Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions. This process involves the remodeling of bone and soft tissues around the teeth, which can lead to soreness and sensitivity. Discomfort often arises from this pressure or from the brackets and wires irritating the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, and gums. This discomfort is typically temporary. The initial pain usually peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours after braces are placed or adjusted, and then gradually subsides over the next few days, often lasting no more than a week.
Quick Home Remedies for Immediate Relief
Several non-medicinal approaches can provide quick relief from braces discomfort. Applying orthodontic wax to irritating brackets or wires creates a smooth barrier between the metal and the soft tissues of the mouth, preventing friction and soothing sore spots. To use, pinch a pea-sized piece of wax, roll it into a ball, and press it firmly over the problematic area. Reapply as needed throughout the day and overnight.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution can also help alleviate gum inflammation and promote healing of any mouth sores. Dissolve about one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish the mixture around the mouth for approximately 30 seconds before spitting it out. Additionally, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of the jaw can reduce swelling and numb the painful area. The cold constricts blood vessels, which diminishes inflammation.
Opting for soft foods can significantly minimize pressure on sensitive teeth and gums, especially during the first few days after getting braces or adjustments. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soups, and scrambled eggs are gentle choices that require minimal chewing. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods helps prevent further irritation and discomfort.
Over-the-Counter Pain Management
For managing more intense discomfort, readily available over-the-counter medications can be effective. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen work by reducing both pain and inflammation in the body. However, some research suggests that NSAIDs might interfere with the bone remodeling process necessary for tooth movement, potentially slowing down treatment progress.
Acetaminophen, conversely, primarily acts on the brain to reduce pain and lower fever without significantly impacting inflammation. Many orthodontists recommend acetaminophen for braces pain because it alleviates discomfort without potentially hindering tooth movement. Always follow dosage instructions.
Topical oral anesthetics, such as gels or creams, offer localized pain relief by numbing specific sore spots inside the mouth. Apply directly to irritated areas for temporary, targeted relief.
Proactive Strategies to Minimize Discomfort
Managing braces discomfort also involves proactive measures to prevent or lessen future pain. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene is crucial, as trapped food particles can lead to irritation and inflammation around the braces. Brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily with specialized tools like floss threaders helps remove debris effectively around brackets and wires. This practice prevents plaque buildup and gum issues that can exacerbate discomfort.
Careful food selection plays a significant role in minimizing pain. Avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy items such as nuts, popcorn, and certain candies can prevent damage to braces and reduce pressure on sensitive teeth. These foods can dislodge brackets or bend wires, leading to acute pain and requiring an unscheduled visit to the orthodontist. Opting for softer alternatives can help maintain comfort throughout the treatment.
Using orthodontic wax preventatively can also be beneficial, even before pain develops. Applying wax to areas prone to irritation, such as sharp edges of new brackets or wires, can create a protective layer. This proactive application helps the mouth adjust more comfortably to the orthodontic appliances and prevents the formation of painful sores.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
While some discomfort with braces is normal and temporary, certain situations warrant contacting your orthodontist. Persistent severe pain that does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter medications could indicate a problem requiring professional assessment. If the pain is unbearable or interferes significantly with daily activities like sleeping or concentrating, it is advisable to seek guidance.
Damage to the braces, such as a broken wire or bracket, should prompt a call to your orthodontist. A broken wire can poke and cause significant irritation or injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, while a loose bracket might affect treatment progress. Using orthodontic wax as a temporary measure can help cover sharp edges until professional help is available.
Any unusual swelling or signs of infection in the gums or cheeks, such as persistent redness, require immediate attention. Trauma to the mouth or face also necessitates prompt evaluation by an orthodontist or emergency dental care, as these situations may indicate a more serious issue.