Dental Emergencies: How To Reduce Braces Pain

So you invested in a new set of braces? Great decision to align your teeth properly. The braces can straighten your teeth and thus provide a beautiful smile. But keep in mind that you may experience pain in the first few days or weeks. This pain is nothing but your mouth taking time to adjust with the new wired mechanism. However, if this temporary pain is becoming unbearable for you, you can follow the tips mentioned below and reduce braces pain.

Follow the Cold Therapy
The best way to reduce braces pain is the cold therapy. The first thing you can do is apply ice packs on the painful gum areas, eat ice creams and other cold foods, or simply sip some cold beverages. The cool temperature will help in soothing the soreness after tightening the braces wires and reduce the pain as well as the swelling.

Use the Heating Pad
If ice packs and cold food aren't working well for you and still experiencing unbearable pain in your jaws, you can consider applying a heating pad on the painful gum area. The heating effect also helps in reducing and soothing the pain. If you don't have a heating pad, you can dip a cloth in hot water and apply it on the hurting area.

Rinse your Mouth with Salt Water
Saltwater is a home remedy to reduce any kind of oral pain. Saltwater can heal the sores, soothe the inflammation, and reduce the pain. All you have to do is mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water and swish your mouth with it for about a minute. Spit saltwater out and rinse your mouth with warm water. Repeat this 2-3 times daily for the best results.

Swish Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
Just like saltwater, even a solution of hydrogen peroxide can heal the sores and inflammation and reduce braces pain eventually. Mix hydrogen peroxide and water in 1:1 ratio. Swish this solution in your mouth for a minute and spit it out. Rinse your mouth with plain water. Repeat this at least 2-3 times a day.

Some Other Tips:

• Eat softer foods so that less pressure is applied to the gums while chewing.
• Brush gently so that you don't end up increasing the pain further.
• Skip flossing as it may get tangled in the braces wire and irritate your gums and teeth even more.
• Don't finger or even touch the painful areas and sores. This can worsen the pain and the sores too.
• Be patient and give some time to your mouth to adjust with the new mechanism in it. It may take a few week's time but the results will always be worth everything.

You can always contact our qualified dentists to help you relieve your pain. However, if the pain is increasingly unbearable, then we can even prescribe medicines and painkillers that can reduce your braces pain and help you eat and smile freely.

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