How to get rid of braces pain

Braces pain is very common for patients who have recently had their braces fitted or tightened. Patients must understand that experiencing minor pain and discomfort is very common during the early stages of their braces journey. However, the good news is that this pain will subside within two weeks.

The reason why you may be experiencing pain is usually down to two reasons:

• You have just had your braces applied and your teeth are adjusting to their new positions, and the movement is causing some discomfort.
• You have had your braces tightened and your teeth need time to adjust to their new positions. You may also experience discomfort due to the wiring interfering with your teeth and gums.

If you are experiencing any other pain relating to your braces but you are unsure of the reason why, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team and we will advise further.

Why do we experience braces pain?

There are different ways on how to get rid of braces pain and we will be looking at how to get rid of tooth pain after braces have been tightened and how to get rid of all types of braces pain. We will also look at what products are best for helping with braces pain.

How to get rid of braces pain without medication

If you do not want to use medication (such as painkillers) to help numb your braces pain, there are natural ways to help. One of the most common and successful ways is to combine salt with warm water and swirl it around your mouth.

Saline solution is another viable solution and will help to remove any food that has become trapped inside your braces (this is a common reason you may be experiencing pain).

Ice packs are also a good way to help soothe and numb braces pain. If your mouth has become inflamed, the ice will help decrease inflammation of the affected area and drinking cold water will also have the same effect.

Additional tip: The pain you may be experiencing could also be the result of eating foods that are too hard or chewy. Foods that fall into this category are known for causing discomfort as well as problems with the brace itself.

Toothache due to eating hard foods is common in patients wearing braces, so try to avoid eating these foods to minimise the risk of toothache and further discomfort. We have written and article on the foods you can and cannot eat, please read if you are interested.

How to get rid of braces pain using medication

Fortunately, there are a number of fast and effective painkillers and pain relief options that can help minimise braces discomfort. Paracetamol is the most common form of medication, as most braces pain is minor and will not require heavy painkillers. If over-the-counter pain relievers are not working, do not take more than the stated dose in the hope this will ease your pain. Instead, ask your orthodontist what other options there are.

You may be pointed in the direction of medication that is applied directly to the tooth and gums. Orajel and Anbesol are known for their fast healing properties and are ideal solutions for sore gums, tooth aches and other oral discomforts.

Reasons why you may be experiencing pain

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Bad toothbrush

Although a toothbrush may not be able to directly alleviate pain, it may be that the brush you’re using is causing you pain.

Try using a brush that has a ‘soft bristled head’, they are still very effective at cleaning in and around braces and provide more comfort that coarser heads. Remember, even if it may be uncomfortable to clean around areas that are painful, plaque can still build here if you neglect to clean here.

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Brushing too hard

Brushing too hard can cause irritation of the gums surrounding your teeth. Try brushing lightly or you may even find it beneficial to apply a softer brush head to solve this problem.

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Foods

Eating hard, sticky or chewy foods can cause discomfort for braces wearers. Hard foods apply unnecessary pressure on your teeth and can lead to discomfort.

Whereas, sticky and chewy foods can get caught in your braces and they remain, they can promote plaque build-up and may even make chewing difficult. Try eating soft foods to reduce the risk of discomfort.

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Poor cleaning technique

Brushing and flossing is essential regardless of whether you wear braces or not. Flossing in particular can help to remove stubborn food particles and reduce the risk of plaque build-up.

Flossing around the braces (particularly the metal wires) is very important and must be performed at least twice a day or between meals if you prefer.

Try to remember to be patient

While it may not be possible to get rid of braces pain instantly, the above mentioned should help alleviate any discomfort quickly. It’s important to be patient with regards to your braces pain, especially if they have only just been applied. Your mouth will take time to adjust to its new housing and while getting rid of braces pain overnight may not be realistic, taking the appropriate medication will speed up the process.

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Do you require braces?

We provide exceptional brace options to patients of all ages. For more information on how we can offer you the smile you deserve, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly staff today.