Braces can be a huge change to your day-to-day life, especially as an adult. It can be a challenge to get used to them and learn how to care for them properly. They will even make a difference in the foods and beverages that you like to enjoy. However, the beautiful results will make it all worth it! Here are some tips to help you navigate and embrace going back to work after getting your new braces.
Put Together a Braces Kit
Just because you are at work doesn’t mean that you can neglect your smile. By putting together a kit, you will have everything you need to keep your smile clean and healthy at the workplace. Here are some things you should include:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Dental Floss
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers (Acetaminophen/Tylenol is best)
- Dental Wax
- Lip Balm
After meals and when needed, take out your kit to keep your teeth clean and comfortable. This kit should be small so it’s easy to pack and store. You may want to choose travel-sized products so that they are easy to bring with you when you are on the go.
Bring a Water Bottle
It’s important that you stay hydrated to stay healthy. Hydration is also very helpful for your smile. Water helps to rinse away food particles. It may also keep you from indulging in drinks that are harmful to your smile, like sports drinks and sugary sodas. By quenching your thirst with water, you will be less likely to reach for something else.
Lastly, drinking water keeps your body hydrated and thereby increases saliva production. Our saliva contains factors in it that protect your teeth from decay and your gums from disease. So drinking water throughout the day is very helpful for your oral health.
Choose Braces-Friendly Foods
When you first get your braces or have them adjusted, your teeth will likely feel sore afterward. This can make it challenging to enjoy foods that require a lot of chewing. You may want to stick to softer foods during this time, like pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies. When you have braces, you also may want to cut your food into smaller pieces so that the food is easier to chew. Remember to avoid foods that are particularly hard, crunchy, and sticky.
Be Mindful of Nervous Habits
If you have the tendency to bite your nails or chew on pens and pencils, this is a good time to stop this habit for good. Chewing on hard objects could potentially damage your braces and warrant an emergency visit to your orthodontist. This can also introduce germs to your body that can make you sick! Try to do something else in place of this habit, like squeezing a stress ball.
Now that you have braces, it is important to care for them so you can get the beautiful results you’ve been looking for! By using the tips I have outlined above, “Youel” be showing off a straighter smile in no time!
About the Practice
At Grayslake Orthodontics, Dr. Ben Youel and his team are passionate about transforming smiles in the Grayslake community. We offer a variety of orthodontic treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners! We are eager to help both adults and children achieve a smile they are proud to show off. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (847) 548-4330.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel earned his dental doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, Chicago Dental Society, and the Chicago Academy of General Dentistry. He is passionate about transforming the smiles of both children and adults using modern orthodontic techniques and advanced technology! To learn more or to schedule an appointment at his office in Grayslake, visit his website or call (847) 548-4330.
