More and more Singaporeans are opting for orthodontic braces, with many finally taking the plunge in their adulthood. However, not everyone realises just how uncomfortable and disruptive the first couple of weeks can be. Even braces employing the latest technologies are basically reshaping your mouth, and some discomfort is to be expected. Despite painkillers and anti-inflammatories, your entire mouth will be sore in the first few weeks, with soft tissues feeling tender to the slightest touch. Simple things like eating or brushing may take more effort than usual.
Yet, keeping proper hygiene remains highly important, if not more so, during this stage. With all the pain, it gets easy to slack off on your oral care. However, ingraining care habits at this stage can work against you, increasing the risk of infections or cavities, and even prolonging or derailing your treatment. Braces create more surfaces where food and plaque can collect, so you must take extra care to be thorough, even as you avoid unnecessary pain or irritation.
Your orthodontist for a braces Singapore procedure should walk you through the most salient parts of proper oral care with braces right after the first installation session. Still, getting braces is quite a big change, and you might not always keep up with everything supposed to do. Thankfully, the practical habits below can make the adjustment easier, especially while your gums are still healing.
1) Use a Gentle but Thorough Brushing Technique
Brushing may feel uncomfortable at first, but skipping it or rushing through it can lead to plaque build-up around brackets and along the gumline, leading to further problems. A soft-bristled toothbrush is your best option during this stage, as it can effectively remove debris without putting excessive pressure on sensitive areas, as harder-bristled brushes might.
Whether you choose an electric or manual toothbrush, angle the brush slightly towards the gums and clean around each bracket carefully. Make sure to take your time so you can remove debris without aggravating your gums.
2) Thoroughly Clean Around Brackets and Wires
Braces create small spaces where food particles can easily get trapped. Unfortunately, there may be areas that are not always reachable with a standard brushing motion alone. In these cases, you’ll need interdental brushes or a water pick to help you clean between wires and brackets more effectively. Flossing is still recommended, though this may take considerable effort and special threaders.
Using these tools can become even more important when your gums are healing, as trapped debris can slow down recovery and lead to further irritation.
3) Rinse Regularly to Soothe and Clean
Rinsing your mouth after brushing can offer both relief and added protection. Saltwater rinses are often recommended during the early weeks, as they can help soothe inflammation and support the natural healing process of your gums. Alternatively, you can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash to reduce bacteria without causing dryness or stinging.
Occasionally, you could choose to just rinse after meals, especially if leftover food particles are minimal when brushing immediately is not convenient. However, this should not be a frequent habit, and you must still aim to brush at least twice daily.
4) Choose Foods That Support Healing
Unfortunately, you may want to forgo hard, crunchy, or sticky foods in the meantime, as these can damage braces or irritate still-sensitive gums. Softer options like soups, yoghurt, eggs, and cooked vegetables are easier to manage and less likely to cause issues. As a bonus, these choices also reduce the chances of food getting lodged in your braces.
As your gums continue to heal, you may introduce small amounts of harder foods, taking care to avoid contact with your orthodontic hardware. All the same, stick to gentler foods to reduce the risks and make daily oral care more manageable.
5) Don’t Miss Your Orthodontic Appointments
Keeping up with your regular scheduled check-ups allows your orthodontist to monitor both your braces and other aspects of your oral health. Your braces are literally changing the structure of your mouth, so your orthodontist must perform routine checks to identify areas that need attention. You should also use these checkups as opportunities to raise concerns, particularly those related to unusual swelling, persistent pain, or bleeding that doesn’t improve.
6) Protect Your Mouth from Unnecessary Irritation
You might find that brackets and other hardware are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or gums, especially in the first few weeks. Your dentist may give or recommend orthodontic wax to reduce friction and prevent sores from forming.
Every patient is different, but you should expect at least a few sores to form here and there, particularly in the weeks after you get your braces and after each subsequent adjustment period. Being diligent with applying dental wax at these times can keep sores to a minimum, improving comfort and avoiding the risk of serious infections.
A Cleaner Routine, A Smoother Adjustment
Even in the best circumstances, adapting to braces and healing gums takes patience. However, the human body is a remarkable machine, and your mouth should get used to the pain very soon.
The healing process also becomes easier once you settle into a routine that works for you. It will help a lot for you to be consistent with gentle but thorough care as described above if you want to keep your mouth clean and avoid further complications during recovery. Soon, your newly developed habits will become second nature, helping you move through the long treatment process with greater comfort.