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Braces Pain Relief: Top 9 Remedies

Braces Pain Relief: Top 9 Remedies

a boy with a painful toothache holding the right side of his mouth

Orthodontic treatment is a great way to upgrade your smile and improve your overall dental health! Getting braces helps ensure that you have a beautiful and healthy smile for life.

Since braces align your bite by putting pressure on your teeth and jaw, you may occasionally feel some discomfort or pain. While this discomfort is temporary and usually passes quickly, knowing how to soothe braces pain can help you enjoy a more comfortable braces treatment.

Learn more about braces pain relief and discover our top ten tips for how to reduce braces pain. Schedule an appointment with Lund Orthodontics today!

Causes of Braces Pain

Braces work by exerting consistent pressure on the teeth over time, causing them to move into the desired position. Since pressure is being applied to your teeth and jaw, this can cause some occasional pain and discomfort. 

There are a few main causes of braces pain. This discomfort often occurs when braces are initially installed or adjusted during regular appointments. It’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort for a few days afterward. 

Patients with newly placed braces may feel some irritation on the inside of the cheeks, lips, and tongue. The feeling of the brackets and archwires may take a bit of time to get used to, but the discomfort should subside relatively fast.

How to Reduce Braces Pain

Understanding how to soothe braces pain can help you feel more comfortable during your braces treatment. Here are our top ten tips for braces pain relief:

1. Ice Packs

Ice is great for reducing inflammation and pain! Simply apply the ice pack to the outside of your mouth to relieve some of the braces pain.

2. Heating Pads

If ice isn’t doing the trick, try applying a heating pad or warm washcloth to alleviate discomfort. You can even alternate between ice and heat treatments for a little extra care.

3. Eat Soft Foods

When your braces are first applied or tightened, it’s best to avoid hard or sticky foods that may exacerbate brain pain. Try soft foods like applesauce, smoothies, or yogurt.

4. Eat Some Ice Cream

Ice cream is a delicious way to get braces pain relief! Like ice packs, cold temperatures are great for reducing inflammation and pain. You could even sip on ice water or suck on an ice cube!

5. Use Orthodontic Wax

When you first get braces, it can take a while to get used to the sensation of brackets and wires on your teeth. As a result, the inside of your cheeks and lips may feel irritated. After your braces are applied, we’ll send you home with some orthodontic wax to apply on top of your braces. This helps create slip and reduces irritation inside the mouth.

6. Rinse With Warm Salt Water

Warm salt water is also a great way to alleviate braces pain! The heat will help soothe the pain and reduce swelling, while the salt acts as an antiseptic to kill any lingering bacteria in the teeth. Rinse, gargle and swish the saltwater in your mouth for about 60 seconds.

7. Give Your Gums a Massage

Massages are well-known for their healing benefits, but did you know you can also give your gums a little massage? Gently rub your gums in a circular motion for a moment. Just don’t rub too hard, or you’ll exacerbate your braces pain.

8. Take Pain Medication

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatories that can help with braces pain. Make sure to follow all directions for use, and don’t use them on a very consistent basis. 

9. Practice Good Dental Hygiene

Taking good care of your teeth and braces can also be a great way to prevent braces pain. Keeping them clean wards off tooth decay and gum disease, which can reduce discomfort.

Learn More About Braces Pain Relief from Lund Orthodontics

There are many ways to reduce braces pain and get relief. When you do experience discomfort from your braces, remember that it’ll only last a few days. While braces treatment can be occasionally uncomfortable, the results of a beautiful smile are well worth it!

Lund Orthodontics is the best orthodontic care provider in Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Kirkland, and Smokey Point. We have all the tips and tricks you need to stay comfortable and happy during treatment. Schedule an appointment with us now! 

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