While getting braces put on doesn’t actually hurt or cause pain, the pressure from the newly tightened equipment can result in mild mouth pain when you first get braces. This is common when people first get their braces put on as well as, when their Idaho Falls orthodontist tightens the bands every six-weeks or as needed. Since you’re dealing with bones and teeth moving, experiencing some pressure and pain is common. In addition to pressure, your new brackets may rub or irritate the inside of your mouth, causing chaffing and possible cuts. Thankfully, this pain will go away after a few days. In the meantime, the following ten remedies and treatments can help to alleviate and counter pain caused by braces
If you experience pain for longer than a week, schedule an appointment with your Idaho Falls orthodontics office, Randall Orthodontics. We will be able to see what is causing the unwarranted pain and find a solution.
Continue reading to learn more about how you can get rid of mouth pain from braces now.
Reduce Mouth Pain Before Your Appointment
Pain Medication
About an hour before you head to your appointment, take an over-the-counter pain relief medication. Of course, be sure to follow the directions as prescribed by the bottle. Pain medication can also be used in the subsequent days following your appointment; however, taking pain medication regularly can be dangerous. Use pain pills sparingly and as directed.
Ways to Relieve Mouth Pain Right After Your Idaho Falls Orthodontist Appointment
The following treatments can be implemented right after your appointment
Use Orthodontic Wax
Whether it’s your first appointment or your third, after you leave, make sure that your Idaho Falls orthodontist gives you enough orthodontic wax until your next appointment. Your new braces and wires can leave the inside of your cheeks and lips raw; orthodontic wax acts as a barrier. It can help to toughen the skin near those brackets and wires so that, over time, you don’t have to use wax.
Gargle With Salt Water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water after you have had your braces put on or tightened can help to reduce pain and will also aid in keeping bacteria at bay–a critical issue that can arise if your braces cause sores or cuts in your mouth at first. To effectively rinse with salt water, you’ll want to:
- Stir a quarter to half a teaspoon of table or sea salt with one cup warm water until it is completely dissolved.
- Once your solution is ready, swish it around in your mouth and around your teeth for about 30-60 seconds. After the time is up, spit the salt-water solution out into the sink–do not swallow.
- Repeat as needed to reduce pain.
Use An Ice Pack
An ice pack works great to reduce inflammation and soreness caused by braces. When using an ice pack, make sure to never put ice directly on the skin and wrapped with a cloth as needed. Apply the ice pack with some pressure to the affected area for 10-20 minutes. You can repeat as often as necessary. However, if you don’t seem to be experiencing pain relief from the ice-pack, you may want to try using a heating pad instead.
Heating Pad
Just like an ice pack, you’ll want to apply a heating pad or a warm washcloth to the affected area for 10-20 minutes throughout the day. Some Idaho Falls orthodontic patients will use both an ice pack and a heating pad to alternatively to combat the discomfort that comes from having braces put on or tightened.
Medicated Ointments
If you are experiencing pain in specific areas of your mouth such as your upper or lower gums, you could try an over-the-counter medicated ointment such as Orajel. These medicated gels relieve pain, mildly numbing the area of application. Read the directions and apply as instructed.
Foods And Drinks That Can Alleviate Braces Pain
In addition to medications and topical treatments, certain foods and drinks can also help to get rid of the pain you may be experiencing. Here are what some of our patients have tried in the past and had successful results with:
Cold Food and Drinks
Just like an ice pack, consuming cold foods such as ice cream, smoothies, frozen yogurt, ice water, etc., can help to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Be sure, however, to avoid soda and sugary drinks and limit your consumption of ice cream.
Hot Food and Drinks
If you get your braces tightened during the colder part of the year, you may feel adversely about ingesting cold food and drink products. Luckily, hot or warm drinks and food such as soup, tea, oatmeal, can have a soothing effect on the pain in your mouth.
Soft Food
In addition to paying attention to the temperature of your food and beverages to eliminate excessive pain, you’ll also want to stick to foods that are soft and avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. Stick with soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, etc. at first. However, throughout the duration of wearing braces, you’ll want to continue to avoid crunchy, chewy, and hard foods such as chips, raw vegetables, caramels, hard candy, and gum.
Lastly, Have Patience!
Like most things that are worth the wait, braces take time, and there will be a period where you feel discomfort. Rather than focusing on the pain, try to be patient and find something productive to do that takes the focus away from the pressure and possible pain you may be experiencing. Going for a walk, spending time with friends, cooking, and even meditation are all ways that you can move your focus beyond the pain. Plus, know that it will only last a few days, but your new smile will last forever.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Idaho Falls braces, please feel free to contact our office anytime. We want to help get the smile of your dreams with as little pain as possible.
