Reduce The Discomfort Of Braces With These Tips

Whether you’ve already got braces or you’re considering braces in Stratham to improve your smile, you may be wondering how much discomfort is normal, what to expect from treatment, and how to relieve your discomfort. Read on, and get all of the answers from the team at Great Bay Orthodontics.
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Why Do Braces Hurt? Because Your Teeth Don’t Want To Move!

First, why do braces hurt? Well, it’s simple. Your teeth don’t want to move, and your braces make them move. They’re literally pushing and pulling your teeth. This creates pressure, and your teeth and gums are very sensitive to pressure.

Their response is to send pain signals to your brain. However, this begins to fade after a few days, and usually goes away completely after a week. That’s because your teeth are adaptable. Once they’ve moved to their new position, they will get used to them, and will no longer cause you pain or discomfort. 
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What Is A Normal Level Of Pain? What’s Not?

When your braces are first applied, you may feel some pain for up to a week or longer. However, after you’ve had them for a bit, you should only feel pain for a few days after your braces are tightened. This pain is usually mild, and with a few simple steps, you can mitigate the pain and stay more comfortable during your treatment. 

If you’re experiencing a lot of pain and discomfort that’s not going away after a few days or a week or longer, you may want to contact Dr. Walsh and our team to discuss your situation and get a checkup. 
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Tips For Reducing The Pain Of Braces

While braces do cause some pain or discomfort, there are lots of ways to reduce it, especially during the first few days after your braces have been tightened. 

• Pain medicine – You can take your preferred over-the-counter pain medicine like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help with your discomfort.
   
• Soft foods – Eating soft foods puts less pressure on the teeth, so stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for a least a few days.
  
  
• Ice packs – Placing an ice pack on your cheek will help numb the area and relieve soreness.
  
  
• Gum massage – Massaging your gums helps ease pain. You can just use your fingers to gently rub your gums, or use a rubber gum stimulator to massage them.
  
  
• Oral anesthetic – If one area of your mouth is particularly painful, applying an oral numbing cream like Orajel can help.
  
  
• Salt water rinses – Warm salt water rinses help clean your teeth and gums and provide some relief from pain, so they’re a great addition to your oral care routine.
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Ready To Straighten Your Teeth? Contact Great Bay Orthodontics

Braces are not always comfortable, but a healthy, straight smile is worth the trouble. If you’d like to learn more about braces and your other orthodontic options like Invisalign in Stratham, Dr. John Walsh is here to help. Contact Great Bay Orthodontics online or give us a call at (603) 318-2602 to get a consultation with Dr. Walsh, get an oral exam, and take the first steps toward a better smile and a healthier bite.