Tips to relieve braces pain
The patient is expected to feel some tightness or discomfort when the braces are first placed in place during orthodontics, or every time he visits the doctor for braces adjustment sessions. Then this feeling usually develops into suffering from pain, and this pain may last for approximately 4-6 hours, as these braces are adjusted by periodically tightening or bending the wires of the braces, which leads to slight pressure on the teeth, and gradually pulling the teeth to new positions.
It is worth noting that the degree of pain varies from one patient to another, and the duration of pain may range from a few hours to a few days. Feeling this pain is normal and temporary. Although wearing braces causes discomfort and discomfort, there are many ways to help relieve pain and discomfort. These methods include the following:
Using ice cube trays
Using ice cubes reduces inflammation and swelling, and helps relieve pain. Therefore, an ice pack can be placed on the area of pain in the mouth that may have been caused by recent braces. Ice cream and popsicles also help relieve pain by numbing the mouth and reducing inflammation, similar to ice cubes, in addition to their delicious taste. However, it is important to note the need to clean your teeth regularly after eating sugary foods to prevent tooth decay. If these materials are not available, you can replace this by drinking a little ice water after returning from the dentist’s office, as ice water numbs the mouth enough to relieve pain and discomfort.
Use of over-the-counter pain relievers
Simple over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, can help relieve pain. One option for over-the-counter pain relievers is to use them one hour before your dentist appointment if you are constantly experiencing discomfort after your visit. This method can relieve pain and discomfort during and after your visit to the dentist, and you don't have to wait until you get home. However, it is important to make sure to read the medication instructions carefully and follow the dosage instructions. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you continue to feel pain and discomfort after using these medications for several days, as these pain relievers are not intended for continuous use. It is also forbidden to give children or adolescents aspirin without consulting a pediatrician.
Oral anesthetics can also be used, as they are applied directly to the teeth and gums using a finger or a piece of cotton in case of pain. This method is effective in relieving pain when going to sleep and trying to get some rest in particular. Some of these preparations are available in gel form, and help reduce sensitivity in some specific areas of the mouth, which cause pain resulting from changing the position of the teeth.
Putting orthodontic wax
The doctor may provide the patient with a soft medical wax that can be placed on the braces when needed, to prevent or relieve the pain caused by the metal wires and braces. Some patients may experience irritation in the inner area of the cheeks, lips, and gums when wearing this type of braces. This wax can be defined as an opaque material that becomes soft and pliable, and is used as a barrier between the braces and the lips, tongue, or cheeks, which reduces the irritation caused by these braces. In the event that the patient gets used to the presence of the braces in the teeth and feels them, the soft tissues in contact with them become harder and less sensitive. It is worth noting that children do not need to use wax at all stages of treatment, but it can be used to help relieve discomfort for short periods of time.
Use mouthwash or salt water.
Your dentist may recommend swishing your mouth with warm salt water for 60 seconds to reduce any irritation and soothe any sores that may appear in the mouth after braces are fitted or adjusted. Antiseptic mouthwashes are good for preventing infection and also help reduce gum swelling.
Gum massage
Massaging the gums with your fingers helps to relax the soft tissues. Massaging may provide some relief when you have recently had braces tightened. Massaging the gums can relieve pain, especially if the gums are swollen.
Eat soft foods
Hard foods cause more pain and may stick to the braces or cause them to come off the teeth, so warm foods and drinks are a good option, as they increase blood flow, which relieves mouth pain. It is also preferable to eat only soft foods during the first few days of braces, or after tightening them, as crunchy, sugary, or sticky foods can cause more irritation and discomfort. For children, they can be given milk, soup, or mashed potatoes as main and light meals instead of potato chips, gelatin desserts, and steaks, which should be avoided. It is worth noting that acidic drinks should be avoided, as they greatly increase the irritation of mouth ulcers and wounds.
Mouth protection
Using a mouth guard is essential during any type of exercise or physical activity. Mouth guards can also be helpful in protecting the soft tissues in the mouth, especially if braces and brackets are causing sores in the cheeks and other areas of the mouth.
Chewing food more than usual
Blood flow provides support to the mouth and its structures, and also helps wounds and ulcers heal faster. Chewing food increases blood flow to the mouth, as moving the mouth while chewing food increases blood flow to it, and thus chewing food helps wounds heal more and can relieve pain.
Maintain good dental health
The patient needs to clean his teeth well, as food sticks to the brackets and wires of the braces. He should also use dental floss correctly after each cleaning, in addition to using an antiseptic mouthwash to ensure that all stuck food residues are removed, especially after eating meals. Dental and braces care makes a difference when it comes to feeling pain and discomfort, so it is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the teeth and braces to avoid and prevent gum inflammation and tooth decay. Therefore, maintaining the cleanliness of both the teeth and braces is the most important component of the success of the braces.
need to be patient
The pain usually goes away on its own within a short period of time. The goal in the first month may be to get used to the hard pieces in the mouth, as well as after each adjustment in which the braces are tightened. To get through this stage, you must be patient, as the feeling of pain and discomfort lasts only a few days, while the new smile stays with the person permanently as long as he takes good care of it. Accordingly, the general goal for the person is to have a healthy and beautiful smile.
Number of dental visits expected during orthodontics
The patient needs to visit the dentist regularly to adjust the wires to ensure that the teeth are constantly changing positions correctly. The necessity of these visits is due to the fact that the elastic ligaments that keep the wires in place stretch and become weak over time, thus reducing the pressure. It is worth noting that the dentist is the one who determines the number of visits the patient needs to adjust the wires. The patient usually needs to visit every 4-6 weeks to adjust the braces. In this context, it is worth noting that the duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the severity and seriousness of the problem. The duration may range from a few months to two and a half years, but most people are treated within one to two years. Although people of all ages can still obtain similar results, adults need a longer period of treatment than younger people.
