Six Helpful Tips To Reduce Pain From Braces

If you’ve been living with your braces for a while it’s likely that you’ve either gone through a tightening of your braces or are about to go through your first. Discomfort and oral pain following this procedure aren’t uncommon, though it is temporary. Unsurprising consider that during the procedure your braces have likely been tightened, bent, adjusted, and possibly even had the wire replaced with a thicker one to help your teeth continue to shift. While the discomfort following these procedures is thankfully brief, you’re still going to want to make the initial adjustment period as pain-free as possible. Consider using the following techniques to help ease your post-brace pain.

• Oral Anesthetic – Over-the-counter numbing gels like Anbesol and Orajel are directly used on the gums and teeth to help ease the pain. You can use your finger or a cotton swab to apply the gel to where it needs to go. It isn’t the best-tasting thing in the world, but its quite effective in reducing pain and desensitizing the mouth to get some relief.

• Non-Prescription Pain Relievers – There are a number of options available over-the-counter to help ease pain non-topically. Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium, and others are all effective at making this period a bit more tolerable. Be careful to follow the directions on the label, and only use them for a short period of time. If your pain continues for more then a week it’s time to talk to your dentist for further advice.

• Icepacks Are Essential – Ice is an excellent way to ease pain from inflammation, the most common source of pain from procedures like these. The tissues become irritated by the adjustments made and swell as a result, and cold helps to ease the inflammation and swelling and the pain that results from it.

• Drink Cold Water – Just as ice can help ease the pain so can drinking cold water, for essentially all the same reasons. The cold water provides a numbing sensation along with easing inflammation of your gums.

• Pick Soft Foods – Pressure on your teeth is going to cause additional pain, so give them a break by choosing foods that are soft in nature. Puddings, soups, mashed potatoes, smoothies, oatmeal, and the like require little chewing, giving your poor teeth and gums a break while they adjust to the new settings.

• Patience – This one isn’t easy, but it’s going to be the one that gets you through it all. The pain you’re experiencing after the adjustment is going to go away in just a few days as your teeth and gums become accustomed to the changes.

If you’re getting ready to have your braces adjusted or are experiencing pain that lasts longer than a few days following an adjustment, contact Dr. Gregg Tartakow at the Orthodontic Center of Santa Monica in Santa Monica, CA. Their work has helped orthodontic patients like you get through their period of wearing dental devices and on to a life with a beautiful smile, and they can do the same for you. Call for an appointment today!