5 Tips to Relieve Your Braces Pain

The decision to invest in braces is an important one. Even though the end result of a beautiful, healthy smile is worth it, braces can often be uncomfortable at times. Whether it’s when your orthodontist first puts on the braces or when you have your wires tightened, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Luckily, there are a variety of effective ways to deal with braces pain. Here are five ways to relieve mouth pain from braces.

1. Use an Icepack to Relieve Braces Pain

In general, orthodontists adjust the wires of the braces, forcing the teeth to shift more. This process of tightening braces and movement of teeth can cause the mouth to be sore for a few days. Furthermore, the metal braces can become an irritation to the inner cheeks and gums.

Applying a cold compress is an effective way to combat pain and inflammation. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen vegetables is a great alternative. The cold offers relief from the tension that is naturally occurring as your teeth shift.

2. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine

Another option is to be proactive by taking pain relief medication. To help ease any potential discomfort during your appointment, consider taking pain relief medication such as ibuprofen at least an hour before your appointment. This way you will have less discomfort during and after your appointment.

If you decide to take over-the-counter pain killers, make sure you read the bottle and follow the dosage instructions. Only take these if nothing else is working for you. If you are still feeling pain or discomfort after several days, immediately contact your orthodontist.

3. Apply Orthodontic Wax

Ask your orthodontist for soft orthodontic wax to protect your mouth from sores. This wax is helpful when you experience irritation on your cheeks, gums or lips. Additionally, this special wax protects your mouth from the brackets of the braces. Apply it in areas that frequently experience chafing to provide a soft barrier between the metal braces and the inside of your mouth.

4. Rinse with Salt Water for Braces Pain Relief

Generally speaking, sores develop on cheeks and gums while adapting to braces. Gargling with warm salt water can help heal any sores or cuts you may have developed in your mouth and gums. Furthermore, this will alleviate any discomfort and help prevent potential infection. To do so, simply gargle and swish the salt water solution for just 60 seconds before spitting it out.

5. Oral Anesthetics Reduce Braces Pain

There are a variety of creams and gels made specifically for mouth discomfort. Try a local anesthetic such as Orabase or Orajel if you experience pain in specific areas of your mouth. You can use either your finger or a cotton swab to directly apply it to the areas causing discomfort. Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging to effectively numb the mouth pain.

Choose the Right Orthodontist

Need more braces pain relief tips? Here at Moles & Ferri Orthodontics, we are trained on the best orthodontic practices to keep you comfortable throughout your treatment. Our orthodontists provide a full spectrum of orthodontic services, including Invisalign, Lingual Braces, and Suresmile. We have locations in Milwaukee, Racine, and Brookfield Wisconsin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.