Do you already have braces, or are you just about to have one? Are you scared that it might be painful, or are you in pain right now and unsure if it’s normal? You might have asked yourself if you can straighten your teeth yourself instead of seeking orthodontic treatment, but we’re telling you, you’d rather have braces than risk your oral health. After all, having braces isn’t such an unpleasant experience!
In this article, we will provide ten tips on how to get rid of the pain from braces so that you can have a more comfortable and enjoyable orthodontic experience. Whether you are a teenager or an adult, these tips will help you cope with the discomfort and get the most out of your braces treatment.
Do Braces Hurt?
When your orthodontist places the braces on your teeth, it is painless. Your teeth aren’t supposed to feel anything except for slight discomfort. Pain will only arise every time you have your braces’ archwires and bands adjusted.
This is entirely normal, as your teeth are moving to the correct position it has to be in. The pain differs from one person to another depending on the severity of the orthodontic problem and the person’s pain tolerance. But the good news is that the pain is temporary and should be gone in a few days.
Tips on How to Get Rid of Pain from Braces
If you think that you cannot tolerate the pain and discomfort caused by the braces anymore, you may try the following:
Oral Anesthetics
Using a cotton bud or a Q-tip, you may squeeze a pea-sized amount of oral anesthetics such as Anbesol or Orajel into the cotton bud and rub it directly to the part where it sores. You may use your finger if you don’t have a cotton bud or a Q-tip. Just make sure that your finger is free from germs.
Over-the-counter Pain Medication
You can try over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen if the pain is persistent. Just make sure that you do not have any existing allergies, read the instructions carefully, and take the right dosage. If this doesn’t work, contact your dental professional immediately.
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Washington, DC, you may consult with Kumra Orthodontics, the leading dental clinic specializing in braces in Washington, DC. They are also partnered with multiple insurance companies to make orthodontic treatment more accessible to you.
Ice Pack
If you want to numb the pain for a while, you can put an ice pack outside your mouth near the affected area. Ice packs can reduce inflammation and will help you numb the pain.
Ice Cold Water and Cold Drinks
Drinking ice-cold water or any other cold drink, such as milkshakes and smoothies, can help relieve orthodontic pain. Cold temperatures work well in numbing the pain, and this might be the perfect excuse you’re looking for if you want to drink that chocolate milkshake you’ve been wanting!
Soft Foods
To avoid even worse pain caused by braces, stick to softer foods like mashed potato, pasta, soups, and rice. Avoid eating hard and crunchy foods like chips, popcorn, and tacos. Avoid sticky foods like gum and caramel as well.
Orthodontic Silicone or Wax
After the braces have been placed on your teeth, your orthodontist might have given you a small container filled with wax strips. These are called orthodontic silicone or orthodontic wax, and it is used to protect your gums and lips from the sharp edges of your metal brackets.
To use this, simply grab a small amount of orthodontic wax and mold it on top of the bracket clashing to your cheek’s insides. You don’t have to worry if you swallow some since it is non-toxic, but make sure to remove it before brushing your teeth.
Saltwater Rinse
Salt can help heal minor cuts and sores that you have in your mouth. To do this, mix half a teaspoon of salt with 250ml of warm water. Gargle this for around 30 seconds and spit it out. Repeat if necessary.
Gum Massage
Sometimes, a good massage works wonders if you have body pain. The same goes for teeth as well. Gently rub your finger along your gums or to the affected area in circular motions to relieve the pain. You can also use an ice cube to numb it.
Good Oral Hygiene
Your oral hygiene can play a big role in the pain you will get when you have braces. If you practice good oral hygiene, you won’t have a problem with stuck food particles that can cause cavities and gum diseases. Always remember to brush your teeth after every meal and before you go to bed to avoid these.
Patience
Pain and discomfort caused by braces are only temporary. If you are brave enough to endure the pain for a few days, you won’t have a hard time throughout the course of your orthodontic treatment.
Consult your Doctor
While pain caused by braces is expected, if you are consistently in pain, contact your orthodontist immediately. If you don’t know anyone, you can book an appointment with an orthodontist in Washington, DC.
Kumra Orthodontics treats its patients with utmost care. If you wish to have a relaxed, comfortable, and reliable orthodontic treatment, schedule your appointment today!
