Easy Dental Life Hacks To Prevent Your Own Tooth Loss

Having your braces tightened is a necessary part of correcting your teeth, but that doesn't mean that it's fun. Having your braces tightened can leave you feeling sore and uncomfortable for a couple of days, and it can make everyday things like eating difficult. Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make eating easier after your tightening appointments.

1. Take Pain Medication

An hour or so before you know that you're going to eat, consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don't take more than the required dose, and give your medicine a few minutes to "kick in" before you start eating. Not only will this help make eating a little more bearable, but it can also help you feel less pain overall. Consider taking a dose every few hours, as directed on the bottle, in case you get hungry later or just so that you can stay as comfortable as possible.

2. Cut it Up

To make eating a little bit easier, make sure that you cut or tear all of your food into smaller pieces. This will allow you to enjoy your favorite foods without having to chew as hard or open your mouth as wide, both of which can be uncomfortable after your braces have been tightened.

3. Eat Soft Stuff

You might find that it's uncomfortable to eat even cut-up foods when your braces have just been tightened, so you might want to switch to softer foods for a day or two. Soup can work well for main meals, and you can treat yourself with soft snacks like pudding and ice cream. Applesauce, mashed potatoes and other soft foods are also all good options. If you're craving other foods—such as vegetables or fruit—then consider mashing them up with a fork or putting them through a food processor to get a softer consistency. Although they might not look as appealing as they would have if you hadn't mashed them up, this can allow you to eat your favorite foods while you're dealing with the discomfort of your newly-tightened braces.

Having your braces tightened can be extremely uncomfortable, and it can make things like eating extremely difficult for a few days. Luckily, if you follow these three tips, you should be able to eat more comfortably until some of the pain and discomfort begin to go away. For more information, contact your dentist or orthodontist (like those at Cazes Family Dentistry LLC).