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How to get rid of braces pain?

Jul 10, 2023Oral health, Orthodontics

How to get rid of braces pain?

If you are experiencing discomfort from braces, there are effective remedies available. Both medicinal interventions and practical measures can help alleviate the pain following your orthodontic appointments.

Valuable insights can be obtained on effective measures to alleviate discomfort caused by braces.

  • Warm Salt Baths

The occurrence of cuts and sores in the mouth is a common issue among individuals with braces.

The application of dental braces can lead to a multitude of discomforts, such as wire embedding into gums, metal rubbing against soft tissues, and exacerbated pain due to tightened wires. These issues can escalate rapidly, causing an unbearable sensation in the mouth.

A highly effective remedy involves gargling and washing your mouth with warm saline solution.

To prepare, bring water to a boil in the kettle.To prepare the mixture, it is essential to start with cold water and incorporate salt while taking due care in the process of mixing. Once the temperature is appropriate, take a sip and move it around in your mouth for approximately one minute.

Upon completion, spit out the water from your oral cavity and repeat if deemed necessary.

The combination of salt and warmth works marvels in mending any impediment being faced inside your mouth. You will encounter an immediate decrease in discomfort, along with accelerated recuperation of the injuries.

  • Ice

When faced with an injury, such as a twisted ankle, the typical response is to rest and apply cold therapy with an ice pack. The cooling sensation aids in alleviating discomfort and minimizing swelling by numbing the affected area.

Employing the identical approach for your oral cavity shall result in a similar outcome of satisfaction.

If you are not suffering from tooth sensitivity, get some ice and hold it in your mouth on the affected area. Take advantage of this opportunity to indulge in ice cream as the cold temperature can effectively alleviate the discomfort.

  • Hot Peppermint Tea Bags

Make the most of your bag or leaves by utilizing it as a home remedy for alleviating braces pain. Loaded with remedial properties, applying it can effectively minimize inflammation and soreness. Waste no more and discover this natural solution.

The residual warmth of the peppermint teabag serves as a beneficial aid. All you need to do is hold the moist and lukewarm teabag against the impacted region to alleviate your discomfort.

Incorporating peppermint essential oil is another viable option to alleviate the braces pain. Acquire a small quantity of the oil and apply it on the affected area(s) of your oral cavity. The oil’s anesthetic and calming properties can help mitigate discomfort.

  • Avoiding Harder Foods

As someone who wears braces, you are aware of the discomfort that comes with consuming hard, tough, or crunchy foods. Chewing such foods can cause soreness in your jaw, gums, lips, and cheeks.

It is essential to note that the adjustment of your braces may increase the sensitivity of your teeth. The resulting inflammation can lead to significant discomfort upon contact with any object.

It is advisable to consume simple food items including soups and smoothies until the pain diminishes.

  • Quality Dental Hygiene

Maintaining a strict regime of oral hygiene is critical for averting complications and aiding in their recovery.

It is imperative to maintain optimal dental hygiene by ensuring that your teeth and braces are thoroughly cleaned. However, if you are experiencing pain, it is important to exercise gentleness while being thorough in your approach.

 

Why do your braces hurt?

In order to comprehend the initial discomfort experienced with braces, it is imperative to grasp the fundamental principles governing their functionality. Essentially, your orthodontist affixes a singular bracket onto each tooth. These brackets act as anchors to uphold the arch wires which facilitate the movement and alignment of your teeth. The presence of brackets and wires may cause irritation to the delicate tissues in your mouth and lips until you accustom to them. Just as calluses develop on your hands, your oral tissue will also toughen over time, thereby reducing or eliminating any discomfort associated with wearing braces.

The usage of braces may result in initial discomfort as they apply a continuous and subtle force on your teeth. The orthodontic treatment plan may involve the movement of your teeth by pushing, pulling, or rotating them to achieve proper alignment based on the severity of your malocclusion. As your teeth undergo a regulated and self-restraining inflammatory process, your body perceives this motion as a form of discomfort in the initial stages.

 

When do braces stop hurting?

The good news is that the discomfort and annoyance caused by braces are temporary and can be effectively dealt with.

Typically, during the initial three days post-application of braces, patients experience the highest level of discomfort. This is attributed to the fact that the braces are beginning to align the teeth, while simultaneously causing friction against the tender oral tissues surrounding the brackets and wires- which can take some getting used to. During the initial healing process, it is common to experience discomfort, sore teeth, and gums, particularly with hard foods. To alleviate this, it is recommended to consume soft foods like soup and ice cream in the first week. It is also normal to have small sore spots on the tongue and inside of the cheeks. Normally, this braces pain and discomfort should subside within a period of one to two days or up to a week.

It is necessary to make frequent adjustments to braces every month or two for a smooth progression of the treatment. These periodic appointments involve tightening the bands or springs on the braces, applying more pressure to the teeth. An orthodontist is responsible for carrying out this process. Shortly after the orthodontic appointment, it is possible to have a moderate level of inconvenience in your gums and teeth. Nevertheless, the intensity of affliction reaches its peak during the first few days after getting new braces.

Typically, individuals take approximately a month to become comfortable with the new experience of wearing braces. Remarkably, the human body is capable of adapting to changes, and by the six-month milestone, they tend to become unnoticeable.

 

Prepare for braces appointment

It’s a common occurrence for patients who have recently undergone braces fitting or tightening to experience pain. Patients must be aware that experiencing minor discomfort during the early stages of their orthodontic journey is not unusual. Nonetheless, it is good news that this suffering will gradually fade away within a span of two weeks.

There are typically two underlying causes for the sensation of pain, which you may be currently experiencing:

  • Upon application of your braces, the positioning of your teeth is being adjusted, resulting in a degree of discomfort due to the natural movement of your teeth.
  • After having your braces tightened, it is important to allow your teeth some time to adapt to their new positions. Additionally, you may encounter some unpleasant sensations caused by the wiring causing interference with your gums and teeth.

In the event that you encounter any other discomforts concerning your orthodontic braces, and you are uncertain of the root cause, we encourage you to promptly contact our team for guidance. We will provide appropriate advice to address your concerns.

Contact Our Redlands Dental Office!!

We invite you to visit our Redlands dental clinic. Our skilled professionals provide high-quality care and services. We are excited to meet you and help with all of your dental needs!

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