How To Ease Mild Discomfort Caused By Your Braces
Posted on: 29 June 2021
One of the most common questions asked regarding braces and orthodontic treatment overall is whether it hurts or not. It is important to understand that braces are not to be feared. While it is true that you can expect to experience some mild soreness and discomfort in the first few days as your mouth is in an adjustment period to something new, it is nothing overly extreme. Ultimately, you will experience a couple of different types of discomfort: tooth soreness and cheek/tongue irritation. Keep reading below to learn more about these types of discomfort and what you can do to manage them.
Tooth Soreness
When you first get braces, it is common to feel some soreness in your teeth. A lot of people describe it as tightness in their teeth for the first few days. It is possible to alleviate some of that discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, and your teeth will eventually get used to the braces.
First, you will want to focus on eating only soft foods for a few days. If you choose to consume hard foods, you are simply not giving your mouth time to heal. By consuming soft foods, you are minimizing the pressure on your teeth, allowing them to heal at a quicker pace.
Second, you should consider eating and drinking cold items. This will help numb the mouth, thereby dulling the pain that you are experiencing. You should also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Tylenol or Motrin. This will aid in dulling the pain.
Cheek and Tongue Irritation
Another kind of discomfort you are likely to feel when you first get your braces is irritation on your cheeks and tongue from the brackets and wires. This is completely normal, and there are a few things that you can do to minimize the irritation and discomfort.
First, you can use wax. Your orthodontist will provide you with some wax at your initial appointment, and you can get more as you need it. Simply roll a piece of the wax between your fingers and place it on the area that is causing you problems. This will allow the area time to heal so that a serious sore doesn't form.
Second, you can use a numbing gel; some orthodontists may give you a specialized gel that you can use for this particular type of discomfort. Simply place a small amount on a cotton swab and rub it on the affected area.
Remember that this discomfort will not last. It is simply occurring because you have something new in your mouth, and your mouth needs some time to adjust. After a small amount of time, you will hardly know that the braces are there. However, if the pain does persist, contact an orthodontist in your area, such as Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.
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