Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: A new or tightened bracket
• Part 2 of 2: Sharp hooks, clasps or wire
• Tips
• Warnings

Of course it is not easy to get your teeth aligned. Everyone with braces will have pain or severe pain for at least a few days. Painkillers, soft foods and orthodontic wax can help. If the pain is really severe, you should immediately call the orthodontist or dentist.

To step

Part 1 of 2: A new or tightened bracket

1. Take painkillers. Try over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Check the label for the recommended dosage for your age. Take the painkillers with meals so that your stomach can absorb them more easily.
   • Only take these painkillers when you really need them, and never for more than 10 days in a row.
2. Eat cold, soft foods. Most braces require heat to set and pull on your teeth. Cold foods and drinks will reduce tension and provide temporary relief. Try smoothies, yogurt, ice cream, or applesauce. Opt for options without toppings or pieces. Sucking on crushed ice can also help; avoid ice cubes ice cubes are too hard.
   • If your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures, or if you have less common braces, this method would cause a different kind of pain. Hot drinks work better for some people. Do not eat and / or drink hot and cold foods and / or drinks at the same time, as this can damage the tooth enamel.
3. Avoid hard and sticky foods. Your teeth should recover in a few days, but leave the raw vegetables aside for now. Instead, opt for soup, fish and white rice. Cook the vegetables until soft, choosing soft fruit or applesauce. Sticky foods, such as chewing gum or toffee, can pull the braces off and should therefore be avoided - even after the pain has subsided.
   • When the initial pain subsides, you can return to hard foods - just cut them into thin slices or small pieces.
4. Floss your teeth to remove food residues. Food scraps that get stuck in the braces can cause pain, especially if you've just had the braces tightened. Use a bridge needle with waxed floss to prevent the floss from snagging on the underwire.
   • Flossing daily, even if you don't see any food residue between your teeth, will keep your teeth clean. This is particularly important with braces, because dental plaque can accumulate around and between the clasps.
5. Massage your gums with a toothbrush. Run the toothbrush in a circular motion along the sensitive gums.
6. Distract yourself. Taking some time off from school or work may seem like fun, but you might regret it. Get out the door and follow your normal routine to distract yourself from the pain.
7. Ask your orthodontist about other treatments. He / she may recommend a gel, paste, mouthwash, or a physical barrier to relieve the pain. Many of these remedies are freely available from chemist and pharmacy. The orthodontist can advise you on which product is most effective for you.

Part 2 of 2: Sharp hooks, clasps or wire

1. Find out where the injury is. If you're not sure where the injury is, you can run your finger or tongue along the inside of your mouth. When you do this you should be able to feel a sore or swollen area. Figure out which wire, lock, or hook rubs against this area.
2. Cover the metal with orthodontic wax. You can find these at the chemist and the orthodontist. Wash your hands, and roll a piece of wax through your hands until it softens and you have a ball. Press the wax over the irritating piece of metal and smooth it with your finger or tongue. This method works well for sharp threads, clasps and elastic hooks.
   • You can leave laundry in with food. It also doesn't hurt if you swallow a piece.
3. Use lip balm as a temporary fix. If you don't have orthodontic wax, you can apply a small amount of non-toxic lip balm to soothe the irritated area. Swallowing too much lip balm can upset your stomach, but a small amount in your mouth is safe. Just don't do this for too long - look for orthodontic wax.
   • Some people are allergic to the para-aminobenzoic acid found in some lip balms with sunscreen. Call an ambulance if you start to feel dizzy or your mouth swells.
4. Bend the hooks and wire so that they sit more comfortably in your mouth. Only try this with thin, flexible wires or hooks that stick into your cheek or gums. Gently press them back against your teeth. Do this with a clean finger, or with a brand new pencil eraser (rubber).
   • Do not pick on the wires between the clasps, or on wire that does not bend easily.
5. Have sharp wires cut by the orthodontist. The orthodontist can cut the wire that is too long in an instant. Most won't charge you for this, and sometimes you don't even need to make an appointment for it.
   • Since this is not an emergency, the orthodontist will likely not be able to assist you after hours. Continue to apply orthodontic wax until the practice opens its doors again.
6. Wait for improvement. The inside of your mouth will get tougher the longer the braces rub against it. As long as the braces are not sharp or cut into your mouth, the pain will subside on its own. This can take a few days to weeks.
   • Orthodontic wax can slow down this process. Once the pain has subsided, try using smaller and smaller pieces of wax - this will help your mouth get used to the braces.
7. Inhale to dry the area. Take a deep breath so that your mouth fills with air. Pull your lips out with your fingers. This can provide temporary relief to the sore spots in your mouth.
   • Do not try this in places where there is a lot of dust, pollen or exhaust fumes.
8. Gargle with salt water. Put a small spoonful of salt in a glass of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Swish it through your mouth a few times, gargle and spit it out again. During the first painful days you can repeat this process as often as necessary. This will relieve pain from the swelling and help fight infections.
   • You can also choose to use mouthwash with antibacterial properties. Read the instructions on the label before use and do not swallow.
9. If pain persists, visit the orthodontist. Call the orthodontist for an emergency appointment if the pain is too severe and prevents you from functioning normally. If the pain is moderate but lasts longer than a week, you should also schedule an appointment with the orthodontist. There could be a problem with your braces. The orthodontist could also make you switch to a less painful treatment.

Tips

• If you can take the braces off, you can take it off for about ten to twenty minutes if it starts to hurt. Never try to take off braces that cannot be removed. Leave the rubber bands on the bracket at all times.
• Many of these methods can also be used to prevent the pain. Prevention is always better than cure.
• Do not hesitate to call the orthodontist for an appointment or advice.

Warnings

• Call your orthodontist immediately if you have a serious problem. For example, if you are unable to close your mouth or have pain that prevents you from sleeping.
• Always stick to the recommended amount of painkillers. Never take more than is advised. Painkillers are not always able to take away all pain, but never increase the dosage without first consulting a doctor. This is because most painkillers can have side effects.
• Avoid lemon juice and other acidic products. These can cause your sore mouth to hurt a lot more.