Straightening the arrangement of teeth is not an easy process. Everyone who wears braces experiences pain or soreness for at least a few days. Painkillers, soft foods and dental wax (dental wax) are mandatory. Call your orthodontist or dentist immediately if the pain is severe.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Newly Fitted or Fastened Braces
Step 1. Take painkillers
Try over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen. Check the label and take the recommended dose for your age. Take the drug along with a small amount of food to make it easier to digest in your stomach.
Take this painkiller only when needed, and never take it for more than 10 days
Step 2. Eat cold, soft foods
Most braces require warm temperatures to stiffen and pull on your teeth. Cold food or drink will reduce the pulling to ease the pain for a while. Try smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, or applesauce. Choose foods without toppings or hard pieces. Sucking on crushed ice can help, but avoid ice cubes that are too hard.
If you have teeth that are sensitive to temperature, or braces that are different from the usual types of braces, eating cold foods and drinks can cause different kinds of pain. Warm liquids are more beneficial for some people. Do not eat hot and cold food at the same time, as this can damage tooth enamel
Step 3. Avoid hard or sticky foods
Your teeth will heal in a few days, but until then don't eat raw vegetables. Instead, eat dishes like soup, fish, and white rice. Cook the vegetables until soft, and opt for soft fruit or applesauce. Sticky foods such as chewing gum or taffy (soft gum) can damage braces easily, and should be avoided even after the pain has gone away.
After the initial pain is gone, you can eat solid food cut into slices or small pieces
Step 4. Clean your teeth with dental floss to remove stuck food
Pieces of food can always cause braces pain, especially when your braces have just been tightened. Use "platypus" dental floss to prevent it from getting caught in your braces brackets.
Flossing between your teeth every day will keep your teeth clean even if you're not aware of food stuck in it. This is especially important for braces, because dental plaque builds up around the brackets
Step 5. Massage your gums with a toothbrush
Gently move the toothbrush in a circular motion over the painful gums.
Step 6. Divert your attention
Taking a few days off from school or work may sound nice, but you may regret it. Go outside and go into your usual routine to take your mind off the pain.
Step 7. Ask your dentist about other treatments
Your doctor may recommend gels, pastes, mouthwashes or physical barriers to reduce pain. Many of these options are over-the-counter at drugstores, but your orthodontist can advise which product will be most effective.
Part 2 of 2: Sharp Wire, Bracket or Hook
Step 1. Locate the wound
If you're not sure where the sore is, trace the inside of your mouth with your finger or tongue. You will feel an area of pain or swelling. Find out which wire, bracket or hook is rubbing against the area.
Step 2. Cover the metal with dental wax (dental wax)
You can get dental wax at your drugstore or orthodontist's office. Wash your hands, then roll a small piece of wax until it softens and forms into a ball. Press the wax over the metal that is causing the cut, then smooth it out with your finger or tongue. These candles are useful for sharp wire, brackets or rubber hooks.
You can still use dental wax while eating. It's okay if something is swallowed
Step 3. Use a lip balm to help temporarily
If you don't have dental wax, a small amount of non-toxic lip balm can relieve pain in the irritated area. Swallowing too much lip balm can give you an upset stomach, but it's safe in small amounts. Use lip balm only for a short time before getting a tooth wax.
Some people are allergic to para-aminobenzoic acid, which is sometimes found in sunscreen lip balms. Call an ambulance if you feel dizzy or your mouth is swollen
Step 4. Bend the wire or hook to a more comfortable position
Try to do this only on a thin, flexible wire or rubber hook that punctures your cheek or gums. Gently press these objects against the teeth, using a clean finger or a new rubber eraser.
Do not pull on the wires between the brackets, or any wire that doesn't bend easily
Step 5. Cut any sharp wires at your orthodontist's office
An orthodontist can cut the wire in an instant. Most doctors won't charge you for this and may even let you come in without an appointment.
This is a non-emergency step, so it's likely that your orthodontist won't see you outside of normal business hours. Keep applying dental wax until your doctor's office opens
Step 6. Wait until the wound condition improves
The inside of your mouth will become stronger when it rubs against the braces. As long as your braces aren't sharp or hurt the inside of your mouth, the pain will usually go away on its own. This can take a few days or a few weeks.
Dental wax can slow down this healing process. Once the pain subsides, try using thinner and thinner pieces of dental wax to get your mouth used to the braces
Step 7. Inhale to dry the injured area
Take a deep breath, fill your mouth with air. Pull your lips out with your fingers. This can temporarily relieve the pain in the sore area in your mouth.
Do not attempt this step in an area where the air contains dust, pollen, or vehicle fumes
Step 8. Gargle with salt water
Mix a small spoonful of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir until the salt is dissolved. Run this solution in your mouth several times, gargle and spit it out. Repeat as often as needed during the first few days you experience pain. This will relieve pain from swelling and help fight infection.
Instead, you can use mouthwash that contains antimicrobial substances. Use as directed on the label. Do not swallow
Step 9. Visit your orthodontist if the pain persists
If the pain is so severe that you are unable to function, call your orthodontist for an emergency visit. If the pain is moderate but lasts longer than a week, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. The doctor may be able to find a problem with your braces, or change your treatment to a less painful one.
Tips
- If your braces are removable, remove them for 10 to 20 minutes when they hurt. Never try to remove fixed braces. Keep the rubber braces (elastic) on the brackets at all times.
- Most of these methods can also be used to prevent pain before it occurs. It's easier to prevent pain from coming on than to try to get rid of it once you've experienced it.
- Feel free to call your orthodontist for advice or to make an appointment.
Warning
- If you have serious problems, such as not being able to cover your mouth or pain that keeps you from sleeping, call your orthodontist immediately.
- Always follow the recommended dose of your painkiller, and don't take it more often than recommended. Painkillers may not completely relieve pain, but consult your doctor before increasing the dose. These kinds of drugs are not a treatment without side effects.
- Avoid lemon juice and other acidic foods. Foods like these can make your mouth sore even more.
