Between holiday mistletoe and the New Year’s Eve ball drop, you might find yourself locking lips with someone special during the last week of the year. If you have braces, this thought might cause a bit of anxiety. After all, everyone’s heard of the horror stories involving a romantic kiss leading to locked braces and an embarrassing trip to the orthodontist’s office. While that story is more myth than fact, it’s worth reading on to learn some essential tips for kissing with braces.
#1. Brush Your Teeth
Can you imagine leaning in for a romantic kiss, and immediately smelling a foul odor? What a mood killer! Since traditional braces have metal brackets and wires that can harbor food particles, bacteria, and other debris, it’s of the utmost importance that you are diligent about brushing your teeth (and braces) really well beforehand.
#2. Be Mindful of What You Eat
As mentioned above, the foods you eat can linger on your metal braces. If you’re going to be mingling and eating throughout the evening, then do your best to avoid pungent ingredients, like garlic and onions. Furthermore, drink plenty of water. This will help rinse away food particles and keep your breath fresh.
#3. Keep Mints Close
Gum is one of the best ways to freshen your breath. However, they can tug and pull on your metal braces, placing them on the list of “dietary restrictions” you must follow during your orthodontic treatment. Don’t worry – there is another option: mints! Just do your best to find a sugar-free one and don’t bite directly into them. This will help you avoid dental problems, like cavities or a snapped wire.
#4. Use Dental Wax
One downside of traditional braces is that the brackets and wires can have sharp edges. Don’t worry – that’s where dental wax comes in! All you need is a small piece to cover any abrasive edges that could hurt you or your partner.
#5. Be Gentle
Now that we’ve talked about the preparation, let’s get into when it finally comes time to kiss. Since the brackets and wires on your braces are made of strong, durable materials, it’s important to be gentle. Stick to closed-lipped kisses at first – nothing ruins the moment more than an accidental cut to their lips or tongue!
Whether you find yourself under the mistletoe or are celebrating the start of 2022 with someone special, you want to be prepared, especially if you have braces. With the above tips in your arsenal, you won’t have to worry about your orthodontic treatment when the moment arises!
About the Practice
Simply Orthodontics is comprised of a hand-selected team of professionals whose mission it is to help patients in and around Marlborough leave misaligned teeth and poor bites in the past. Both Dr. Simon and Dr. Alkhoury pride themselves on creating custom treatment plans that will deliver your dream smile while having the top-tier experience you deserve. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment or are simply ready to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-281-5188.