Urgent, Urgent...Emergency!

Theresa L. Skelton Orthodontics

OK...so you're home from your orthodontic adjustment appointment with Dr. Theresa L. Skelton. Your next appointment is scheduled for six weeks from now. Your mouth is sore, you feel a wire poking your cheek, your teeth are tender. You have an emergency and need these painful issues resolved right now!

Did you know that many things we consider an emergency are really things that are simply causing us temporary discomfort and can be resolved at home? It's true. Most orthodontic concerns, like, poking wires and mouth soreness can be fixed without scheduling an emergency appointment.

Here's How...

Poking Wire - Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, pencil eraser or Q-Tip. Orthodontic wax can always be used to cover any archwires that might be sticking out.

Loose Wire - Use Tweezers to re-insert archwire that may have slipped out of the molar bracket. Place wax over it if there is any remaining discomfort.

Soreness - Warm salt-water rinses are helpful in relieving soreness. You may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil as you would for a headache or similar discomfort.

Please Remember: 

Every day when you brush your teeth, check to make sure you do not have any loose braces by gently trying to slide each one. If a wire or band comes loose, do not be alarmed. If you have a broken or loose appliance, please call us to determine if your breakage is urgent and requires immediate repair. If a piece comes loose, save it and bring it with you to the office.

Mouth Guards + Sports = Safety

April is National Facial Protection Month and every April, Dr. Theresa Skelton and her team would like to remind our athletes to wear a mouth guard during recreational and organized sports.

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A mouth guard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age when it comes to protecting your mouth. Mouth guards prevent injuries to the bone and tissues around the teeth. 

A properly fitted mouth guard may be especially important for people who wear braces. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth guard provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech. There are three types of mouth guards:

1. Stock mouth guards are preformed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky and may make breathing and talking difficult.
2. Boil and bite mouth guards can also be purchased at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth guards. The "boil and bite" mouth guard  is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger pressure. 
3. Custom-fitted mouth guards are individually designed and made in an orthodontic office. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, custom-made mouth guards are a little more expensive than the other types of mouth guards, but they provide the most comfort and protection.

Who Needs a Mouthguard?

Mouth guards should be used by anyone playing contact sports such as football, soccer, and basketball. However, even those participating in non-contact sports or any recreational activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.   

If you're an athlete and a patient of Dr. Theresa Skelton, talk to her and her team about selecting a mouth guard that will provide the right protection for you. For more information give us a call at our Greenville office at 662-332-4902. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Are you ready to look into a custom-fitted mouth guard for you or your active child? Summertime is the perfect time! Contact Dr. Theresa Skelton  for more details and to schedule your next appointment.