Nowadays, one out of five children in school wears braces and it has even become a trend with colorful braces. Advancement in Orthodontic treatment has helped solve many dental issues but still the most frequently asked question is do braces hurt? The answer is Yes and No. Yes, you will feel a slight pain in your teeth and gums while they are being fitted and, no, you do not have to live with the pain. There are numerous ways listed below to ease the discomfort caused by braces.
Effective Ways For Braces Pain Relief:
#1 – Dental/ Orthodontic Wax:
Many Dentists recommend the use of braces wax. It’s common for braces to hurt the inside of your cheeks, gums as it is made of metal. To avoid this, wax is coated on the braces, and it creates a soft barrier which rectifies the irritation caused by sores, scratches, and cuts.
#2 – Oral Anesthetics:
Applying Oral anesthetics on the teeth and gums relieves braces pain significantly. They help desensitize the teeth, so you feel less pain. It can be applied with a cotton swab or even with your finger.
Also Read: Take Care of Your Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry @ Regular Intervals
#3 – Warm Salt Baths:
Another way to relieve pain and discomfort in your mouth caused by your braces is to gargle and rinse with warm salt water. Mix salt in warm water and move it around the mouth for 60 seconds or so and then spit it out. Do it three to four times in a day. You will feel braces pain relief as the salt and water heals the discomfort and irritation.
#4 – Ice Pack and a Sip of Ice Water:
Ice has an inherent quality of numbing pain. Applying Ice packs to the outside of your mouth does just that and helps in reducing inflammation. Taking a sip of Ice-cold water or eating ice cream can also help in reducing braces pain and discomfort.
#5 – Stick to Soft Foods:
There are a lot of restrictions when it comes to what you can eat after you have braces fitted. Avoiding hard, sticky, crunchy food is important as it can damage your braces and lead to more pain. Sticking to soft foods like cereals, mashed potatoes and soups after fitting and each tightening helps.
Also Read: Cosmetic Dentistry: A Giver of Attractive Smile And Teeth-Alignment
#6 – Heat Pads from Hot Peppermint Tea Bags:
Having hot peppermint tea calms your nerves but there is also another much sought-after use for it and that is as a heat pad. Once you have made your tea, do not throw the sachet, or leaves away. Hold the warm and wet tea bag against the affected area in your mouth and you will feel a numbness and reduction in pain. Applying Peppermint oil to the painful area also soothes and numbs the braces pain.
#7 – Gum Massage:
Just like sore muscles in your body benefit from a good massage, so do gums. Massaging your gums gently in small circular motions with your finger helps relieve braces pain and swelling. Just remember not to overdo it.
Also Read: What To Do About Sensitive Teeth
#8 – Follow Good Dental Hygiene:
Taking care of your teeth and braces is important. Food particles which can get stuck in your braces can lead to tooth decay and gum inflammation. Following good dental hygiene like brushing your teeth, flossing carefully, and using mouthwash makes a big difference when it comes to reducing pain and discomfort due to braces.
#9 – Patience is Necessary:
Knowing that at the end of a few weeks or months you will have a beautiful smile and a new straight set of teeth helps to be focused on your goal. Patience and focus on the result are essential to help you deal with the pain and discomfort caused by braces.
Having pain and discomfort while wearing braces remains even though braces no longer have a social stigma. The ways to relieve pain given here can hopefully help you to navigate the challenges faced while wearing braces and can help relieve braces pain.
