How to Ease the Pain From Braces
Anyone who has ever had braces can you tell you about the pain from braces. The pain is not from just having the braces put on, but the process of having braces tightened can also cause pain. This type of pain from braces is what causes people to be afraid of getting them. Braces are a necessity for some folks, but don’t worry they aren’t permanent.
When you go to the orthodontist to have your braces tightened that can cause you to have pain, but if you treat it head on that will make the pain much easier to deal with. Instead of opting for Vicodine or other potent pain killers, you can opt for over the counter type medicines like Tylenol or Advil. Ibuprofen is often discounted as a great pain killer, but many patients are unable to tolerate the Ibuprofen on their stomachs. Every patient is different so before you start taking anything for the pain it’s best to talk to your doctor and find out what they recommend based upon your medical history.
Wax is a highly underrated helper with people that wear braces. Wax is generously used on patients that have braces in order to prevent them from getting cuts in the mouth in the cheek area and the inside of the lips as well. The pain from braces is impeded when the patient uses a small ball of wax to put over the braces and the wires at night. This makes it much more comfortable especially if you roll over and sleep on your side. This will reduce the irritation from the inside of the cheek area to help provide a good night’s sleep.
Another source of relieving pain from braces is using an oral anesthetic like Orajel or Anbesol. These provide very temporary help, so you may want to use the Ibuprofen in combination with the oral anesthetic. This seems to be the preferred method to get relief from the pain from braces. The easiest way to apply the anesthetic is by using a cotton swab and apply it to any sores in the mouth that you can see. Over time you will start noticing that you have other ones in places you couldn’t see before. This can be helpful if you have been having problems trying to fall asleep at night. More than likely the pain will wake you up, but if you are able to get some sleep that is the key.
Another trick that some patients have had success with is using toothpaste that is good for sensitive teeth. This toothpaste is designed to help with sensitivity over time and is a better long term treatment than pain medicine. The toothpaste will get you through the tough times with the use of the over counter painkillers, and the use of the oral anesthetics at night.
Getting used to your braces does take time, and it takes patience. When an orthodontist recommends braces it’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take a little commitment to them to get through it. Braces are something that is not worn for a week than removed. Having braces will mean that you need to be able to tolerate them for a few years in most cases, and that depends upon the reason why you are wearing those braces.
Some patients have found that chewing sugar free gum helps to relieve pain after a few days. They suggest chewing a piece of sugar free gum as soon as the braces are on, or immediately after they are tightened. In addition, it is recommended to chew another piece of gum after every meal to keep your mouth clean because with braces, you are more susceptible to cavities.