How do you ease dental braces pain?

1. Use orthodontic wax
2. Go for the ice treatment
3. Try over-the-counter medicine
4. Stick to soft foods
5. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush
6. Gargle with saltwater
7. Be patient with the process

If you have a braces appointment at the best dental clinic in Greenhills, San Juan, you might be hesitant because of the pain. After all, you need to wear it for some time for your teeth to be aligned properly. But the good news is that the aches are temporary. Compared to that, the resulting beautiful smile is a long-lasting experience! For tips on how to ease the pain of braces, keep on reading!

Use Orthodontic Wax

After you get your braces installed, you can request an orthodontic wax from your dentist. This is a special dental product that you can use to protect your gums, lips, tongue, and the inside of your cheeks from abrasion. This is necessary when you first get your braces as the soft tissues in your mouth still need some time to get used to the metal wires and brackets.

Your dentist will teach you how to use an orthodontic wax. Always be sure to wash your hands before using. It is also a good idea to brush your teeth to have a clean base.

Go for The Ice Treatment

If you’re out of wax, there are some home remedies you can utilize to reduce the pain. The most common method is to have an ice pack ready at any time. To reduce the cold, you can wrap a towel on the pack before applying it to your cheek area. This will provide instant relief by decreasing inflammation in your mouth.

As a bonus, you can also take this as an opportunity to consume your favorite cold treats! Depending on your preference you can suck on an ice cube or popsicle for a more comfortable experience. Ice cold water can also numb the pain.

Try Over-the-Counter Medicine

If the pain cannot be relieved with home remedies, you might need to try over-the-counter pain medication. Call your dentist first so you know the right dosage for your age. These will help reduce the swelling and alleviate the temporary pain you may be experiencing.

Other than medicine that should be taken by mouth, your dentist can also recommend an oral anesthetic which is a topical solution. It can be applied directly to your teeth and gums to desensitize the pain. It is recommended to be used before bedtime so you can sleep peacefully.

Stick to Soft Foods

If you want to lessen your intake of over-the-counter medication, a diet modification might be necessary. A few weeks after your braces are installed, you might have sensitive or sore teeth and gums. This can also occur after your braces are tightened.

Because of this, a normal diet will not be recommended by your dentist. Instead, you can opt for soft foods or increase your liquid intake. Soups, mashed potatoes, rice, and porridge are good choices.  After a while, you can resume eating your favorite crunchy foods!

Choose A Soft Bristled Brush

After consuming your daily meals, you should keep your teeth clean by practicing proper dental hygiene. Because of the wires and brackets, the normal cleaning method is not enough to get rid of the plaque. Aside from reducing your chances of tooth decay—which can be painful—this will also remove any sources of food debris that might be worsening the aches.

When brushing your teeth with braces, do it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. You also need to floss at least once a day so you can get rid of the plaque stuck between your teeth.

Gargle with Saltwater

After you rinse the toothpaste from your mouth, you should also consider a saline rinse to manage the discomfort that is caused by sores. All you need to do is mix salt and water until the grains are dissolved. After this, use it just like any ordinary gargle.

This works because saltwater is an antiseptic that washes away the bacteria on the sore areas of your mouth. It can reduce the swelling that makes your gums and cheeks ache. This natural healing capacity is the reason why it is used for sore throats as well.

Be Patient with The Process

Aside from these tips, the best thing you can do during this time is to have enough patience to wait it out. The aches and pains may occur but they will pass as your mouth tissues get used to the contact with the braces. You won’t even realize when it’s already time for them to be taken out! The beautiful smile is worth all the temporary discomfort.

Besides, a skilled and experienced orthodontist won’t let you suffer throughout the treatment process! They will do everything to make sure that you’re as comfortable as you can be when wearing your new braces.

Key Takeaway

If you’re hesitant to get braces because of the pain, the good news is it will only last for a temporary period. After a few months, you won’t even notice that you’re wearing them! Just be patient and know that once it’s removed, all the aches will be worth it. You will end up with straighter teeth that won’t give you discomfort when chewing and speaking compared to when you have a misaligned smile.

For additional questions and inquiries on how to ease the pain of braces, you can ask Casipit Dental Group’s gentle and experienced dentists. You can see our branches here. See you there!