Three Tips For Dealing With Oral Pain After Getting Braces
Posted on: 19 September 2017
Braces are an excellent option for straightening misaligned teeth and getting the smile you want. However, it's fairly common for teeth and gums to hurt after having braces installed or getting them tightened at your checkups. Here are a few tips for minimizing the oral pain you may experience when wearing braces.
Use Dental Wax
A common problem most people face after getting braces is the brackets can rub against the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to scratches and sores. Although the sores will eventually heal and your mouth will develop scar tissue that reduces this problem in the future, the damage can still be uncomfortable.
A good way to deal with this problem is to use dental wax. This product is applied directly over the brackets and wires to provide a barrier between the oral appliance and your mouth's interior, which minimizes damage to oral tissues. Generally, the orthodontist will give you dental wax when you get your braces, but you can also purchase it in the store.
It's important to be judicial in your use of dental wax. You want to build up scar tissue on the inside of your mouth to increase its immunity to braces, and using dental wax all the time can prolong the process.
Suck on Ice
Another thing you can do to alleviate some of the discomfort from wearing braces is to suck on ice. The ice's coldness helps in two ways. First, it has a numbing affect on the tissues, which can reduce the immediate feeling of pain. Second, it can reduce swelling and inflammation, which will provide even more relief over the long term. However, to avoid damaging teeth or your braces, avoid chewing on the ice. Ice is a hard substance and can result in broken teeth and braces if you bite on it the wrong way.
If you don't like sucking on ice, applying a cold pack to the outside of your mouth will have a similar effect.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Lastly, don't be afraid to use over-the-counter pain relievers when necessary. Not only can these products make the pain and discomfort go away, but they can reduce swelling and inflammation.
There are two kinds of OTC pain relievers you may want to purchase: oral anesthetics (e.g. Orajel) and pain relief medication (e.g. ibuprofen). Oral anesthetics are applied topically and provide immediate relief, though they tend to wear off after a short period of time. Pain medication takes longer to work but also alleviates discomfort for a longer amount of time. Having both in your arsenal can prepare you for any situation you may encounter with your braces.
For questions regarding braces, contact a dental office like Accent On Dentistry - Rowena R Martir DMD.
Share