for issues like loose brackets that your orthodontist may need to correct promptly. 

Stocking up on soft foods to eat for a few days after your orthodontist appointments

Although your teeth should feel fine most of the time while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you may notice some soreness in the days immediately following an orthodontist appointment. That's why it's a good idea to stock up on soft foods that will be easy to eat until the soreness resolves. 

Using a mouthguard during athletic activities

Athletes should wear a mouthguard whenever they're engaged in athletic activity. Wearing a mouthguard protects the teeth, gums, and mouth from damage if a patient falls or is hit in the face during an athletic activity. A mouthguard can save an athletic patient from complications in the event of an injury. 

Stocking up on items that help reduce discomfort such as orthodontic wax

Some discomfort may come up now and then as you undergo orthodontic treatment. However, these issues can usually be easily remedied as long as you're stocked up on items that will alleviate the discomfort such as orthodontic wax and pain medications like acetaminophen. 

Never missing dentist or orthodontist appointments

Postponing numerous appointments with the orthodontist can increase the amount of time that orthodontic treatment takes. Missing dentist appointments can make it more difficult to keep your teeth clean as you undergo orthodontic treatment. 

For these reasons, it's essential that you don't miss any of your dentist or orthodontic appointments.