How to Reduce Pain from Braces

Did you just return from the orthodontist and are feeling the dreaded pain from your braces creep in again?

Whenever you get your braces tightened it’s natural to have a sore mouth for 24 to 48 hours. It’s all a part of the journey to get you a beautiful smile.

However, there are some steps you can take to ease the pain from braces.

This article will teach you 5 tricks on relieving braces pain.

1) Take an Over the Counter Painkiller

Pain from braces can be significant enough to warrant an over the counter painkiller. You can choose from a topical gel or pill treatment.

Orajel is an oral anesthetic that can be applied straight to the teeth and gums. It will numb the pain in the specific area of the mouth where your teeth are sore.

Painkillers can also be taken in pill form like ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory painkiller that will reduce swollen gums and any inflammation in the mouth.

It’s a good idea to take these painkillers before bedtime so you’re able to get a good nights rest and aren’t kept up due to sore teeth.

2) Ice Packs

Applying an ice pack to the outside of your mouth will help decrease the pain. Ice packs will help the swelling that’s occurring inside your mouth go down.

After you get home from the orthodontist, relax with an ice pack against your face and you should feel better soon.

3) Swish Salt Water

Salt water is one the keys to keeping a healthy mouth. Just don’t swallow it.

Swishing salt water around in your mouth for a minute is a good way to prevent infection. Sometimes new braces can cause sores to erupt in your mouth and salt water will help clean and heal them gently.

4) Watch What You Eat

Being mindful of what you eat after getting your braces adjusted will help keep pain at bay.

You want to be sure to avoid foods that are naturally difficult to chew such as corn on the cob and popcorn. Anything that can get stuck in your braces will be especially painful to eat during this time.

Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes and jello to minimize pain from braces.

Cold foods like ice cream will also feed good – and taste even better.

5) Understand It’s Only Temporary

One of the best ways to deal with the pain is to put it in perspective.

You’re feeling this pain because your orthodontic treatment is working to shift your teeth into a perfect position. In just a matter of months or years, your teeth will be aligned and you’ll have a beautiful smile thanks to those metal wires in your mouth.

Sometimes all you need to deal with pain is a little patience.

Don’t Fret Over Pain From Braces

Pain from braces is totally normal and to be expected.

While we know it’s not pleasant, there are the ways mentioned above to help you deal with it appropriately.

If you have any questions about your braces or this article, please contact us here.

We are always happy to help with your orthodontic needs!