Pain caused by braces is only temporary and completely normal. To place
your teeth into the desired area, you orthodontist will tighten, bend,
and move the wires in your mouth at each visit which can cause mild discomfort.
The good news is that there are plenty of at-home remedies to help ease
this transition and lessen the pain moving forward. Try one of these four
ways to make your mouth feel better with braces:
Apply An Ice Pack
Ice packs are portable, freezable packs consisting of either water, gel,
or a particular freezable liquid. The cold temperature helps to decrease
circulation and inflammation to numb the skin or affected area. Try applying
an ice pack for a couple of minutes at a time, on and off to reduce swelling
and ease discomfort.
Use Some Wax
Wax is one of your best weapons when it comes to braces. If you have any
areas that are touching or rubbing against the gums or cheeks, apply a
small piece of wax to smooth the bracket. If something is cutting you
or jabbing an area that it shouldn’t, come in for an appointment.
Swish Your Mouth With Salt Water
Sometimes your mouth will develop sores or small cuts around on the areas
in contact with the appliances. To keep these areas clean and disinfected,
mix a ½ teaspoon of salt with a cup of water and swish it through
your mouth. This will help reduce infection and minimize discomfort.
Purchase An Over-The-Counter Pain Reliever
This should be your last resort, but if all other measures aren’t
working, you can find an over-the-counter medication for pain relief at
any local store. Find something containing acetaminophen or ibuprofen,
but ask your orthodontist before taking anything.
If you are still experiencing pain after trying these remedies, schedule
an appointment.
Life with braces should be a fairly easy one.