During the first few days of a new appliance being put on or being tightened, you may feel a lot of pain. It is quite common to experience irritation or sensitivity in the mouth when the appliance is adjusted. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the discomfort.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. Drink fresh fluids
If the appliance bothers you, some fresh liquid is ideal. Cold or ice water, fresh juices, or sodas can soothe tooth and gum pain. Cold drinks also create a numb feeling in the mouth, thereby reducing inflammation and pain.
Step 2. Eat cold foods
Just as cool sodas offer relief, you can also try eating something just as fresh and see if you get the same effects. Try cold smoothies or eat ice cream or yogurt. You can also put fruit, vegetables, or other healthy foods in the refrigerator to cool before eating them. Fresh fruit, such as strawberries taken from the refrigerator, also helps strengthen the gums.
However, avoid biting frozen foods and do not use the incisors, otherwise you could break the enamel, which would be difficult to repair and which increases the sensitivity of the teeth
Step 3. Apply an ice pack
Ice placed on the painful area can reduce inflammation and consequently pain. Put it on the outside of your mouth to relieve suffering; remember not to apply commercial ice pack directly to bare skin, but wrap it in a cloth or tissue first to avoid chilblains and other skin complications.
Step 4. Do salt water rinses
For some people, it is one of the simplest home remedies for relieving discomfort; it is also a quick and easy method.
- Add a pinch of salt to a glass of warm water and stir until completely dissolved.
- Rinse with the solution for about 30 seconds and then spit the mixture into the sink.
- You can also use chamomile, green tea or ginger tea, as they have anti-inflammatory properties; rinse twice a day: one minute in the morning and two minutes before bedtime.
Step 5. Eat only soft foods
Teeth tend to be very sensitive when braces have been tightened or adjusted; soft foods then help reduce pain and irritation.
- Choose those foods that don't require too much chewing movement; foods such as mashed potatoes, smoothies, puddings, soft fruit, and soups are all viable solutions.
- Avoid spicy foods and drinks that are too hot if you can, as they can irritate the gums.
Part 2 of 2: Try Different Pain Relief Products
Step 1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
Common over-the-counter medications can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain from the new appliance; try to take them and see the effects.
- Ibuprofen helps relieve pain and swelling associated with the new appliance; take it following the instructions on the leaflet. Avoid alcoholic beverages when taking pain relievers.
- If you are on prescription drug therapy, it is important to discuss this with your pharmacist to make sure the over-the-counter products do not interfere with those you are already taking.
Step 2. Use specific dental products to control suffering
Ask your orthodontist if you can apply topical gels or oral pain medications. There are several products that help overcome the adjustment period following the application or adjustment of an orthodontic appliance.
- Many mouthwashes and gels contain active ingredients that reduce pain. Follow all the instructions on the leaflet when using these products and ask your dentist for more information if you have any doubts.
- The silicone bands are molded products to adapt to the shape of the arches; you have to bite them for a certain period of time in order to promote blood circulation to the gums and reduce pain. Chewing gum can also have the same effect.
Step 3. Give barrier products a try
They are designed to be interposed between the braces, teeth and gums; they help prevent irritation that causes pain and discomfort.
- Dental wax is the prime example of this and is used extensively as a barrier protection. The dentist gives you a pack of wax that you can simply break apart and rub on the painful areas; remember to remove it before brushing your teeth, otherwise it will stick to the bristles of your toothbrush.
- There are other devices similar to whitening strips, also known as "comfort" adhesive strips. In this case, the strip should be placed on the arch, forming a protective barrier between the appliance, the teeth and the gums. Ask your dentist for more information when fitting your braces.
Advice
- Be patient. It will take a few weeks for the pain caused by the new appliance to subside, despite all the correct treatments.
- There isn't much you can do other than take over-the-counter pain relievers; However, remember that the discomfort should go away on its own within a few days.
- Never eat hard foods like potato chips and nuts.
