Managing Pain With Braces And Other Orthodontic Procedures
The first time a foreign object is placed somewhat permanently in the mouth of a child or adult
, they automatically feel strange. Braces and other orthodontic prosthetics and procedures can leave you feeling not only as though something odd is in your mouth but can actually cause pain and other discomfort. Whether this pain is from poking your tongue on an extra long wire or the paint you feel as your teeth shift there are ways to handle it.
Your orthodontist is well trained in putting on braces and has heard all the complaints about pain before. However, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't tell him or her if something is bothering you. If there is a wire poking you in the cheek they can check to make sure it hasn't dislodged or hasn't been cut properly. They can also give you advice on how to deal with the pain of aching teeth.
If you don't have an appointment for awhile though there are things you can do. If you feel exposed and pointed wires in your mouth your orthodontist has probably given you wax to cover them. This can last until the wires wear down or you can get in for another appointment with your doctor.
If the pain is because your teeth are moving around it's because they are straining against their normal positions to make themselves straighter and bend to the will of the braces. You can treat this kind of pain with over the counter medications like Tylenol or Advil. If this doesn't work, rinse your mouth out gently with a warm water and salt solution. It may sound strange but it actually helps to dull the pain of braces.
You'll need to mix about one cup of warm water (not hot, you don't want to scald your mouth) with about a teaspoon of salt. You can use any kind of salt you have on hand, sea salt, table salt, kosher salt, whichever you have. When the mixture is dissolved put a small amount into your mouth but do not swallow. Swish it around like you would with a mouthwash or other type of rinse. This remedy will actually reduce swelling in your mouth and ease the pain of newly tightened braces.
If you have any other types of pain you will need to consult your orthodontist. They are medically trained to answer any questions you have about your braces.