Ever get the sensation that there’s a miniature wrestler in your mouth, tussling with your teeth because of your braces? If that’s the case, know you’re not alone. Many people sporting metal grins are on a journey to find relief from the ongoing soreness and discomfort.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to make braces more comfortable and prevent further pain.
Talk to Your Dentist or Orthodontist
It is common to experience some discomfort when you have braces, but that doesn’t mean you should suffer through it! While some pain and soreness are normal when a braces adjustment is made, ongoing discomfort or severe pain can be a sign of a problem. Don’t hesitate to call your orthodontist or dentist if you need help making your braces more comfortable.
Your doctor may suggest that an extra layer of wax helps make the braces less irritating. He/She may also recommend adding temporary padding to certain brackets or wires that are causing increased friction in the mouth. If you are having difficulty completing everyday activities such as speaking, drinking, or eating due to your braces, tell your professional right away so they can suggest further assistance.
Regardless of how comfortable your particular set of braces may be, it’s important to stay current with any adjustments the doctor recommends; this will help ensure the best outcome from treatment in the end!
Apply Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax helps to prevent the uncomfortable rubbing that can occur between braces and the inside of your mouth. Some orthodontic waxes come pre-shaped for you to apply directly, while for others you may have to shape yourself with your fingertips. Simply take a small portion of wax and roll it into a ball about the size of a pea. Then, gently press it around the brackets until you form an even layer.
Orthodontic wax is easily removed by taking a piece of dental floss and running it along each side of the bracket. Reapply whenever needed or after eating and brushing your teeth. If irritation persists, contact your orthodontist as they may be able to help adjust the fit of your braces.
Rinse With Salt Water
In order to make wearing braces as comfortable as possible, it’s important to take proper care of them. One way to do this is to rinse your mouth with cold salt water. This will remove any food particles from your braces and reduce the amount of bacteria that can grow in the area. Salt water also helps to soothe any discomfort that you may experience from wearing braces and prevents irritation from developing.
To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of lukewarm filtered water. Swish for thirty seconds, then spit out. Repeat up to three times daily or after eating, or as instructed by your orthodontist.
Eat Cold and Soft Foods
Eating a variety of cold and soft foods when you have braces is important to help reduce swelling and discomfort associated with the wires, brackets and bands. Eating cold foods can also help reduce pain from soreness. Ice cream and frozen desserts, such as gelato or sorbet, can provide relief for some discomfort due to pressure on the teeth, but it’s important to brush your teeth after eating these types of treats.
Smoothies are another great option that can be both cold and tasty while providing a nutritional boost at the same time! You can create a variety of smoothies by combining different fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in a blender. Try adding some nuts or seeds for additional protein as well.
Some other options include:
- Pudding
- Applesauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Yogurt with granola or nuts mixed in
- Scrambled eggs (make sure they’re soft!)
- Mashed potatoes with gravy or topping such as butter or sour cream added in
- Oatmeal (try adding peanut butter for protein)
- Yogurt parfaits with granola layered in them (improve their flavor by microwaving them for one minute first!)
- etcetera.
It’s also important to stay away from hard and sticky candy bars during this time to prevent damaging your braces. Even seemingly “soft” candies like gummy bears should be avoided because they tend to get stuck between the brackets of your braces. Additionally, be sure to avoid crunchy chips like Doritos as well since they could break off your brackets if bitten into too hard!
Use Pain Relievers
Though there may be some initial discomfort when braces are first applied, your orthodontist will ensure that the hardware is properly situated to minimize this sensation. In the days following your appointment, you may still feel some mild soreness which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is important to remember that pain relievers should not replace doses prescribed by your orthodontist; only take medications as prescribed.
In addition to taking pain medication, you may also find it helpful to employ additional methods of making braces more comfortable:
- Applying unflavored wax to the brackets can reduce abrasion on the inside of your cheeks and lips caused by metal hardware, while softening any sharp edges.
- Talk to your orthodontist about how best to apply wax and take out any wires irritatingly prodding into gums or cheeks.
- Additionally, you can use a cold compress on tender areas of skin surrounding your mouth for temporary relief from soreness or swelling.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene is key to making braces more comfortable. Brushing after all meals and snacks with an orthodontic toothbrush, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwashes can help reduce plaque buildup around the wires. It is also important to have regular cleanings with your dentist or orthodontist to ensure that the teeth and gums remain healthy while wearing braces.
Additionally, limited consumption of soft drinks, sticky foods such as candy, ice chewing, or other activities that can cause damage to the brackets will help keep discomfort at bay. Make sure you learn the proper techniques for taking care of your teeth with braces from your orthodontist for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make wearing braces more comfortable?
To make wearing braces more comfortable, you can use a wax or dental adhesive to fill in any sharp or protruding parts of the braces. You can also use wax to cover your brackets and wires to reduce friction and any irritation. Additionally, you can try eating softer foods and avoiding hard, sticky, or crunchy foods.
How often should I use wax for my braces?
It is important to use wax every day or as needed in order to reduce irritation or discomfort. You should also check your braces regularly for any sharp edges or wire ends that may be sticking out and use wax to cover them.
How can I prevent my lips and cheeks from getting irritated by the braces?
You can apply wax to the brackets and wires of your braces in order to reduce friction and irritation. Additionally, you can use dental adhesive to fill in any sharp or protruding parts of the braces. It is also important to use dental wax on your braces every day or as needed.
Conclusion
There are several ways you can make braces more comfortable throughout the process of treatment:
- Regularly brushing and flossing
- Avoiding hard and crunchy foods
- Wearing wax
These are all helpful tips that can make braces more bearable. However, if your braces continue to cause discomfort, be sure to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist who may be able to offer further solutions or provide additional advice.
With these tips in mind, hopefully, you can find relief from the discomfort of braces while you look forward to a wonderful outcome.
