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The day your bright and shiny new braces go on your teeth, you might not notice anything different other than having something strange attached to them. But as the days and weeks go by, having braces will seem like just a regular part of life. However, usually the second and third days after your braces have been applied, you might experience varying levels of soreness. Each patient will feel differently, but typically the soreness should subside after a few days.

After your teeth have gotten past the initial sore phase, your gums, cheeks, and tongue may develop sore spots. These will in time pass as well, but you can help prevent those sore spots by placing orthodontics wax over the brackets that are causing trouble in your mouth.

To apply the wax, start by washing your hands. Next, dry them and begin rolling the wax back and forth between your fingers to help loosen it up so that if can be applied easier. Once the wax is nice and loose, dry the brackets that you’re going to put the wax on so that it sticks better. Place the wax over the brackets so that the metal no longer sticks through and rub smooth. Orthodontics wax is there to help you through the adjustment period, so feel free to use it as you see fit.

Beyond the normal discomfort, eating with braces is going to be a new adventure for you. Start with foods that are soft and have a low level of acidity, as the acid could further irritate the sore spots in your mouth. Foods such as eggs, fish, pasta, potatoes, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, bananas, and milkshakes are great because they’re easy on your teeth. We also suggest that milk and water be consumed during this period, as the milk will help fortify your teeth and the water will keep your mouth and new braces clean.

Following each meal, it is important to brush your teeth and clear the braces of any debris. Not only is it good for your oral health, but you don’t want to walk around with spinach stuck in your braces all day either!

If you have any questions about braces in Creve Coeur or other orthodontic treatment options, simply fill out our appointment form or call Dr. Frost in Creve Coeur, MO at (314) 567-1888.


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The FIBA Basketball World Cup is currently underway and it looks like the United States is sure to take home yet another crown, but this is a dental blog so we’re here to talk about the goliath efforts of Dario Saric after having 6 of his teeth knocked out by Andres Nocioni. Not only did he come back into the game, but he buried a 3-pointer right after entering the game from having his dental health assessed.

Yes, Dario Saric is a terrific basketball player and he showed extreme grit in the game against Argentina, but he made a crucial error in judgement when he decided to not wear a mouth guard. Basketball is a non-contact sport, but there is bound to be accidents and an elbow flying errantly into your mouth is one of them. Some of the best in the game wear a mouthguard and there is a variety of styles to pick from for function and the always important ‘cool factor.’

When you’re playing sports your mouthguard is your last line of defense in protecting your teeth and it should always be on top of your list when getting ready for practice or the game. When picking your mouthguard you have the option of a standard mouthguard, which offers some basic protection for your chompers, but not as much as the other alternatives.

Next in terms of protection would be a mouthguard from the boil and bite variety. This mouthguard offers a great deal of protection, but usually fills your mouth with excess material that makes it difficult to communicate with your teammates.

Lastly, there is the custom mouthguard. This piece is very streamlined as it’s created to fit perfectly into your mouth. Not only is it great for sports where communication is relied on heavily, but with custom mouthguards you can create one that is as cool as your nerves when you’re shooting those game winning free-throws.

So have fun out there and don’t forget to protect those teeth of yours, because they’re the only ones you have. For any questions about mouthguards and how to protect your teeth better, contact Dr. Frost today at (314) 567-1888 for your consultation.


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