It can be a challenge going through the discomforts of orthodontic treatments. To provide assistance, here are 3 tips on how to alleviate pain from dental braces:
Oral Anesthetic
Orajel and Anbesol are a few pain relievers that can be applied directly to your teeth and gums. Use a cotton swab or your finger to apply the numbing gel to the areas of discomfort. The gel may not taste fantastic, but it does help to desensitize the mouth and decrease the pain of shifting teeth. Source: Acceledent
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can offer some relief from the discomfort of braces. Take a dose of acetaminophen (usually two tablets) every four hours. Be sure to eat food with this medication, as it can cause an upset stomach if taken by itself. Drink a full glass of water to wash it down.
- Follow the instructions on the label to ensure proper dosage
- You can also take ibuprofen (Advil) instead of Tylenol, although some dentists and orthodontists discourage ibuprofen because it can slow down the process of your teeth moving. At the very least, do not take both kinds of medication – choose one! Source: wikiHow
Having Loose Brackets and Wires Fixed or Adjusted
A more common source of braces pain comes from the metal pieces that can poke gums and rub against the inside of your mouth. According to KidsHealth.org, wires and brackets can sometimes come lose and sit uncomfortably in your mouth; not only is this painful, but it affects the course of braces treatment. Go to your orthodontist to have this problem fixed. The wires can also sometimes be too long at the back of your mouth and poke your gums painfully. If this happens, go to the orthodontist and have them trim the wire, see if you can bend it slightly yourself, or put dental wax over the tip to smooth out the sharp end. Brackets, rubber band hooks and wires can also just rub against your mouth uncomfortably and cause sores. If this happens, cover the offending bracket with dental wax, or put a topical pain reliever such as Anbesol over the sore. Source: LiveStrong
Although you may experience pain from your dental braces, any discomfort will be worth it in the end when you have your braces removed and you’re left with a perfectly aligned smile! If you want to know more about orthodontic treatments, please give us a call or contact us here.
Contact:
Lakewood Orthodontics
721 NE Lakewood Blvd
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
(816) 373-0300
