Dental technology has come a long way. dental braces are now ultra-modern and comfortable. Typically used for correcting teeth malformations, braces help to improve the appearance of your dentition. Modern dental clinics, like DentalX Clinic, can easily handle such dental issues. Most patients dread the thought of seeing an orthodontist for the dental braces procedure. Like many dental procedures, slight initial pain and discomfort are inevitable. While immediate pain after installing braces is expected, persistent pain means that pain relief therapies are necessary.
The vast majority of pain cases due to dental braces are the result of external factors. Archwire braces, in particular, can prick the back of the mouth and cause significant pain.
Some orthodontists believe that a change in blood supply to the gums is an internal factor that leads to having painful braces.
Do the following to combat dental braces pain:
1. Oral Anesthetics
These types of drugs are ideal for quick relief of pain associated with braces. Benzocaine is the drug of choice for many pain sufferers. Dip a small ball of cotton into the gel then swab it over the affected teeth or gum area.
Such local anesthetics numb the pain; this ensures that you don’t feel extreme discomfort in case your teeth shift uncomfortably.
2. An Icepack
An icepack is convenient for alleviating pain due to dental braces. Cold temperatures can reduce inflammation in the human body, including on gums and teeth. Ice gel packs are ideal for such pain. Some types of ice pack gel can be used more than once.
3. Over-the-Counter Pain Medicine
Over-the-counter pain medicines are very convenient for dental braces pain. These drugs come in different forms and types. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) are prevalent at local drug stores. NSAIDs include Diclofenac gels and ibuprofen.Acetaminophens like Tylenol also provide pain relief. NSAIDs and acetaminophens work differently: NSAIDs control pain by regulating the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like chemicals released in the body to cause pain and inflammation.
Acetaminophens like Tylenol work on the brain by blocking “pain signals.” Although both types of over-the-counter drugs relieve pain, only NSAIDs combat the manifestations of inflammation like irritation and swelling related to the pain.
You can swallow these pain medications an hour before your dental braces procedure.
4. Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is a product of bee wax and paraffin. It is useful as a pain remedy for painful braces. Your orthodontist will recommend its use immediately after installing your dental braces. Orthodontic wax protects the lips and gums from possible abrasion of the brackets of the braces. You can mold this wax over the dental braces to ensure maximum effectiveness. Orthodontic wax is non-poisonous, so you don’t have to worry about noxious effects due to accidental ingestion.
5. A Gum Massage
Rub your gums tenderly in regular motions. It is advisable to apply ice to the painful area before the gum massage. Ice helps relax swollen gums. Use mild finger pressure for this massage.
6. Good Dental Hygiene
Good dental hygiene is good for having healthy teeth; it is also crucial to controlling pain caused by dental braces. Like regular dental hygiene, you have to ensure that the braces are clean; gum inflammation and tooth decay can further exacerbate things. The handling of your braces will make a difference in the level of pain and discomfort you feel.
The contours around your dental braces will inevitably accumulate food particles and dirt. Ensure to clean them thoroughly. Special toothbrushes can enable you to clean around the brackets of the braces.
Proper flossing also helps to combat the accumulation of food particles.
7. Soft Foods
Avoiding hard, crunchy, and crusty foods is generally a good idea once you have your dental braces. This advice is especially true if you have traditional wire braces. Hard candy and gum should be avoided, even after each tightening of the braces.
This avoidance of such foods reduces the likelihood of accidental abrasion of the soft tissue in the mouth and gums.
8. Cold Ice Water
Continuously sip from a cold glass of water after getting back from the orthodontist. A glass of moderately cold water can do wonders for painful braces. The discomfort will significantly subside with each soothing mouthful of the cold water.
9. Warm Water
Using warm water to relieve pain due to braces may seem counterintuitive. However, a mildly warm salt solution is just as effective as a glass of cold water.