It is completely normal for braces to cause pain in the mouth during the first few weeks that you use them. Usually, this is due to the fact that the accessory affects blood circulation and generates friction on the sensitive parts of the oral cavity; over time, however, calluses form that allow you to no longer feel pain. You have to put up with some discomfort to get the perfect, straight teeth you want, but there are ways to alleviate some of the discomfort.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Managing the Pain
Step 1. Apply dental wax
Ask the dentist for more details on this, but it is a product readily available in many pharmacies; it consists of a solid and elastic wax that you can apply on the hard metal segments of the appliance. This material reduces the friction and the abrasive effect of the appliance on the delicate and sensitive parts of the mouth; put it near the painful areas.
- Roll the wax into a ball, so that it is softer and easier to apply; afterwards, rub it directly on the part of the appliance that rests on the lesion.
- Before applying the wax, make sure your mouth and the appliance are both dry; if the application area is wet, the wax will not adhere.
- It can be particularly useful to apply dental wax in the evening, before going to bed; doing so, if you move your mouth a lot in your sleep, rubbing causes less damage.
Step 2. Apply a local anesthetic
On the market you can find various pastes that do not require a recipe and which act as a local anesthetic; if you apply them directly to the affected area, you can relieve pain for several hours. Some brands you find in pharmacies are Orabase and Orajel.
- Be aware that these medications can have some side effects, such as itching, redness, and a rash.
- Strictly follow the instructions on the leaflet to avoid such adverse effects; do not use more than the recommended amount and do not ingest the product unless specifically instructed to do so. Measure the dosage accurately and apply the anesthetic with a cotton swab or gauze.
Step 3. Use a mouthwash
This is not able to directly relieve pain, but it is very effective in reducing the risk of infections and inflammation. If bad open sores have formed where the appliance contacts the tissue in your mouth, you can use mouthwash as a preventative measure to manage pain and discomfort. Some examples of this type of product are Listerine and Oral-B.
- If the lesions are left untreated, the bacteria can extend the pain duration to more than a week; using an antibacterial mouthwash is the best way to reduce this phase or even eliminate it altogether.
- A product such as Listerine or one based on chlorhexidine gluconate is among the most effective for treating the discomfort caused by the appliance. Dilute it with water to obtain a concentration of 50 or 30% and put the solution in a cup; then rinse for thirty seconds, several times a day.
Step 4. Try a new toothpaste
There are several specially formulated for sensitive teeth. Brushing your teeth may be one of the most painful procedures when wearing braces. A specific toothpaste, as well as a gentler teeth cleaning technique, can be an effective solution to make the discomfort more manageable. Any store that sells toothpaste should also offer ones for sensitive teeth; just check the label.
Toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate is able to slightly numb the oral cavity; the one containing strontium chloride offers a protective layer on the teeth
Step 5. Find an effective pain reliever for you
As a first resort, you should always take an over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, or aspirin; choose the one that offers you the most comfort. Keep in mind any allergies or previous discomforts you have experienced while taking certain painkillers, before deciding which is the most suitable and carefully follow the directions described on the package regarding the dosage.
- Get your doctor to recommend one; the orthodontist is likely to recommend one to you, even without your explicit request.
- Some anti-inflammatory pain relievers have been found to slow the movement of teeth. While this may be a minor effect, you need to be sure that you are getting the maximum benefit from the braces you are wearing with a lot of sacrifices! No such effects have been seen with acetaminophen, so consider it as a first choice if you haven't had any adverse effects so far.
Method 2 of 2: Relieve Pain the Natural Way
Step 1. Eat soft foods
One of the most important things to do when you first wear the appliance is to avoid hard and crunchy foods; for example, don't eat potato chips or fries. You should also chew as gently as possible to reduce friction.
The good thing about your malaise is that you now have a good excuse to eat ice cream; it is a soft product and, as it is also cold, it helps reduce inflammation. You may not be particularly excited about eating soups, but they are a great choice when your mouth is sore
Step 2. Brush your teeth carefully
This partly means that you have to make long, slow and gentle movements, but you also have to choose the right toothbrush; those with soft bristles are more suitable for cleaning the teeth without aggravating the lesions of the oral cavity. They are easily available in major shops, supermarkets and are clearly recognizable by the description on the package.
- Gently brush each individual tooth, rubbing it from top to bottom.
- When you wear braces, it is important to brush your teeth several times a day and always check in the mirror for any food residue or plaque.
Step 3. Rinse your mouth with warm saline
This type of mouth rinse helps heal wounds and relieve pain from progressive tooth displacement. Pour common table salt into hot tap water or heated in a kettle and stir with a spoon; use a teaspoon of salt for every 250ml of water and rinse three times a day.
Step 4. Apply ice
Put a cube in your mouth for a while and suck it: the cold reduces swelling; the principle is similar to what you get with ice cream, only a little less pleasant, but probably healthier.
Step 5. Distract yourself
The mind also helps manage pain. If you stay too focused on the malaise, it can get worse, while if you try to ignore it and ignore it, you can feel better. One of the best ways to forget this is to focus on something else; find something to do that will distract you. Any challenging activity - because you enjoy it or because it's complex - should be okay with keeping you from thinking about pain.
