Wearing braces is one of the best ways to get a straight and confident smile. Braces help to align your set of teeth, closing up the wide gaps between affected teeth. It is also effective in correcting a misaligned jaw. A small downside to wearing braces is the pain after fixing them. This is because it functions by putting pressure on your teeth, making your gum and teeth sensitivity. This pain lasts for a week but can be quite discomforting. There are many ways to get your braces to stop hurting, and we have highlighted them below.
Oral Anesthetics and Painkillers:
Oral anesthetics and painkillers effectively numb the pain caused by braces. Using your finger or cotton swab, you can apply it to your gum. A common oral anesthetic includes Orajel. Over-the-counter pain medication can also provide relief.
Ice Pack and Cold Water:
Cold temperature helps numb pain and reduce inflammation in your gums and teeth. Your best bet is an ice pack, as you can keep it on the outside of your mouth for a long time. A glass of cold water is a good alternative. Drink a cup of cold water immediately after getting braces fixed.
Heat Pads and Warm Rinse:
Just like cold temperature, heat can be a remedy for braces pain. Heat is particularly effective for sores and cuts in the mouth. For a warm rinse, you simple need salt, and warm water. Mix salt with warm water and keep it in your mouth for about a minute. You can repeat this process multiple times for the best effect. With heat pads, you simply have to hold it against your mouth where it hurts. A washcloth can work in place of a heating pad.
Orthodontic Wax:
The function of orthodontic wax is to protect your gums, lips, and cheeks from the wires of the braces. Using the wax is straightforward, as you simply have to mold it over the part of the braces that are hurting. Orthodontic wax is not harmful, so you are safe even if you mistakenly swallow some. However, it is not advisable to brush your teeth with wax.
Soft Food:
Eating crunchy and hard after fixing your braces is a bad idea. This is because such food is hard to chew and will leave your braces, putting additional pressure on your teeth. For the first week, go for soft food like cereal, noodles, mashed potatoes, and soups.
Gum Massage:
Massaging your gum can perform wonders when relieving braces irritation. Simply rub your gum with one finger in circular motions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your gum and braces clean is important. Have a routine of brushing and flossing your teeth. For more advice on how to care for your braces, contact a dentist marrickville.
Alternatively, you can also search for a term like “dentist near me lafayette” on the internet. Doing so should provide a list of experts that you can reach out to.
