Braces are a common and effective method for aligning teeth and improving oral health. While they promise a straighter smile, discomfort is often expected. The pressure applied by braces shifts teeth, leading to soreness as the teeth and surrounding bone respond. Additionally, brackets and wires can cause friction, irritating soft tissues inside the mouth.
Immediate Pain Relief
When braces initially cause discomfort or after an adjustment, several immediate strategies can help alleviate general soreness and pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are often recommended. Acetaminophen reduces discomfort, while ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), also helps decrease inflammation. Always follow dosage instructions on the packaging or consult a healthcare professional.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth can also provide quick relief. The cold temperature helps to numb the area, constrict blood vessels, and reduce any inflammation or swelling. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or even a bag of frozen vegetables, holding it against the cheek for 10-15 minutes at a time. Another soothing method is rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater, which helps reduce inflammation, cleanse the area, and promote healing. A common mixture is one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water, swished for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
Addressing Specific Discomforts
Beyond general soreness, braces can cause localized pain due to physical irritations from their components. Orthodontic wax is a highly effective tool for creating a smooth barrier between sharp wires or brackets and the soft tissues of the cheeks, lips, or gums. To apply, clean your hands and the area, then pinch off a small, pea-sized piece of wax, roll it into a ball to soften it, and gently press it over the irritating part of the brace. This protective layer prevents friction, allowing any irritated spots to heal.
For mouth sores that develop from rubbing, topical oral anesthetics can provide temporary relief. Gels or creams containing numbing agents, such as benzocaine, can be applied directly to sore spots with a clean finger or cotton swab. These products temporarily desensitize the area, offering comfort, especially before meals. If a wire pokes, orthodontic wax is the primary solution. A clean pencil eraser can sometimes gently push a thin, flexible wire back into a more comfortable position.
Dietary and Oral Care Approaches
The foods consumed and daily oral hygiene practices significantly influence comfort during orthodontic treatment. Opting for soft foods is highly recommended, especially after initial brace placement or adjustments, as teeth can be particularly sensitive. Foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, scrambled eggs, and well-cooked pasta, reduce pressure on the teeth and braces. Cutting food into smaller pieces can also minimize the need for extensive chewing.
Certain foods should be avoided to prevent damage to the braces and increased discomfort. Hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy items can bend wires, dislodge brackets, or get lodged in the appliance, leading to pain and potential delays in treatment. Examples include popcorn, nuts, hard candies, chewing gum, caramels, tough meats, and hard crusts. Maintaining diligent oral hygiene is equally important; thorough brushing and flossing help prevent food particle buildup and gum inflammation, which can exacerbate discomfort. Rinsing with water after eating can help dislodge debris around brackets and wires.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While many discomforts associated with braces can be managed at home, certain situations warrant professional attention. Severe or persistent pain that does not improve after a few days or with home remedies should be evaluated by an orthodontist.
Contacting your orthodontist is crucial if any part of your braces becomes broken or loose. This includes a fractured bracket, a bent wire, or a wire that is continually poking and cannot be managed with wax. Broken or loose components can alter the intended tooth movement and potentially cause further irritation or injury to the mouth. Additionally, any significant mouth sores that do not heal within a reasonable timeframe should be reported to your orthodontist, as they may require specific treatment or adjustment of the braces.