How do avoid orthodontic emergencies?

Have you ever had to deal with an orthodontic emergency? It's a little frightening! Knowing how to care for your braces properly is the most effective method to avoid orthodontic emergencies. However, accidents happen no matter how attentive or well you care for your braces.

While most orthodontic emergencies occur unexpectedly, being more aware of your daily actions and how they affect your orthodontic treatment might help you reduce your chance of an emergency.

What is an orthodontic emergency?

If you are receiving or have previously gotten orthodontic treatment, you know it takes time to adjust to braces or a retainer. As your teeth shift and adapt into perfect alignment, you will experience discomfort and slight pain. The following are classified as orthodontic emergencies:

• mouth sores
• loose wire, bracket, or elastic bands
• broken retainer
• swallowing braces equipment
• Ulcers in mouth

How do avoid orthodontic emergencies?

Avoid certain foods

It is critical to avoid foods that might harm your braces. Avoid eating chewy, sticky, crunchy, or firm during this period. Moreover, complex meals can shatter the brackets, and sticky foods can bend the wires, which sounds terrible; therefore, if a wire irritates your face or lip, place wax or a wet cotton ball over it to reduce the sharp edge.

Pain and discomfort

It is critical to avoid foods that might harm your braces. Avoid eating chewy, sticky, crunchy, or firm during this period. Moreover, complex meals can shatter the brackets, and sticky foods can bend the wires, which sounds terrible; therefore, if a wire irritates your face or lip, place wax or a wet cotton ball over it to reduce the sharp edge.

Sports-related injuries

Wearing braces does not restrict you from participating in sports. However, there are a few measures that you should consider to prevent sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw that are relatively frequent. Therefore, wearing a mouthguard is the most effective approach to safeguard your braces/appliance.

Brushing and flossing

Tiny food particles might quickly become stuck in your braces when you wear braces. If food is not removed, it becomes lodged between the teeth and gums, causing plaque. Therefore, it is essential to brush and floss properly after each meal to maintain your braces in better condition and to help avoid orthodontic emergencies.

What to do in an orthodontic emergency?

Any chipped, fractured, or loose tooth is substantially more problematic while wearing braces. So, if you suffer an accident or injury to your mouth, consult an orthodontic emergency expert as soon as possible. The same is true if you have an infection or swelling in your gums, mouth, or face.

We feel pain for a purpose, so seek medical assistance immediately if you are experiencing severe pain which does not subside after a few days. Finally, if a wire or other component falls out, keep them and consult an orthodontist.

Conclusion

You may avoid orthodontic crises by taking appropriate care of your teeth and appliances while you practice. Therefore, maintaining your everyday oral hygiene routines and taking care of your devices is crucial. Moreover, call your orthodontist if you are experiencing substantial discomfort or have an appliance problem you cannot resolve at home. Your orthodontist will do everything possible to alleviate and resolve your pain.

Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD at Danville Orthodontics, to learn more about orthodontic emergencies.

Resource:

What Are Minor Orthodontic Emergencies?

This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.