Did you know that there are more than 4 million people in the United States that wear braces?
Braces are common and a great way to straighten teeth for that perfect smile, but it is also common to experience braces pain when you first get them. Over time, your mouth will adjust and get used to your braces, but how should you get pain relief until then?
You’ve come to the right place for the best tips for pain relief and preventing future pain with your newly installed braces. Continue reading to learn all about the best ways to manage and prevent braces pain.
Why Do Braces Hurt?
There are many different types of braces that you can choose from. Each provides the benefits of braces that you’re looking for, but each also will cause discomfort in your mouth.
Braces are new to your mouth, and the soft tissue, as well as your teeth, will have some adjusting to do. It is absolutely normal to have braces pain when you first get your braces.
The other reason that braces tend to hurt when you first get them is that they are very slowly moving your teeth into better positions. They could be pulling, pushing, or even turning your teeth so that they’re perfectly aligned.
Since this movement is new, your mouth will feel a bit of pain and discomfort. The benefits of braces far outweigh the pain that you’ll feel when you first get them, and the pain will be worth it in the end.
Tips for Braces Pain
There are a lot of options available to you when it comes to your braces pain, whether it is using a natural pain reliever or the orthodontic wax that you get from going to the best orthodontist.
Here is a closer look at the best tips for handling your braces pain.
Oral Anesthetics
Using Orajel or Anbesel is a great option for managing your braces pain after you first get your braces. Rub the anesthetic directly onto your gums and teeth that are giving you the most pain.
Oral anesthetics work by desensitizing your teeth and gums. This allows you to get a break from feeling the pain of your teeth moving and shifting from your braces.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Another great option is using Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications that are meant for pain medications. A good strategy if you normally feel pain after visiting the orthodontist is to take the pain reliever about an hour before your appointment begins.
This will help you by minimizing the amount of pain and discomfort that you’ll feel both during and after your orthodontist appointment. Be sure to read the instructions in order to take the proper dosage.
If you’re still feeling braces pain a few days after you get your braces, don’t hesitate to reach out to your orthodontist. There might be an issue that they need to fix with your braces.
Use an Ice Pack
An ice pack is the old reliable resource that you have at your disposal for dealing with pain from your new braces. Cold temperatures are great for reducing swelling, pain, and inflammation. They also have the added benefit of making your mouth numb.
Keep an ice pack ready to go in case your braces cause you a lot of pain. That way, you’ll be ready to start relieving your pain as soon as you get home from your orthodontist appointment.
Eat Soft Foods
Another key tip to help with your braces pain is to try to eat only soft foods. This is especially true if you have traditional wire braces. You need to avoid eating gum, candy, as well as foods that are difficult to chew.
You should also try to avoid crunchy foods when you first get your braces on as well as after you get them tightened. Some good food ideas are soups, mashed potatoes, and cereal. These foods will prevent tooth pain.
Orthodontic Wax
After you get your braces put on, it is likely that your orthodontist will send orthodontic wax home with you. This wax is meant to protect the inside of your mouth as well as your gums. It acts as a barrier between the sharp parts of the brackets and your soft tissue in your mouth.
The orthodontic wax will come with instructions on how best to use it. A good rule of thumb is to mold the wax so that it covers the bracket that is causing irritation. You should also remember to remove the wax before you brush your teeth.
Gum Massages
It might sound crazy, but massaging your sore gums has the same effect as massaging a sore leg or a sore shoulder. Find the area of your gums that is causing you pain, and use your finger to lightly massage it in a circular motion.
For even better effects, use an ice cube to rub your gums before starting with the gum massage.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Another factor that is important in getting rid of your braces pain is to practice good oral hygiene. This has a direct correlation to the amount of pain and discomfort that your mouth feels after getting your braces.
Keeping your teeth and braces spotless will prevent inflammation of your gums as well as the decay of your teeth. It is likely that you’ll get food stuck in the brackets and wires of your braces, so this task is especially important to your health.
The best approach to take for good oral hygiene is to brush your teeth thoroughly, floss every night, and be sure to use mouthwash. This is the best way to ensure that all of the food particles get removed from your gums and teeth.
Do You Have Braces Pain?
While it is exciting to think about how perfect your teeth will look and how beautiful your smile will be when you get your braces off, it is likely that you’ll experience braces pain after getting your braces.
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to manage the pain, like using orthodontic wax, over-the-counter pain relievers, and even ice packs. It is also important that you continue practicing great oral hygiene even after your braces are on.
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