Braces are almost essential when it comes to straightening out the teeth and creating a smile of your dreams. While they are without a doubt vital, braces can take a while to get used to. The metal brackets and regular maintenance that is required is a lot to take on. One of the more common complaints associated with braces is that they can be painful. It's understandable as the braces are shifting the teeth, little by little, into their correct spot in your mouth. The shifting and straightening can cause discomfort or pain, especially when it comes to having the braces tightened. You don't have to suffer the discomfort of braces as there are ways to ease the pain and make your time with braces smooth.
Use Salt Water Mouth Rinse
Tightening the braces can cause irritation or small sores on the gums or inner cheeks. Swishing around warm salt water can help to alleviate the inflammation and irritation as well as lessening the chances of infection of the open sores.
Over the Counter Pain Relief
Everyone's pain threshold is different which means your braces may feel more painful than they do to someone else. If your pain is distracting, limiting your ability to eat, or is interrupting your day, over the counter pain medicine can help alleviate the pain on days that it's too much to stand.
Use an Ice Pack
The day you go in to have braces adjusted or put in for the first time can be a shock to your gums and cause inflammation and irritation. Reaching for something cold, like an ice pack, to apply to the outside of your mouth can help to lower the inflammation and ease the pain. You can also suck on a piece of ice for a more direct pain relief method.
Braces can take time to get used to but with these pain relief methods, you can get through the process and have a beautiful smile at the end.
Are you looking for a reliable family dentist? Contact Pesis Dental group today for all your dental and emergency dental care needs. From affordable braces to teeth whitening, we can help with a variety of dental needs!
