How to Stop Pain From Braces

Improper bite (malocclusion), spaces between teeth, teeth misalignment, and other orthodontic issues always cause other oral health issues. Orthodontic issues can lead to tooth decay, TMD, gum disease, and more. Thank the heavens we have orthodontics in Waterford, MI, which can ensure that all the orthodontic issues are rectified.

One of the orthodontic treatments we have is the traditional metal braces. They are the most common type of orthodontic treatment, known for their wires and brackets. But as you already know, the journey of getting your teeth to where they need to begins the day when our dentist attaches the braces to your teeth.

You will have a new reality, which entails discomfort, pain, and diet changes. However, you must be curious about how to reduce the pain when wearing braces. Check out the following tips:

• Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated has a ton of benefits; your body tissue will get enough water to keep your body functioning, your body temperature will be regulated, and much more.

When it comes to wearing dental braces, always expect pain and discomfort since your teeth are being moved into a new position. However, drinking water can be very beneficial when you have metal braces. The coolness of the eater will reduce gum inflammation caused by the movement of the teeth.

Water can act as a temporary numbing agent, anti-inflammatory, and pain reliever. Staying hydrated also prevents your mouth from experiencing small cuts and bruises on the cheeks and gums. You can easily get bruised because your mouth is dry. You will also prevent your mouth from being sore when you drink plenty of water.

• Avoid Crunchy and Hard Foods

When our Waterford family dentist attaches the metal braces to your teeth, you must make dietary changes. Certain foods will not work well with your current situation. A few days after your appointment, your mouth will be quite sore.

That’s why our dentist recommends consuming soft needs requiring minimal chewing. So, you will be better placed to indulge in smoothies and mashed potatoes. The pain will be quite intense during the first days after you get the braces.

The other reason for changing your diet is to give your mouth time to get accustomed to the braces.

But if you indulge in hard or crunchy foods such as pecans and hard candy, you will feel a lot of pain and discomfort since the teeth are moving. These foods require plenty of chewing, meaning plenty of jaw movements will lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.

• Use Warm Water to Rinse Your Mouth

A tablespoon of salt and some warm water can also ease your pain. The saltwater solution has excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The discomfort and pain mostly arise from inflammation of the gums. Therefore, warm salt water can reduce inflammation, thus reducing discomfort and pain.

• Enjoy Some Cold Foods

You can hit two birds with one stone when you take cold foods since you will be nourishing your body while easing the pain and discomfort. When you take ice cream, popsicles, or frozen yogurt, the gum swelling will reduce as your gums get used to the braces.

• Use the Items In Your Orthodontic Kit

Our dentist near you will hand you a small orthodontic kit with helpful tools and stuff. You will need to learn how to utilize those items and tools to reduce pain and discomfort. You will have the kit until your treatment is complete, so you should use the tools and items in the kit to the maximum.

Some of the items that you need to take full advantage of are:

• Orthodontic wax is a must-have since you can use it to add a layer of padding to the sharp edges of the wires and brackets. You can use this wax throughout the entire duration of the treatment.
• Dental floss – Food will get stuck between your teeth and braces, so you will need to floss more often.
• Gloss and balm – There’s a chance that your lips might get scratched from your braces; applying gloss or balm can help protect your lips.

Do you have any questions about metal braces? If you do, contact us at The Waterford Dentist to get the help you need.