If you are approaching the date when you will be getting your new braces, you will want to make sure that you are taking a few moments to learn everything that you can. The more prepared you are, the easier time you will have with your new braces. Below are three tips to keep in mind.

1. Steer Clear Of The Problem Foods

While you might feel as though you can eat anything you want while you wear your braces, certain foods can actually cause difficulty for you. Some of the foods that would most likely get lodged in your braces include chewing gum, taffy, and popcorn. These things can get stuck in the tiny grooves of your braces, making it extremely difficult to remove them. Not only could this be frustrating, but any traces of food that are not easily removed can cause discoloration and cavities.

2. Protect Your Lips With Wax

As you get used to your new braces, you might find that that your lips are getting sore from rubbing up against the metal brackets. This is irritating and painful, as well as a potential medical problem. For example, if you severely cut up the inside of your mouth, those spots can become infected. The best thing to do is to make use of the special wax that the dentist gives you. You gently lace a little ball of wax over each metal bracket and press down so that it smooths out over it. This will give a smooth surface for the inside of your mouth to rub against.

3. Wear A Mouthguard While Playing Sports

Even if you would not have normally worn a mouthguard while playing sports, you will want to now. The last thing you would want is for an accident to happen, which could hurt your braces, or even push your braces into your lips causing you a lot of trouble. Therefore, whether you are playing basketball or football, you will want to wear a mouthguard that fits properly over your braces. A good way to get a proper fitting mouth guard is to purchase the kind that will form fit to your mouth.

With these tips in mind, you should have no problem caring for your braces and yourself while wearing them. Be sure to also remember any and all tips that your dentist gives you as well. This way, your experience with braces will be nothing short of enjoyable.