Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies
• Part 2 of 2: Try a pain reliever
• Tips

If you have recently got braces or have just tightened them, then the first few days may be painful. It is very common for people to experience mouth pain and tenderness after new braces are installed. It is worth noting that the pain of new braces can be relieved in a number of ways.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Using Home Remedies

1. 1 Try refreshing drinks. If braces bother you, try drinking something cold. Iced water and cold juices or soft drinks can help relieve pain in your teeth and gums. Cold drinks will numb your mouth, relieving inflammation and soothing pain.
2. 2 Eat cold food. By analogy with cold drinks, try eating something cold - it will probably have the same effect. Try a chilled fruit shake, ice cream, or frozen yogurt. Fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can also be left in the refrigerator for a while to keep them cool when you decide to eat. Cold fruits like chilled strawberries can help strengthen your gums.
   • Never bite off frozen food and try not to use your front teeth. This can lead to cracks in the enamel, which are difficult to fix and can cause tooth sensitivity.
3. 3 Try applying a cold compress. Cooling the sore spot will reduce inflammation and reduce pain. Apply an ice pack to the outside of your mouth to relieve pain. Never apply an ice pack directly to bare skin. Wrap it in a towel or cloth to avoid frostbite and other complications.
4. 4 Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gargling with warm salt water is an easy home remedy for pain relief.
   • Add about half a teaspoon (3.5 g) of salt to a glass (240 ml) of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
   • Swish out your mouth for about 30 seconds and then spit the solution out into the sink.
   • You can also rinse your mouth with chamomile, green, or ginger tea, which are anti-inflammatory. Rinse your mouth twice a day: one minute in the morning and two minutes before bed.
5. 5 Try to eat only soft foods. After placing or tightening the braces, the teeth become very sensitive.Eating soft foods can help relieve pain and irritation.
   • Choose foods that don't need to be chewed a lot with your teeth. Mashed potatoes, smoothies, puddings, soft fruits, and soups are excellent choices.
   • Avoid eating spicy foods or drinking hot drinks, as these can irritate your gums.

Part 2 of 2: Try a pain reliever

1. 1 Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Regular over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve swelling, inflammation, and pain from braces. Try a pain reliever and see if it works.
   • Ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling from new braces. Take the drug as directed in the instructions. Do not drink alcohol if you have taken pain relievers.
   • If you are already taking any prescription medication, then be sure to check with your pharmacist to make sure the over-the-counter medication will not adversely affect your medications.
2. 2 Use dental products that are formulated for pain relief. Ask your dentist about specific pain relief gels and medications. There are many products that can help relieve discomfort after new braces are installed or tightened.
   • Some mouthwashes and gels contain drugs that can help relieve pain. Use these products strictly according to the instructions. Please consult your dentist if you have questions about a particular product.
   • The bite block is a device that is adjusted to the shape of the teeth. The person bites the plate for a certain amount of time, which increases blood circulation and relieves pain. Chewing gum can also relieve pain.
3. 3 Try barrier foods. Barrier products are designed to provide little separation between braces, teeth and gums. They will help prevent irritation that can lead to pain and sensitivity.
   • Orthodontic wax is one of the most common and easy to use barrier products. This wax helps to reduce the friction of the archwire with the braces themselves or soft tissue. They are treated with the tip of the orthodontic arch, which is capable of injuring the mucous membranes. Your dentist may be able to give you such a remedy; otherwise, ask him for recommendations on where and what product to buy. Remember to remove the wax before brushing your teeth, otherwise it will get stuck in your toothbrush.
   • There are also barrier products that are similar to whitening strips that provide oral comfort. Apply the strip to your teeth to create a protective barrier between the blocks, teeth and gums. Ask your dentist about these strips when you have your braces installed.

Tips

• Be patient. Even if you get it right, it will probably take several weeks before new braces are no longer painful.
• There is little you can do other than take an over-the-counter pain reliever. However, keep in mind that the pain will go away on its own after a couple of days.
• Never eat solid foods like nuts or rusks.
• Take paracetamol instead of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen affects tooth mobility, while paracetamol relieves pain without affecting tooth mobility.
• Try to eat soft foods, but switch to harder ones every day until you start eating normally again. Try not taking pain relievers to see if you can eat normally.
• For the first few days, teeth need to be brushed gently to get used to the braces.
• If you want to drink a carbonated drink, do so through a straw. This way, you won't have white spots on your teeth when your braces are removed.
• Avoid eating thin, pliable foods like lettuce. Such products get stuck in braces very easily, and it is quite painful to remove them.
• Don't eat hard, bite-sized fruits like apples.
• If you want to eat something hard, cut it into very small pieces so you don't have to bite them.
• The best foods for you are yoghurts, soups and pasta.
• To reduce the unpleasant taste of medicines, take them with warm drinks like warm milk, hot chocolate, and tea.