7 Easy Tips to Reduce Braces Pain
Apr 11, 2018
A beautiful, healthy smile is achieved by investing in braces with a Torrance dentist here at Select Dental. Throughout the process, you may experience some uncomfortable times, especially after having your brace’s wires adjusted and tightened.
7 Easy Tips to Reduce Braces Pain
A beautiful, healthy smile is achieved by investing in braces with a Torrance dentist here at Select Dental. Throughout the process, you may experience some uncomfortable times, especially after having your brace’s wires adjusted and tightened. The good news is that braces pain is temporary and will result in a gorgeous smile!
Throughout your orthodontic treatment, follow-up visits with your Torrance Dentist every four to six weeks are a must to ensure everything is working properly. These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor progress and tighten, bend, or even replacing the wires as needed. When the wires are adjusted, additional pressure on the gums and teeth can cause irritation, pressure, and discomfort. While it varies for everyone, some people have a harder time with braces pain than others.
1. Cold Food & Drinks
If your mouth feels sore after your braces are tightened, try sucking on an ice cube, applying an ice pack to the area, or eating your favorite ice cream or smoothie. Cold temperatures help reduce swelling and inflammation while helping relieve the pain.
2. Gargle/Swish with Salt Water
Occasionally, sores may develop on your cheeks and gums as they adapt to the braces materials in your mouth. Swishing for 60 seconds with warm salt water can reduce the irritation and alleviate discomfort.
3. Eat Softer Foods
Post-braces tightening can result in sensitive gums and teeth. It’s a good idea to avoid hard, crunchy and chewy foods like raw vegetables, chips, and steak. Instead, choose softer foods and drinks such as smoothies, yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes. Once the pain subsides, you can resume your normal eating habits.
4. Apply Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is helpful if you experience irritation on your inner cheeks, your gums, or even your lips because of your braces. You apply this wax to the metal to reduce the contact it has with the inside of your mouth and prevent irritation.
5. Over-The-Counter Painkillers
Over the counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen can provide the relief needed for discomfort and swelling. Be sure to ask your Torrance Dentist or doctor about proper dosage and only take these if nothing else works.
6. Local Anesthetic
Orabase or Orajel is an effective local anesthetic to help numb the gums affected by braces pain. Apply as directed.
7. Heating Pad
Apply a heating pad or a warm washcloth around your jaw when you experience pain or discomfort. You may need to use a heating pad or washcloth several times a day to achieve relief from the braces pain.
Looking for a Dentist in Torrance?
Select Dental & Orthodontics offers a wide range of dental solutions including Prophylaxis, Dental Fillings, Dental Crowns, Root Canals, Periodontics, Braces, and Oral Surgery. Our Torrance Dentist office treats patients throughout the South Bay and Torrance area! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.