How to Deal With Brace Pain
Apply dental wax., Apply a local anesthetic., Use an oral rinse., Try a new toothpaste., Find a painkiller that works for you.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Apply dental wax.
Ask your orthodontist for some dental wax.
You can also find it at many pharmacies.
This is firm, stretchy wax that you can apply to the tough, metal segments of the braces.
This will reduce rubbing and friction against the sensitive parts of your mouth.
Apply near painful areas.
You will want to roll the wax into a small ball, which makes it softer and easier to apply.
Then rub the wax directly onto the part of the brace that is rubbing against your sore.
Before applying wax, make sure that your mouth and the braces are dry.
If the area is moist the wax might not stick.
It can be particularly helpful to apply dental wax at night before going to bed.
Thus, if you move your mouth a lot while asleep, the rubbing will do less damage. -
Step 2: Apply a local anesthetic.
There are some pastes that are sold over-the-counter which act as local anesthetics in the mouth.
If applied directly to sores they will relieve pain for several hours.
Examples include Orabase and Orajel.Anesthetics can have side effects, including itching, redness, and rash.Follow directions on box closely to avoid side effects.
Do not use more than recommended and do not swallow unless expressly instructed to do so.
Measure the dose precisely and apply using a cotton swab or gauze., These won’t directly relieve pain so much as they will reduce chances of infection and inflammation.
If you are developing nasty open sores where the braces are rubbing against your mouth, using these can be a useful preventive measure against future pain and discomfort.
Examples of these sorts of products include Listerine and Pro-Health.Untreated, bacteria can extend the life of a sore by more than a week.
Using antibacterial mouthwash is the best way to shorten or even eliminate this phase of the sore.
Listerine or a chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash such as Corsodyl are the most effective mouthwashes for this sort of treatment.
Dilute the mouthwash by half or one-third by adding water to the cup.
Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds, several times a day., There are some toothpastes that are designed for sensitive teeth.
Brushing your teeth can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of brace pain.
These pastes, together with a more gentle brushing strategy, can go a long way to making it more livable.
Any store that sells toothpaste should sell these pastes and box should clearly indicate that they are for sensitive teeth.
Toothpastes that include potassium nitrate will numb the area slightly.
Those with strontium chloride added a protective layer to the teeth., Your first recourse should always be a basic, over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, or aspirin.
Find one that works for you.
Consider any history of allergies or past discomfort with painkillers before deciding which one is right for you.
Take as directed on the bottle.
Ask your doctor what they recommend.
It is likely your orthodontist will make a recommendation even without your encouragement.
Some anti-inflammatory painkillers have been shown to slow tooth movement.
While the effect will be small, you probably want to know that you’re getting the most out of your braces when you’re suffering! Tylenol (acetaminophen) was not shown to have this effect, so it should be your first choice if you have had a good history with it. -
Step 3: Use an oral rinse.
-
Step 4: Try a new toothpaste.
-
Step 5: Find a painkiller that works for you.
Detailed Guide
Ask your orthodontist for some dental wax.
You can also find it at many pharmacies.
This is firm, stretchy wax that you can apply to the tough, metal segments of the braces.
This will reduce rubbing and friction against the sensitive parts of your mouth.
Apply near painful areas.
You will want to roll the wax into a small ball, which makes it softer and easier to apply.
Then rub the wax directly onto the part of the brace that is rubbing against your sore.
Before applying wax, make sure that your mouth and the braces are dry.
If the area is moist the wax might not stick.
It can be particularly helpful to apply dental wax at night before going to bed.
Thus, if you move your mouth a lot while asleep, the rubbing will do less damage.
There are some pastes that are sold over-the-counter which act as local anesthetics in the mouth.
If applied directly to sores they will relieve pain for several hours.
Examples include Orabase and Orajel.Anesthetics can have side effects, including itching, redness, and rash.Follow directions on box closely to avoid side effects.
Do not use more than recommended and do not swallow unless expressly instructed to do so.
Measure the dose precisely and apply using a cotton swab or gauze., These won’t directly relieve pain so much as they will reduce chances of infection and inflammation.
If you are developing nasty open sores where the braces are rubbing against your mouth, using these can be a useful preventive measure against future pain and discomfort.
Examples of these sorts of products include Listerine and Pro-Health.Untreated, bacteria can extend the life of a sore by more than a week.
Using antibacterial mouthwash is the best way to shorten or even eliminate this phase of the sore.
Listerine or a chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash such as Corsodyl are the most effective mouthwashes for this sort of treatment.
Dilute the mouthwash by half or one-third by adding water to the cup.
Swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds, several times a day., There are some toothpastes that are designed for sensitive teeth.
Brushing your teeth can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of brace pain.
These pastes, together with a more gentle brushing strategy, can go a long way to making it more livable.
Any store that sells toothpaste should sell these pastes and box should clearly indicate that they are for sensitive teeth.
Toothpastes that include potassium nitrate will numb the area slightly.
Those with strontium chloride added a protective layer to the teeth., Your first recourse should always be a basic, over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, or aspirin.
Find one that works for you.
Consider any history of allergies or past discomfort with painkillers before deciding which one is right for you.
Take as directed on the bottle.
Ask your doctor what they recommend.
It is likely your orthodontist will make a recommendation even without your encouragement.
Some anti-inflammatory painkillers have been shown to slow tooth movement.
While the effect will be small, you probably want to know that you’re getting the most out of your braces when you’re suffering! Tylenol (acetaminophen) was not shown to have this effect, so it should be your first choice if you have had a good history with it.
About the Author
Marie Torres
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow creative arts tutorials.
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