Braces pain is a common complaint among people with orthodontic appliances. Braces are designed to move teeth into their proper places, but can cause soreness in the mouth, which can be quite uncomfortable. While it is normal to experience some discomfort as the teeth move into their correct positions, there are ways to minimize the pain and make braces-wearing easier.
The first and most common response to braces pain is to take some type of pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. While these medications can provide temporary relief, they may not be powerful enough for some cases. For more severe pain, an oral painkiller such as codeine may be necessary. It is important to take only the prescribed dosage, as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Ice packs can also be helpful for relieving braces pain. Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15 minutes every few hours. This helps reduce inflammation and provides pain relief. Applying ice packs prior to eating and after eating can help prevent food from getting stuck in the brackets and wires, which can also be quite painful.
Using a warm saltwater rinse after brushing the teeth can help alleviate braces pain. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish in the mouth for 30 seconds. The warm saltwater helps reduce inflammation, prevents gum irritation and reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Eating soft foods are also important during braces treatment days. Soft foods like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese and yogurt are all good options. Hard, crunchy foods and chewy foods like gum can damage the braces and should be avoided.
Finally, wear orthodontic wax, especially over brackets and wires. The wax works as a cushion and prevents the metal pieces from rubbing against the soft tissue in the mouth. It is also important to talk to the orthodontist right away if there is a problem, such as a broken bracket or wire.
Braces pain can be quite uncomfortable, but with proper care and treatment it can usually be managed. Taking pain relievers and using ice packs, saltwater rinses, soft foods and orthodontic wax can all help to ease the discomfort and make the process of adjusting teeth into their correct positions more tolerable. However, if pain persists and is too severe, it is important to seek help from a medical professional.