Dental emergencies are definitely no fun to deal with in any situation, especially if you have braces. So what exactly can you do if your dental braces break and you have to wait before getting to the orthodontist? Here are a few tips that will keep your mouth in good shape even if your dental braces break.
Know What Not to Eat
If you have braces, there’s already a list of what you shouldn’t eat. It’s even more important to stick to this list if your braces break since these types of foods can further damage already weakened orthodontia. If you have broken braces, take care to avoid hard or chewy foods like uncooked carrots, apples, beef jerky, popcorn, ice, nuts, chewing gum, corn on the cob, and other similar foods. Stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods while you wait for an appointment with your orthodontist.
Try Wax
If a wire has broken or come out of a bracket, it can cause damage to the inside of your cheeks or lips. Luckily, orthodontic wax is a quick and inexpensive fix for this. It can be found at most drugstores or supermarkets, and you might even have some from your orthodontist. Simply take a piece and roll it up into a ball before sticking it to the loose wire. This wax is non-toxic, so there’s no problem if you accidentally swallow it or forget to remove it when eating.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
If your broken braces have already started irritating the inside of your mouth, it’s important to keep infection at bay. Open cuts in the mouth can quickly become infected by bacteria, so take care to rinse your mouth often with warm saltwater. Half a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of water is all you need. Simply swish for one minute to clean any open cuts or scrapes.
Keep Broken Parts
If any part of the braces comes completely detached from the rest, hold onto it and bring it to the orthodontist when you have your emergency appointment. It might not be able to be reused or reattached, but if it can, it will likely save you a lot of money since you won’t have to pay for the part to be replaced. It’s better to be safe than sorry in this case, so make sure to keep broken pieces safe.
Don’t DIY
Braces use a variety of special materials to keep them together and glued to your teeth. You should
never attempt to fix braces yourself at home with superglue or wire-cutting tools. This is more likely to damage the braces further, and you could seriously hurt yourself. It’s always best to hold onto the broken pieces and let your orthodontist take care of any repairs.
Contact Whiting Dental Arts for Emergency Dental Care
Getting the best dental care is vital for keeping your smile at its best. Whether you’re looking for regular dental care or
emergency dental services, Whiting Dental Arts has you covered. Offering quality dental care to the Swampscott area, Whiting Dental Arts is ready to help you get the best smile of your life, so call today! Give us a call at
1-781-595-0596 or fill out an
online form to schedule an appointment.
