Have you ever experience an orthodontic emergency? It’s a little scary! Obviously, the best way to avoid orthodontic emergencies is to know how to take care of your braces properly. However, emergencies are … well, emergencies. Sometimes no matter how cautious you are or how well you take care of your braces, accidents do happen.
Some common orthodontic emergencies include broken brackets, poking wires, lost or broken retainers, mouth sores, sports related injuries.
Food to Avoid
It is important to avoid foods that can damage your braces. Chewy, sticky, crunchy, and hard foods can break brackets and bend or displace the wires. Also be careful with non-food objects, like plastic bottle caps, pens, straws and hoodie sweatshirt strings.
Pain and Discomfort
Some discomfort is a normal part of orthodontic treatment, especially the first few days after braces are placed or after a recent adjustment. You can take whatever medication you would take for a headache. However, if the pain doesn’t subside in three to five days, it’s a good idea to give us a call. If a wire is poking into your cheek or lip and causing irritation, put wax on the end of the wire and give us a call. You can also gargle with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of water) to help heal sores.
Playing Sports
Just because you wear braces doesn’t mean you can’t play sports. There are a few precautions you should take. Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are actually pretty common. The best way to protect your mouth your braces/appliance is to wear a mouthguard. We sell braces-specific mouthguards at the office. You can also find mouthguards at local sporting goods stores or online; Sisu and Shock Doctor make good orthodontic mouthguards.
If you experience displaced or fractured teeth while playing sports, please contact your dentist first! We do not have the proper x-ray machine to get a detailed view of your injury.
Brushing and Flossing
To keep your braces in good condition and to help avoid gingivitis and white spots, be sure to brush and floss/water floss after every meal. Small particles of food can get trapped under your wires or around your brackets. If the food isn’t removed, it gets wedged between the teeth and gums and causes plaque. This can eventually lead to white spots!
If you ever have an emergency, call Richmond Orthodontics at (765)-488-1072!
