How To Treat Braces Pain
Starting orthodontic treatment is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile. Braces work by gently shifting your teeth into their new positions. This movement can also create temporary pressure or irritation in your mouth, especially right after your braces are placed on or adjusted. As a result, you might feel:
- Teeth or jaw soreness
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Minor irritation on your lips, cheeks, or tongue from brackets and wires
If you’re experiencing tenderness or soreness after getting braces, you’re not alone. This discomfort is very common, and most people only experience mild discomfort that eventually fades away. The good news? There are some simple and effective ways to reduce discomfort in those early days of treatment or adjustments.
How To Ease the Pain of Braces | 7 Expert Tips
You can try any of the following methods to help minimize discomfort you experience during your braces treatment:
1. Saltwater Rinses
A warm salt water rinse (one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water) should help ease gum tenderness and promote healing. Swish the mixture in your mouth gently for 30 seconds. You can do this a few times a day as needed.
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
If your orthodontist approves, you can use medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help manage discomfort. Always follow dosing instructions and consult your provider if you have any questions.
3. Ice Packs
Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek can help numb the area and reduce swelling or soreness. All you need to do is wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a soft cloth and hold it against the sore area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, as needed.
4. Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Brushing and flossing carefully will help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of irritation or infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time around brackets and wires.
5. Use Orthodontic Wax
If brackets or wires are rubbing against your cheeks or lips, a small piece of orthodontic wax can create a smooth surface and prevent irritation. Just dry the area, roll a small ball of wax, and press it onto the trouble spot.
6. Try Cold Foods and Drinks
Like the ice pack method, enjoying a cold drink, ice water, or cold foods like yogurt and ice cream can provide relief by numbing the area and reducing inflammation.
7. Stick to Soft Foods
Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods (even better if they’re cold) instead of crunchy or sticky foods that could make soreness worse or damage your braces.
When Should You Call Your Orthodontist About Braces Pain?
While some soreness is a normal part of the braces process, severe or persistent pain is not. Contact your orthodontist if you experience:
- Pain that lasts more than a week
- Sharp, stabbing pain from wires or broken brackets
- Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection
The team here at Olive Orthodontics is here to help you feel comfortable and confident at every stage during your braces treatment. Contact us immediately if you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above.
How Olive Orthodontics Helps Minimize Braces Pain
Even though braces discomfort is totally normal, our goal is to minimize that as much as we can. One way we’ve been able to do this is by providing different types of braces and alternative options like clear aligners.
For those interested in braces, we provide both traditional metal braces and the advanced Pitts 21 Self-Ligating Braces. Pitts 21 braces feature smaller brackets and are designed to be more comfortable and efficient.
Meanwhile, our clear aligners are removable and provide a more discreet look for teeth straightening. These aligners are custom-created to fit your teeth and don’t include brackets or wires that can be irritating to your gums and lips.
Schedule an appointment with us today to find out which method is best for you and your comfort.