Dental emergencies, including those that involve orthodontic appliances, can happen to anyone at any time. However, you can keep your risk to a bare minimum if you take some simple precautions. How can you protect both your smile and your orthodontic treatment? This blog post shares some simple and actionable tips.
Comply with Dietary Guidelines
One of the most important steps in preventing orthodontic emergencies is adhering to the dietary guidelines provided by your orthodontist. Certain foods can damage orthodontic appliances, leading to discomfort or the need for repairs. For example, you should avoid hard, crunchy foods such as nuts, popcorn, and hard candies, as these can break brackets or wires. Sticky and chewy foods like gum, caramel, and taffy can also pose a risk by getting stuck in your braces and causing damage. Instead, opt for softer foods that are gentle on your appliances, such as yogurt, pasta, and steamed vegetables.
Protect Your Smile from Damage
If you regularly play sports, it is essential to protect your smile from potential injuries by wearing a mouthguard. Mouthguards cushion impacts and prevent damage to your braces and teeth in case of an accident or collision. Custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguards are superior to any that you might purchase over the counter.
Additionally, be mindful of using your teeth for non-eating purposes, such as opening packages or biting your nails. These habits can harm your orthodontic appliances and lead to emergencies.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Without proper oral hygiene, plaque and bacteria may accumulate around your orthodontic appliances. This can endanger your oral health, and if your braces need to be removed so your dentist can repair your teeth, you might face significant delays in your orthodontic treatment.
You should:
- Brush your teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.
- Floss daily with orthodontic floss or a floss threader to clean between braces.
- Follow any other oral hygiene guidelines provided by your orthodontist.
Do Not Forget About Your General Dentist
While your orthodontist plays a vital role in your treatment, your general dentist is equally important in maintaining your overall oral health. Remember, orthodontic check-ins are not a substitute for regular cleanings and exams! Your general dentist can look for any developing oral health issues, and they may be able to provide treatment before such problems lead to an emergency.
If You Have Questions, Ask!
If you have any questions or concerns about your orthodontic appliances, do not hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist. Whether you are experiencing discomfort, noticing something unusual, or simply need advice on how to care for your braces or aligners, your orthodontist is there to help. Promptly addressing any issues or uncertainties can prevent minor problems from becoming major emergencies.
You cannot completely eliminate your risk of orthodontic emergencies, but you can keep it to a bare minimum!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a Houston native who has been providing specialty orthodontic services for decades. He offers traditional braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, and more. If you have questions about how you can enjoy successful orthodontic treatment, he and our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact us at 713-589-7996.
