Going to the dentist isn't any fun, but it is one of those things that just has to be done. For years, I fought the process and didn't go for my regular cleanings and in the end, it sure didn't pay to do so. I ended up spending ten times as much time in the chair and a boat-load of money in dental repairs. If you don't like going to the dentist, you can make it easier on yourself. This blog will show you a few tips that can help you improve the experience and get through the treatment without as much discomfort.
going to the dentist with less anxiety
Adjustment Appointments: Post-Procedure Interventions
Jordan Arnold
Your orthodontics professional can enhance your smile and correct bite abnormalities with braces. While braces can straighten your teeth and correct malocclusions, they require constant adjustments because your hardware needs to be tightened or loosened every month or so in order for your teeth to gradually shift into their correct positions. When your braces are adjusted, mild pressure may be placed on your gums and teeth, which can cause minor discomfort and irritation for a few days. Fortunately, the following interventions are very effective in easing gum tenderness and tooth discomfort.
Salt Water Rinses And Antiseptic Mouthwashes
Small ulcerations and irritated areas can develop on your gums and cheeks from your braces after they have been adjusted. A warm salt water solution helps relieve irritation and soreness inside the oral cavity and may also lower your risk for an infection.
After combining a pinch of salt with a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth for a minute or so, and then spit it out. Do not swallow the solution because swallowing too much salt water can cause an upset stomach and increase the sodium content in your blood. Antiseptic mouthwashes can also help ease irritation and reduce gum inflammation after your adjustment appointments.
Soft And Warm Foods And Drinks
While you can resume your normal pattern of eating after your orthodontist adjusts your braces, you may experience tooth and gum sensitivity, which may cause discomfort when eating certain foods or drinking certain beverages. Because of this, it may be prudent to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods such as candy, potato chips, raw vegetables, and hard fruits, such as apples and pears.
Soft foods that are easier to chew, such as applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, smoothies, and cooked vegetables are typically well-tolerated. While cold foods such as ice cream can help numb oral pain, warm foods and beverages such as soups and teas can soothe the irritated soft tissues inside your mouth. In addition, brush your teeth after consuming sugary, starchy, or acidic foods and drinks because these foods can contribute to dental sensitivity.
If you experience discomfort after getting your braces tightened or adjusted, consider the above interventions, and then talk to your orthodontist. There are a number of effective treatment options for managing orthodontic discomfort following your adjustment appointments, and when you experiment with different options, you will learn which ones are most suitable for you.
For more information, contact an orthodontic center in your area, such as Laveen Smiles.
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