Ouch! 4 Tips For Easing The Pain Of Braces

12 March 2015
 Categories: Health & Medical , Blog


Braces are a wonderful innovation in dentistry. They help people become more comfortable with their smiles, and they can also be used to promote good health by correcting small palates and impacted teeth. Unfortunately, as wonderful as braces are, they can still sometimes hurt.

If you're dealing with pain and discomfort caused by your braces, here are four tips that can make you feel better:

1. Learn how to apply dental wax.

The wires of your braces may occasionally feel like they're digging into the inside of your mouth, causing you pain. You can solve this problem by putting a little dental wax over the offending wire. To apply it, scoop a little wax out of the container with clean hands.

Roll it into a ball and press it over the part of your braces that is bothering you. The wax should now protect your mouth from the sharp edge of the braces.

2. Eat or drink something cold.

After you first get your braces, your mouth may feel sore and tender. Chewing food may feel painful for the first few days. You can help yourself feel better by eating and drinking lots of soft, cold foods. Fruit juices, cool water, and ice cream will all help to soothe your sore mouth.

If you decide to drink fruit juice, try to stick with juices that are lower in acid. According to Colgate Professional, your teeth may be more prone to damage from acidic food while receiving orthodontic treatment.

3. Take pain-relieving medication.

While you're wearing braces, you'll periodically need to see your orthodontist to have them tightened. After the procedure, your teeth may be sore for the rest of the day. Taking over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can ease your discomfort. Make sure to follow any directions given on the bottle and don't exceed the recommended dosage.

4. Rinse with salt water.

For natural oral pain relief, dissolve salt into a cup of warm water and use the mixture as a mouth rinse. Try to hold the mixture in your mouth for a while, swishing it around to coat the entire inside of your mouth. Rinsing your mouth with salt water can help to reduce inflammation and pain. 

Braces are a great way to take care of your oral health. They can give you a beautiful smile and fix any orthodontic problems you may have. These four tips can help you ease the pain that can sometimes come with braces.


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