How to Make Sore Adjustment Braces Not Hurt

Though you may dread having them tightened, the final result of braces will be worth it.

It is common to have some pain after getting braces put on or adjusted. No matter how much dental work your mouth requires, braces in any form will cause some temporary pain because they are putting pressure on your teeth. Fortunately, orthodontists are there to help---if none of the common pain remedies relieve pain after a few days, seek the help of your orthodontist to see if there's something seriously wrong with your braces.

Things You'll Need

• Soft wax
• Cotton swabs
• Pain relievers
• Soft foods
• Cold drinks/food

Instructions

1. Identify the problem. If the braces are broken or loose or have a wire poking out or some other physical malfunction, see your orthodontist to get it fixed.

2. Place a bit of soft wax over the broken brace or loose wire to alleviate gum pain until your orthodontist can fix the problem.

3. Take a pain reliever (typically what you would use for a headache) if the pain is due to a recent tightening of the braces. Pain after tightening usually lasts between 24 and 72 hours.

4. Eat soft foods. The more carefully you eat, the less pressure you inflict on your sensitive mouth.

5. Use cold drinks or foods (like ice cream) to temporarily numb the pain in your mouth.

6. Place a bit of cotton or wax over your braces if they are rubbing the inside of your cheeks. It is normal to get small sores when you first have braces installed, but within a week, your mouth should develop calluses and heal.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid hard or sticky foods, since they may cause wires to poke out or the braces to loosen or break, which can cause great pain. Sometimes, after braces have been worn for a while, the ends of the wires at the back of your mouth will start to poke out and irritate your cheeks. If you can, use a pencil eraser or cotton swab to push the tiny bit of wire down or away from your cheek. A bit of soft wax will also protect your gums, but if the wire is still causing excess pain, have your orthodontist clip or bend it for you.

References

• Kids Health: Braces
• Braces Questions: Braces Problems