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Feeling a Little Sore After Braces Tightening? These Tips Can Help!

While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. What each person feels is a little different, however, with most only feeling a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. Additionally, the longer you’re in braces, the quicker your discomfort will go away after each tightening. In the meantime, have no fear! Here is some advice from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics that can help ease your discomfort:

Stick to Soft Foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great options when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day that you go in for a tightening, it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

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A Checklist for Your Next Dental Visit

Regular dental check-ups are a crucial part of oral health maintenance. You should see your dentist twice a year for maintenance. But, for most people, finding the time in your schedule for an appointment tends to be the hardest part. Be sure to find the time though, as your oral health depends on it. 

Once you have your appointment, here is a list of things you should do before you go to see Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics. It is important that you have the necessary items for your appointment.

Here are ways to best prepare for your dental visit:

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Date Night with Braces – What to Order

Date night can be a nerve-wracking experience. From what to wear, where to go, to what to talk about. The numerous variables of date night can wreak havoc on what should be a fun experience. You don’t want your braces to be another source of worry during your night out, and they don’t have to be! With a few simple tips you can flash your beautiful smile at your date as many times as you want to without being worried about leftovers being hidden in your brackets. Read on for some advice from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

At a Nice Restaurant – Stick to Soft Foods

While mood lighting can help hide a lot of things, it can’t get rid of food in your teeth. So that you can smile with confidence all night long, stick to soft foods. Pasta, mashed potatoes, soups, and other softer options are easy to eat, and are less likely to have little bits that stick around in wires and brackets. Any crunchy fruits or veggies could prove difficult as well. Let’s just say corn should be a “no-go” whether you have braces or not! Also, any chewy bread or pizza should be cut up into small pieces before consuming.

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Foods that Naturally Whiten Your Teeth

Everyone is always chasing after the elusive shiny white smile. However, coffee, tea, red wine, and even some sodas can stain your teeth and darken your smile. Luckily, there are several cost-effective options to help bring your teeth back to their pearly glory. There are even some foods that whiten your teeth naturally. To learn more about what foods can naturally whiten your teeth, keep reading for some advice from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

Fortunately, there are several foods you can find at your local grocery store that can help make your teeth whiter. Be sure to add these foods to your cart next time you’re at the store!

  • Strawberries – They contain an enzyme called malic acid that may aid in the tooth whitening process.

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Feeling a Little Sore After Tightening? These Tips Can Help!

While braces are not painful, your mouth is a very sensitive area. Thus, it is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after your braces have been tightened. However, what everyone feels is a little different! Most only feel a mild, achy pressure that will subside within a day or two. The longer you’re in braces, the quicker your discomfort will go away after each tightening. In the meantime, have no fear! These simple tips can help ease your discomfort from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

Stick to Soft Foods

Soft foods like mashed potatoes and applesauce are great when you are experiencing any mouth discomfort. When you initially get your braces, soft foods are a great option for the first couple of days. Then, on each day you go in for a tightening it is smart to stick to a soft food diet.

Read More

Daily Habits to Improve Your Oral Health

Your oral health is always extremely important, whether you’re in braces or not! If you’re looking for some simple ways to boost your oral health, you’re in luck. Keep reading for some daily habits that you can incorporate into your routine from Dr. Joseph Porter at Porter Orthodontics.

Some of the easiest ways to keep your oral health in tip-top shape are to do the simple things you have been told to do your whole life, like brushing your teeth. Read More