Let’s face it: while braces vastly improve the look and structure of your teeth and mouth, they can cause discomfort. Especially when you first get them on or have an adjustment in the office. Braces work by applying pressure to your teeth and require regular tightening by an orthodontist. That’s where the discomfort can come from.
The good news is, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Here are a few ways you can reduce any discomfort you may feel after your braces get tightened or fixed.
OTC Medication: For those times when the discomfort is really bad and you just can’t concentrate on school or eat a proper meal, you can take the recommended dose of over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Motrin to relieve discomfort.
Gels and ointments: Topical pain relief gels such as Orajel are also an option for toothache and gum sore relief. These types of products can give you instant relief. Orthodontic wax can be use to pad the ends of wires that may occasionally poke the inside of your cheeks. Be sure to ask your orthodontist for wax or it can be purchased at most drug stores.
Mouth rinse and toothpaste: If the teeth themselves are sensitive, particularly when you brush, use sensitivity toothpastes such as Sensodyne or Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield. There are mouthwash products on the market as well such as Listerine Herbal Mint or Colgate Peroxyl Mouth Sore Rinse. As an alternative to costly products at the market, you can simply swish and gargle with warm salt water.
Eat soft foods: You’re probably not going to want to go near tough steak or hard candy anyway, but soft foods are always best when you’re experiencing mouth and teeth pain due to braces. For a few days or until the discomfort goes away, stick with soup, yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, applesauce and mashed potatoes. Even very soft pasta is a good choice for dinner.
Go for cold stuff: Numbing your mouth and teeth may relieve pain, temporarily at least. Snack on cold or frozen treats such as ice cream, ice pops, and snow cones.
Stay away from acidic drinks and foods: Anything that has citrus in it, such as orange juice , many sports drinks and lemonade, will only serve to worsen any mouth sores you may have.
Don’t eat hard foods or chew on things: You may love chips, beef jerky, taffy and nuts, but they’re not good for your sensitive teeth. Avoid the temptation to chew on pens and pencils as you concentrate in school or at work. Get your drinks without ice cubes so you’re not tempted to chew on them.
Braces and mouth pain can be uncomfortable, but now you have the tools necessary to combat that pain and start feeling good again!
