How to Alleviate Dental Pain From Braces

Dental braces are the best way to achieve straight and beautiful teeth. Unfortunately, they can be extremely painful. The day or two after seeing an orthodontist to get wires changed or tightened can be especially painful. It will probably require special care in order to eat, talk and sleep comfortably. Because of metal hardware, braces can rub against the cheeks and gums. This, in turn, causes painful sores that are constantly being aggravated. Prevent and alleviate infection and pain with some forward planning.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Frozen teething ring
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Orthodontic wax
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Dental numbing gel

1. Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide will help promote healing if you feel a cut or irritation from your braces. In a small cup, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Swish in your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute. Do not swallow. Rinse your mouth with cold water afterward. Hydrogen peroxide is available at your local drugstore or grocery store.

2. Coat the irritated area in orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax is usually available for free at orthodontist's offices, but it can also be purchased at most drugstores. Pull a small piece of wax from the package and warm it with the heat of your hands. Roll the wax into a small ball. Place the wax over the hardware that is bothering you. Do not apply too much wax, or it will not stay in place as you talk.

3. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain. Try taking two ibuprofen to start. When it's time for the next dose, take two acetaminophen instead. Continue alternating throughout the day to relieve the pain.

4. Chew on a frozen teething ring. You can purchase freezable teething rings at any toy store, baby supply store or drugstore. Place the teething ring in the freezer for an hour. Chew on the teething ring to alleviate the pain.

5. Try a mouth-numbing gel like Orajel or Abesol if pain sets in. Place the gel on your finger and rub inside the mouth for 30 seconds. Do not rinse. Your mouth will feel numb like you were given a shot of Novocaine. Unlike Novocaine, mouth-numbing gel will not last long. Reapply if the pain returns. Follow the instructions for reapplication on the tube.

6. See your orthodontist. If your pain is too unbearable to sleep or eat properly, the hardware on your braces may be too tight or too big for your mouth. If the following steps have not helped alleviate your pain, your orthodontist will be able to adjust your braces or provide a prescription pain reliever.

Tips & Warnings

• Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, rice and cooked vegetables when you experience pain.
• Ask your orthodontist to cut your wires shorter if you can feel them digging into your cheeks.
• If your braces are causing you extreme pain, see your orthodontist as soon as possible.
• Avoid eating hard foods like pretzels, bagels and hard candy.

Resources

• BracesInfo.com: All About Braces
• ArchWired.com: A Website for Adults With Braces

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.