Taking Care of Your Braces Flashcards

What should you do if a wire is poking and irritating your cheek?

Answer: Cover the end with orthodontic wax and call your orthodontist

Orthodontic wax temporarily relieves irritation until your orthodontist can fix the wire.

If a bracket comes loose but is still attached to the wire, what is the best step?

Answer: Leave it in place, use wax if needed, and contact your orthodontist

A loose bracket should be stabilized and reported, not repaired with household products.

How can you relieve general soreness after an adjustment?

Answer: Use an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods

Mild pain relievers and soft foods ease the normal soreness that follows tightening.

What is a recommended way to soothe mouth sores or ulcers from braces?

Answer: Rinse with warm salt water

Warm salt water rinses help clean and soothe irritated tissue inside the mouth.

If you swallow a small piece of a broken bracket, what should you usually do?

Answer: Stay calm; it typically passes harmlessly, but tell your orthodontist

Small swallowed pieces usually pass without harm, but you should still inform your orthodontist.

What household item is commonly used to push a stray poking wire back into place gently?

Answer: The eraser end of a pencil

A pencil eraser can gently tuck a poking wire flat without injuring the mouth.

When should you call your orthodontist about a braces problem rather than waiting?

Answer: When you have a broken appliance, severe pain, or a wire that won't stop poking

Broken appliances, severe pain, or persistent poking warrant a prompt call rather than waiting.