While people often associate braces with teenagers, many people receive them as adults. If you’re a working adult undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s important to take measures so you can comply with your orthodontist’s instructions while on the job. Here are a few tips for taking care of your teeth and braces at work so you can achieve the best possible results from your treatment.
Put Together a Braces Kit
Bringing a small bag with everything you need to take care of your teeth and braces to work can make it much easier to comply with your treatment. Start with a bag that can be easily cleaned as needed, and fill it with items like:
- A toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Dental wax
- A travel-sized bottle of mouthwash
- Rubber bands
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
This should include everything you need to keep your teeth and braces clean while treating any discomfort.
Enjoy Plenty of Water
Many people at work turn to coffee or soda, but these beverages can lead to unsightly dental stains or tooth decay. Instead, bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. Not only is water free of sugar or stain-causing dyes and pigments, but it also helps wash food debris and sugary residues from your teeth and braces. Water is also free of caffeine, meaning that it will keep you properly hydrated for the ample saliva flow your teeth need to stay healthy.
Watch What You Eat
You can expect to notice some discomfort on the day after you receive braces, so you’ll want to keep soft foods that are easy to chew on hand. A few items to keep in mind include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, scrambled eggs, pasta, and smoothies. As you become more comfortable when chewing with braces, you can start packing soft sandwiches or items that are cut into small pieces. Crunchy or sticky foods can dislodge your braces, which can be a troublesome setback for your treatment.
Don’t Idly Chew on Objects
Dentists see many patients who have chipped or cracked teeth while chewing on random objects, and this can be especially troublesome if it happens to you while wearing braces. A few commonly chewed items to keep away from your mouth include ice, paperclips, erasers, and writing utensils. It’s also important to abstain from using your teeth to open packages or bottles whether you wear braces or not.
Taking excellent care of your braces while seeing your orthodontist as instructed is the best way to achieve fantastic results from your treatment. By adopting the right habits at work, you can stay on track toward a beautifully realigned smile.
About the Practice
Allen Orthodontics straightens smiles for the good people of Allen, TX. Led by Drs. Tamara L. Jones and Megan Hanson, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized and effective care in a pleasant and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include traditional braces, clear braces, Invisalign clear aligners, and orthodontic emergency services. For more tips on taking proper care of your braces, contact the office online or dial (972) 727-1153.